Any person suffering with symptoms of illness may be appropriate for some form of palliative intervention. The emerging approach is to provide palliative care to patients with advanced disease without a specified prognosis. This makes palliative care available to patients suffering as a result of illness even if currently engaged in curative therapies. Inclusion of palliative care has many benefits for the patient and family. Loss of control is one of the most readily identified problems faced by patients and their families.
Early referral can provide more choices, and allow greater control over their health and lives.
Indeed, our program also serves patients who are terminally ill. Our team members are specially trained and knowledgeable about the unique needs of families and patients in regard to end of life issues. Palliative care is provided by members of a palliative care team. A patient and his or her family are encouraged to make choices about the kind of care they want and to take an active part in planning care. The plan of care is individualized for each patient.