What is Active Palliative Care?

Active palliation is a proactive, multidisciplinary strategy designed to manage pain, symptoms, and emotional distress from the moment a serious illness is diagnosed. Unlike care that only focuses on the final days of life, this approach is an ongoing, iterative process that evolves alongside the illness to keep comfort and quality of life at the forefront.

We provide active palliation by addressing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—through several key areas of support:

• Physical Symptom Management: We use evidence-based interventions to relieve discomfort from pain, nausea, or breathlessness. This includes medication management as well as non-drug techniques like relaxation and breathing exercises.
• Emotional and Psycho-Social Support: Our social workers and counseling staff provide guidance to help patients and families navigate the emotional weight of a serious illness.
• Spiritual Care: Our chaplains and volunteers offer comfort care that respects each individual’s personal beliefs and values.
• Holistic Therapies: To promote a state of calm, we incorporate complementary treatments such as Massage Therapy and Music Therapy.

At the heart of our care is a multidisciplinary team—including physicians, nurses, and social workers—who coordinate closely to ensure care is individualized and culturally sensitive. Whether a patient is still pursuing curative treatments or has shifted focus entirely to comfort, active palliation ensures that dignity and relief remain the primary priorities.

Please note that eligibility for hospice must be determined by a physician, and while we strive for the highest quality of life, outcomes may vary based on individual circumstances.

• What Is Active Palliation? A Comprehensive Guide to Supportive Care