How palliative care can help with emotional and social challenges

Living with an incurable illness is hard. Palliative care can help you talk through problems and feelings. Sometimes you may feel better just by having someone listen.

You may talk to any palliative care provider, including a palliative care social worker, about what is bothering you. Together you can look for ways to improve your quality of life.

During visits, you may:

  • Talk about your feelings about your illness, such as anger or sadness.
  • Work through stressful family situations. You may have meetings with loved ones or members of your family.
  • Get connected to resources in the community, such as home care, long-term care, or hospice care.
  • Look for financial support, such as help paying for medicines.
  • Get help with other challenges, such as transportation.


Author: Jeannette CurtisLast Updated: December 27, 2007
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Shelly R. Garone, MD - Palliative Care

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