Palliative care, may be one of the most misunderstood terms in healthcare. Many people believe it means the end of life. But palliative care can bring hope, control, and a chance at a better quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families and caregivers.

For individuals living with life-limiting illnesses, and for their caregiving family and friends, palliative care offers medical and related treatment towards living as well and as fully as possible. Healthcare professionals embrace a patients’ values, goals, and wishes when considering disease management and burden relief from pain, anxiety, fear, and other symptoms. The patients’ plans and wishes are shared with family and friends who provide care, and support is provided to help relieve burdens.

Most importantly, this patient/family centered care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious, life-limiting illness.
For example, a person with cancer may be treated for unrelenting pain and appetite loss concurrent with curative treatment; a person living with Cardiovascular disease may be treated for anxiety and sleeplessness.

At Hospis Malaysia, care is offered at the patient’s own home or place of residence.