What is Hospice and Palliative Care?

Hospice and palliative care is considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury. The care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes, as well as support for the patient's loved ones. At the center of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain free with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so. (from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)

Palliative Care is controlling pain and minimizing emotional, social and spiritual problems at a time when disease is not responsive to treatment. The goal of palliative care is to achieve the best possible quality of life for patients and their families. Many aspects of palliative care are also applicable early in the course of the illness, along with other treatment. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery have a place in palliative care, provided that the symptomatic benefits of treatment clearly outweigh the disadvantages. Investigative and invasive procedures are kept to a minimum. (from the World Health Organization)