Get Palliative Blog

As part of its ongoing educational efforts to increase the public’s understanding of palliative care, CAPC has released a video animation that defines and explains what palliative care is and how it supports people facing serious illness.

This video – among the first of its kind on this subject – compares people facing serious illness to a bridge that needs support. While a serious illness may weaken the foundation, the palliative care team provides that necessary layer of support.

Major funding for this campaign is provided by the Cambia Health Foundation.

Waving from the saddle of a camel. Jet skiing to the Statue of Liberty. Climbing the Great Wall of China.

This is what you’ll find Amy Berman—who was diagnosed with stage IV inflammatory breast cancer in October, 2010—doing these days. Since choosing palliative care and remaining in control of her own medical decisions, Amy says she is enjoying a “full life” of work, travel and quality time with loved ones.

“I did something so simple yet so rarely done. I chose the road less taken, and it led to better health, better care, and significantly lower cost,” said Amy in a recent Health Affairs blog post. Amy is a Senior Program Officer at the John J. Hartford Foundation, a proud mother and a staunch advocate of how palliative care can benefit anyone facing serious illness as well as their families. This is Amy’s story, in her own images, as a reminder of how palliative care empowers patients and families to match their goals with the care they receive.

Palliative care specialists, advocates and patients discuss what palliative care is and how it is beneficial to those facing serious illness.

Medicare is insurance for people age 65 and over, those with certain chronic disabilities and people with kidney failure. Medicaid is insurance for people with very low incomes and financial resources. People ages 65 and older who have limited income and savings may qualify for both programs. … Read More

One of the first things to do when you (or a loved one) are living with a serious illness is to get informed about the benefits for which you may qualify. These include national and state programs as well as community agencies. … Read More

The diagnosis of breast cancer is a major life-changing event. Upon hearing the words “cancer” a patient as well their loved ones are thrown into a whirlwind of emotions ranging from fear, to anger, to denial, to overwhelming sadness. It is difficult enough to deal with the physical challenges of breast cancer and treatment, but the emotional impact can be an even greater burden. Patients and loved ones need a “safe place” where they can share these feelings with other people who truly understand. In addition to treating the pain and symptoms of breast cancer, palliative care also treats the stress of this serious illness. Joining a support group is often recommended. Breast cancer support groups are designed to provide a confidential atmosphere where cancer patients can share these stresses with others experiencing similar situations. … Read More

An advance directive is a legal document that ordinary people can complete to explain the kinds of medical treatments they would wish to receive, or not receive, when they can no longer speak for themselves. … Read More

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in patients with serious illness. While patients with any disease can experience fatigue, it has been found in as many as 90% of patients with advanced cancer. Fatigue has three main clusters of symptoms: becoming easily tired and reduced ability to maintain performance; generalized weakness; and mental fatigue, including decreased ability to concentrate and memory loss. … Read More