Hospice of Palm Beach County provides services founded on compassion and the belief that people have the right to make decisions about the type of healthcare they receive. Palliative care and services are aimed at providing comfort and support when curative measures are no longer effective.

The focus on palliative care is to relieve pain and suffering by controlling symptoms and adding quality of life. Highly qualified trained professionals with different specialties provide this comprehensive care for the patient and the family.

Some examples of patients who might benefit from palliative care consultation include dementia patients considering gastrostomy feeding, patients with advanced cardiac or pulmonary disease who have frequent hospitalizations for uncontrolled symptoms, and the families of patients considering discontinuation of ICU or ventilator support.

These treatments may include, but are not limited to chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and other medications with the goal of comfort for the patient, while remaining respectful of the cultural and religious values, preferences and choices of the family and patient.