Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients and their families through the management of symptoms, pain and stress brought on by a serious illness. The palliative care team supports anyone with a progressive, serious, or life-limiting illness such as: heart disease, lung disease, liver failure, renal failure, neurodegenerative disorders, (i.e. ALS, MS, Parkinson's), dementia or cancer.
Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be provided for an indefinite period of time. While receiving palliative care, patients can remain under the care of their primary care and specialty providers and continue to receive treatment for their disease.