What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is similar to hospice care, in that the same principles of pain management and symptom control are applied. Hospice Care of the Lowcountry is uniquely licensed to provide palliative — or comfort — care to those with a terminal illness, even while they are still seeking curative treatment for their condition. We are the only hospice in the Lowcountry that is licensed to offer this service.

Palliative care is appropriate when symptoms require closer monitoring than a family caregiver might be able to provide, or when pain needs to be better controlled. Patients on our palliative care program are continually monitored and assessed so that all the best treatment options are explored.

Like hospice care, palliative care is provided in the patient’s home and includes the same team of professionals. Volunteers are available as well.

Very often, an individual in palliative care does get better – possibly because of lessened stress, our attentive care, and generally improved quality of life. However, should a person in our palliative care program determine that further curative treatment is no longer desired, the transition to hospice care is smooth and seamless, providing further benefit to the patient and family.