Is Palliative Care Right for You?

1. Do you have one or more serious illnesses such as:

• Cancer
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung disease
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Neurological diseases (e.g., ALS, Parkinson’s)
• Dementia

2. Do you have symptoms that make it difficult to be as active as you would like to be, or impact your quality of life? These symptoms might include:

• Pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea
• Constipation

3. Have you, or someone close to you, experienced the following:

• Difficult side effects from treatment
• Eating problems due to a serious illness
• Frequent emergency room visits
• Three or more admissions to the hospital within 12 months, and with the same symptoms

4. Do you, or someone close to you, need help with:

• Knowing what to expect
• Knowing what programs and resources are available
• Making medical decisions about treatment choices/options
• Matching your goals and values to your medical care
• Understanding the pros and cons (benefits/burdens) of treatments (e.g., dialysis, additional cancer treatments, surgery, etc.)

5. Do you, or someone close to you, need help with:

• Coping with the stress of a serious illness
• Emotional support
• Spiritual or religious support
• Talking with your family about your illness and what is important to you