Healthcare at Home

Palliative Care Services

Palliative Care, also called comfort care, focuses on managing symptoms, pain, and stress associated with serious illness. This type of care works alongside medical treatments to improve quality of life, offering relief and support for both individuals and their families.

Overview

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative Care is specialized medical care for people living with serious or life-limiting illnesses. It addresses physical discomfort, emotional stress, and other challenges that may arise during treatment. Care can be provided at any stage of illness, whether alongside curative treatments or as a bridge between home health and hospice, helping individuals live as comfortably and fully as possible.

Palliative Care Approach

Expert Support at Every Stage

Palliative Care may involve a range of services designed to meet the needs of the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Care teams can include:

Board-Certified Nurse Practitioners

Registered Nurse Clinicians

Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Palliative Care Specialists

Spiritual Counselors or Chaplains

Volunteers

Benefits of Palliative Care

Why Choose Palliative Care?

Comprehensive Symptom Relief

Manage pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms related to serious illness.

Emotional and Social Support

Provide counseling, resources, and guidance for patients and families.

Improved Quality of Life

Focus on comfort, dignity, and meaningful daily living.

Care Coordination

Collaborate with medical providers to ensure treatments align with the individual’s goals.

Smooth Transitions

Support a seamless move between types of care, such as from home health to hospice, when needed.

How It Works

Roadmap to Care

Designed to help individuals and families navigate care options with confidence, understanding, and the resources needed to make the best choice.

Initial Inquiry

Discuss needs, treatment goals, and available Palliative Care services.

Assessment

A professional evaluates symptoms, care preferences, and home environment.

Care Plan

Develop a personalized plan focusing on symptom management and quality of life.

Ongoing Care

Provide continuous support, adjusting services as needs change.

Recognizing The Signs

When Is It Time For Palliative Care?

Has been diagnosed with a serious, life-limiting illness

Is experiencing pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or other difficult symptoms

Requires help managing side effects of treatments

Has frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits

Is struggling with emotional stress related to illness

Needs help coordinating complex medical care

Desires additional support for family and caregivers

Wishes to improve comfort and daily functioning while continuing treatment

Is preparing for a possible transition to hospice care

Where We Operate

Our Palliative Care Affiliates

Discover the many locations where our affiliates offer exceptional care and services throughout the country.

Affiliate Locations

Find Care In Your State

Search our network of trusted, locally led teams near you.

Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can receive Palliative Care?

Palliative care is for anyone living with a serious illness, at any stage, to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Is Palliative Care the same as hospice care?

No. Palliative care can be provided alongside treatment at any stage of illness, while hospice focuses on end-of-life comfort and support.

Who pays for Palliative Care services?

Coverage may come from Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, though benefits vary by plan and state.

What types of professionals provide Palliative Care?

Care teams may include nurse practitioners, physicians, social workers, and other specialists trained in symptom management and support.

Where can Palliative Care be provided?

Palliative care can take place in your home, a hospital, a nursing facility, or other care settings.

Do I need a referral for Palliative Care?

In most cases, a physician’s referral is needed to begin palliative care services.

Can Palliative Care help with emotional or spiritual needs?

Yes. Palliative care addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being for both patients and their families.

How long can someone receive Palliative Care?

There is no set time limit, services can continue as long as needed to manage symptoms and support quality of life.