Palliative care is provided to people of all ages who suffer from a life-limiting or terminal illness. In some cases, palliative care is considered early in the process, as are life-prolonging therapies, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The earlier people seek palliative care in their illness, the more likely they are to better understand how to manage complications as they arise, be more comfortable physically, and enjoy a greater quality of life.
Palliative care does not depend on a particular medical diagnosis, but rather on the person’s individual needs. It is also available to people living with dementia, non-malignant chronic illness and degenerative diseases. Palliative care is also offered to the elderly and frail.
In some cases, palliative care is considered early in a life-limiting illness, as are life-prolonging therapies, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and getting a better understanding of how to manage complications as they arise. The earlier people seek palliative care in their illness, the more likely they are to be more physically comfortable and enjoy a greater quality of life.