Division of Palliative Care & Geriatric Medicine
The department provides hospital palliative services, education and research focused on improving comfort, communication and quality of life for people with serious illness.
Palliative Care
Care focused on comfort, symptom management and quality of life
Support for Comfort, Clarity, and Quality of Life
Palliative care at Lahey Clinic focuses on comfort, symptom management and support for people living with serious illness. Care can begin at any stage of illness and is provided alongside other treatments. Support may include help with pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea or emotional stress, as well as guidance with decision-making and care planning.
This type of care looks at the whole person, not just a diagnosis. The goal is to support daily life, personal values and overall well-being, whether care is short term or ongoing within a hospital palliative services setting.
What Is Palliative Care?
The definition of palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on relief from symptoms and stress related to serious illness. Palliative treatment is appropriate at any stage of illness and can be provided at the same time as curative care.
Care often includes pain management, along with emotional, spiritual and practical support. Palliative care is not the same as hospice care. Understanding the difference between palliative care and hospice care helps people choose support that fits their goals and needs.
Care is provided by a team that may include physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and chaplains, working together to support comfort and quality of life.
Planning Ahead and Honoring Your Wishes
Advance care planning helps ensure your care reflects your values and preferences. Learn more about support and resources for advance directives.
Who Can Receive Palliative Care
Palliative care may be helpful for people living with serious or complex medical conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Heart disease and advanced cardiovascular conditions
- Chronic liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Chronic lung conditions, including emphysema and COPD
- Neurologic or other progressive illnesses that affect daily function
Care is personalized and may change over time as needs and goals evolve through different palliative care stages.
When and Where Can You Receive Palliative Care
Palliative care can be provided during a hospital stay, through outpatient visits or alongside care you already receive from other specialists. Support may continue beyond hospitalization to help manage symptoms, coordinate care and plan next steps.
Care is flexible and designed to fit where you are in your health journey, whether that involves ongoing treatment, recovery or long-term support within a palliative care medical center.
More About Palliative Care
Questions To Ask Your Palliative Care Team
Helpful questions may include:
- What symptoms can palliative therapy help manage?
- How does palliative care work with my other treatments?
- Can this care help with stress, sleep or decision-making?
- How are family members involved in care planning?
- How often will the palliative care team check in?
Family & Caregiver Support
Palliative care includes support for family members and caregivers. Guidance may focus on communication, understanding treatment options and coping with stress. Support is designed to help families feel informed, involved and supported throughout care.
Support groups may help people and families connect with others facing similar experiences.
Meet the Team
Our doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacists specialize in palliative medicine and partner with you and your family to manage symptoms, coordinate care and support quality of life.
Interdisciplinary Care Team
Our licensed clinical social workers and other interdisciplinary team members work alongside our providers to offer emotional, social and practical support for patients and families.
