Palliative care is a medical specialty focused on the needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses. Monroe Clinic’s palliative care team, including a physician, nurse, chaplain and social worker, is available for patients dealing with life limiting illness including those receiving curative treatments. We provide:

• Medical decision-making assistance
• Pain and symptom management
• Communication between patient, family and providers
• Emotional and spiritual support

While palliative care is a key element of hospice care, the two are different. Palliative care may be provided at any time during a person’s illness, even from the time of diagnosis. It is available to patients receiving curative treatment as well as those facing terminal illness. This service is available upon a physician’s request.