Providing Comfort and Support
Palliative care provides compassionate, specialized support for individuals facing serious, life-altering, or life-limiting illnesses. It can be included at any stage of illness, focusing on comfort, dignity and quality of life.
Our palliative care services include:
- Assistance with complex medical decision-making
- Pain and symptom management
- Spiritual, emotional and social support
- Guidance on care goals and end-of-life decisions
- Bereavement support
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
The pediatric palliative care team is a multidisciplinary group that may consist of pediatric palliative medicine providers, nurses, social workers, child life specialists, chaplains and pharmacists. These professionals work alongside primary care teams to provide support children living with complex, life-altering or life-limiting conditions.
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.
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FAQ
Who provides palliative care?
Although there are certain providers who specialize in it, any medical professional can provide palliative care. This could include doctors, nurses, dietitians, social workers, psychologists, therapists and chaplains.
What’s involved in palliative care treatment?
Palliative care prioritizes comfort, so treatment could mean anything from a counseling session with a social worker to a massage by a therapist. Your care team will work with you to determine what might work best.
Is palliative care only provided to patients in the hospital?
No, palliative care can be provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis. It can also be used to support caregivers or family members.
Is palliative care available for children?
Yes, Sanford Health has a team of specialized pediatric palliative care providers.
What is a chronic illness?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a chronic illness is one lasting three months or longer. Some examples include lung disease, heart disease, cancer and ALS.
What is the difference between palliative care and hospice?
Both services focus on providing support and comfort. Palliative care can be offered at any point during a chronic illness. Hospice care is only offered as part of end-of-life care.
Learn More About Palliative Care
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Classes & Events
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Yoga for Postnatal Recovery
Sun 01/25/26 1:30 PM - Sun 01/25/26 2:30 PM
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Empowered Prenatal Yoga: Strength, Serenity and Support
Sun 01/25/26 2:45 PM - Sun 01/25/26 3:45 PM
Sanford Family Wellness Center