1. What is Palliative Care ?

Palliative Care is specialised care for people with serious medical illnesses. It focuses on physical, emotional, & spiritual needs of the patients and their family members. It offers comfort, dignity, & quality of life through control of pain & other symptoms.

2. How can palliative care help me or my family ?

Palliative Care team includes doctors, nurses, social workers & counsellors with special training who can help people feel better by :

• Managing pain 7 symptoms like nausea, fatigue, breathlessness, depression & anxiety.

• Make sure patients are as comfortable & active as possible

• Assist & support patients & families with difficult medical decisions.

• Coordinate care & treatment among doctors during all stages of illness.

• Identify services that can support patients & families after leaving hospital.

3. How do I know if palliative care is right for me & my family ?

Palliative care is an option for you if you are experiencing discomfort, dealing with serious illness or facing complex medical decisions.

Especially useful if you or your close ones:

• Have cancer, AIDS, COPD, stroke, heart, liver or kidney failure & dementia.

• Have pain, trouble breathing or other distressing symptoms from any illness.

• Are seriously ill & facing questions about their future.

• Have difficult medical decisions to make & want expert help to think them through.

4. Can I still continue my treatment with my current or regular doctor ?

Yes, your regular doctor will continue to take care of you and will be incharge of your care. Palliative care team will work with your doctor to make sure you get the best possible care which is individualised to your needs.