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Common questions
The questions people ask most often about palliative care and planning ahead.
No. It’s a living well approach that can begin at diagnosis. The idea that it’s only for the last days or weeks is a common but outdated misconception.
Symptom management, emotional support, spiritual care, practical planning, and support for families and decision makers. It looks at the whole person, not just the disease.
Yes. A palliative care approach can run alongside curative treatment, including palliative chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.
An illness or condition that cannot be cured, is progressive, affects health over time, and may shorten life.
Congestive heart failure, COPD, Parkinson’s, MS, ALS, kidney failure, liver disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and frailty in advanced age.
The patient can request one. It can be delivered anywhere, because it’s an approach rather than a place.
Neither. It affirms life and regards dying as a normal process, providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms.
Early conversations help make sure wishes are known and respected. Planning ahead supports informed choices, reduces crisis decision-making, and creates a sense of control, so there’s space to focus on living well.
Family members, substitute decision makers, family physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners, personal support workers, social workers, chronic disease specialists, hospital staff, and educators.
- What services are offered?
- Are there costs involved?
- Do I need a referral?
- Is support available in my home?
- Is support available in continuing care homes Type A and B?
- Who do I contact after hours?