How do I get started with palliative care?

When you find out you have a serious or chronic illness, take these steps to find out if palliative care is right for you:

1. Ask your doctor if they think palliative care is an option for you, based on your illness and how it could work with medical treatment. They may already know how to give palliative care, or could introduce you to another doctor or nurse who is trained in palliative care.
2. If palliative care is an option for you, talk about your goals with your doctors, loved ones, and someone trained in palliative care. Consider questions such as:

• • Do I want to be able to do things or visit with my family and friends?
  • Do I want to go to work every day?
  • Do I need to eat or sleep more comfortably, with less pain?

People who use palliative care are often happier, more active, and can even live longer. Families are less stressed knowing the palliative care team is focused on the person’s comfort.

If you decide to use palliative care, the care team will:

• Spend a lot of time talking to you and listening to your concerns. You can tell them what aspects of your life are important to you.
• Talk about your goals with your other doctors. If all your doctors know that you want palliative care, you can have more control over the medicines and treatments you get.