Palliative care is aimed at the relief of suffering and improving the quality of life for persons who are living with or dying from advanced illness or are bereaved.
It affirms life and regards dying as a normal process.
It neither hastens nor postpones death.
It provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms.
It integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care.
It offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death.
It offers a support system to help the family cope during the patient’s illness and their own bereavement.
[Canadian Palliative Care Association www.cpca.net; http://www.physiciansforlife.ca/pallcare.html]