Palliative Care Center

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Many hospitals now have palliative care teams. These teams often include palliative care doctors, nurses, and social workers. The teams may also include spiritual advisors, dietitians, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, and volunteers.

How can I work with a palliative care team?

Good communication is a large part of palliative care. Your palliative care providers will encourage you to listen to your feelings and to talk about what is most important to you. They will also try to explain things to you and your loved ones in ways you can understand. Then they will work with your primary care doctor to make sure that your care is meeting your goals, such as managing disturbing symptoms or making future plans.

You may talk about anything and everything during a palliative care visit, including:

• Treatment.
• Pain and medicine side effects.
• Emotional and social challenges, such as helping your family get along better.
• Spiritual concerns.
• Goals and dreams.
• Hospice care.
• Advance directives. Advance directives are instructions to your doctor and loved ones about what kind of care you want if you become unable to speak for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions