What types of treatments are involved in palliative care?
• Pain and symptom control: The palliative care team will identify a patient’s sources of pain and discomfort. These may include problems with breathing, fatigue, depression, insomnia, or bowel or bladder. The team will provide treatments that can offer relief. These might include medication, massage therapy or relaxation techniques, or other options. • Emotional and spiritual support: Palliative care focuses on the entire person, not just his or her illness. The team members caring for a patient will address any social, psychological, emotional or spiritual needs. • Family/caregiver support: The palliative care team will fully explain treatment options to help a patient achieve the best possible quality of life during his/her illness. The patient and their family can determine goals of care that will guide decision-making. Can a patient continue to receive treatments to cure their illness? Palliative care is appropriate at any stage of an illness and can be provided at the same time a
