Palliative care is a type of health care. It is provided to those whose illness cannot be cured. It helps people to live as well as possible while they manage their illness.

Palliative care concentrates on maintaining quality of life by controlling physical symptoms, such as pain or sickness. It also looks at the emotional, social or spiritual needs that people may have. It supports both the person who is dying and their carers and family.

Palliative care will affect all of us at some stage in our lives whether as a patient, carer, family member, neighbour or friend. However, many of us do not understand what palliative care is. When an illness cannot be cured, the focus of care changes to helping patients have the best quality of life possible while managing their symptoms. Palliative care maintains quality of life by addressing physical symptoms such as pain or nausea as well as helping with emotional, spiritual and social needs.

Specific information for patients, carers, families and friends can be found in the For Patients and Families section. Health professional information can be found in Clinical Practice and Professional Groups.

The pages are not intended to replace the care or advice of your health professionals. They provide a set of resources that may help you learn more and access useful materials. 

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Last updated 174 days ago by CareSearch