Palliative Care

Providing Comfort and Support

Palliative care brings physical and emotional support to patients with severe or chronic illnesses. It can be a part of a patient’s treatment plan at any stage of an illness – it simply means that any treatment should prioritize comfort and quality of life.

Our palliative care services include:

• Bereavement counseling
• Pain management
• Spiritual, emotional and social support
• Stress and symptoms relief 
• Support for families making end-of-life care decisions

Learn more about comfort-first care.

For physicians: Refer a patient to Sanford Health.

Caring for Your Symptoms

Pain management is an important part of palliative care. Our team will work with you to identify your pain level and the best strategies for relief. If you’re concerned about your pain, talk to your provider right away. Learn more about pain management and palliative care.

In addition to pain management, we can also address other symptoms like:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep concerns

Pediatric Palliative Care

Families who partner with Sanford Children’s for care have a team of supporters working for them. In addition to pediatric palliative medicine providers, the care team includes specially trained nurses, child life specialists, pastoral care providers, clinical pharmacists and social workers. Your child’s support team is available 24/7 to tend to their needs when it matters most.

Find a pediatric palliative care location.

Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care

Palliative care benefits patients at all stages of a chronic or difficult illness. Hospice care is usually part of end-of-life care. Palliative and hospice care both focus on improving quality of life.