Palliative Care/Medicine is specialized medical care for people with serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Palliative care is provided by a specially trained team of physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and chaplains who work together with a patient’s other physicians to provide an extra layer of support. Unlike hospice, it is appropriate at any stage of an advanced illness and it can be provided along with curative treatment. The palliative care team makes visits to the patient’s home whether private residence, independent living, assisted living or long term care.