Palliative Care

Palliative care is for people who suffer from incurable and/or life-limiting illnesses. It is not just for people who are at the end of their lives. In fact, many people receive palliative care for months or even years. Palliative care is for patients in all disease stages, from those being treated to those nearing the end of life.

How can palliative care help?

Depending on your needs, you may receive palliative care in a hospital inpatient unit, an outpatient clinic, your home, or other places such as a hospice or long-term care home. Palliative care offers:

• pain and symptom management to improve your quality of life
• emotional, mental and spiritual support for patients, caregivers and families
• help receiving the care you need, where you need it
• information about what to expect and your options
• help setting health care goals
• culturally sensitive care that respects your beliefs, values and preferences
• sensitive discussions about planning for the end of life
• medical care and comfort at the end of life

What if my needs change?

We offer a variety of services to support you, including procedures to relieve your symptoms. You will continue to receive the medical care you need. You:

• do not have to have a do not resuscitate (DNR) code status
• do not have to stop dialysis
• do not have to stop chemotherapy
• do not have to stop active medical treatment

Do you work with my care team?

Yes. We will work with your family doctor and other professionals involved in your care. We also work closely with hospices and other health care providers to make your care as smooth as possible.

How do I access palliative care?

Your doctor or nurse practitioner (NP) can refer you to palliative care services at Osler. We also accept referrals from doctors and NPs in the community, other hospitals, and long-term care homes.

Inpatient unit locations:

Outpatient clinic locations and hours: