Palliative Care
Palliative care provides specialized care to relieve discomfort and pain, reduce difficulties, and help with making decisions.
Palliative Care in New York City
Palliative care is available to patients whose doctors believe they may benefit from it. We can advise patients and family members when it’s appropriate to talk about requesting palliative care. Palliative care may be suitable for patients who have a chronic, advanced illness that requires complex treatment.
Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care
- Palliative care provides help at the start of a serious illness and continues during treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
- Hospice care is a type of palliative care usually arranged for people who accept that they may be at the end of life and don't want difficult treatments or tests.
HHC Approach to Palliative Care
Palliative care makes a real difference in the lives of patients and families. It provides extra care based on four principles:
Comfort
Palliative care specialists understand how to treat pain and discomfort. They can:
- Ease pain and symptoms
- Improve quality of life
- Bring peace of mind
Support
A serious illness can be hard on everyone. Our palliative care team can help the entire family. Palliative care teams often include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Social workers
- Psychologists
- Religious and spiritual professionals
Dignity
Palliative care is about listening and helping with dignity and caring. We help patients and families understand what is going on and how to plan for the future, supporting families even after they leave the hospital.
Hope
When illness comes, it may not be easy to find strength or hope. The palliative care team can help patients and families see new possibilities and find insights that bring peace.
Contact Us
For more information, ask your doctor or nurse.
