What does palliative care include for individuals with terminal illnesses?

Palliative care is designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals facing terminal illnesses, emphasizing the importance of addressing not only medical needs but also emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of care. This holistic approach is fundamental to palliative care, ensuring that patients receive a range of services tailored to their unique needs.

Including a combination of several support services allows for the involvement of various healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. These professionals work together to create a care plan that enhances the quality of life for the patient, providing pain relief, symptom management, psychological support, and assistance with decision-making.

By focusing on a multidisciplinary approach, palliative care aims to support both the patient and their families, addressing a broad spectrum of issues that arise during serious illness. This comprehensive care model is a hallmark of effective palliative care, making it more than just a singular focus on medical or nursing services.