Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized care for those with serious illness. It focuses on providing relief of the symptoms and stress of a serious illness (the “burden of the illness”). The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative Care may be right for you or your loved one if there is pain, difficult to control symptoms, or stress related to the illness.

Palliative Care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together to provide another layer of support for you and your family. The Palliative Care Team works in partnership with your primary care provider. The team provides extra time for communication as well as expert symptom management.

Union Hospital provides in-patient Palliative Care at its Terre Haute, Indiana location.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid cover palliative care. If costs concern you, a social worker or financial consultant from the team can assist you.

Information adapted from The Center to Advance Palliative Care (getpalliativecare.org).