Palliative care is often misunderstood, with many people believing it signals the end of treatment. However, this specialized approach to care aims to improve the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses. Morgan Wiland-Gress, an advanced practice provider in palliative care at OhioHealth, explains, “Palliative care is essentially focused on quality of life for patients facing life-limiting or chronic illnesses. Its goal is aggressive symptom management throughout the process of illness or hospitalization.”
Wiland-Gress’ palliative care team is a diverse group that comprises of nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, social workers, pharmacists and a chaplain. They work together to approach care as a whole-person experience, acknowledging the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients with serious illnesses as well as their families. The palliative care team works to improve quality of life and manage symptoms in a patient’s day-to-day life, as well as acting as a communication bridge between the patient and their care team if needed.
One of the core principles of palliative care is aligning treatment plans with a patient’s goals and values. “We help patients articulate what quality of life means to them — whether it’s spending more time with family, reducing symptoms, or simply feeling more comfortable,” says Wiland-Gress.
These conversations often include discussing future care preferences, potential outcomes, and what truly matters to the patient. By maintaining open communication, palliative care teams can ensure that care plans are not only medically appropriate but also deeply personal.
How does palliative care differ from hospice care?
Palliative care focuses on relieving suffering and managing symptoms at any stage of a serious illness. Hospice care is reserved for individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments while hospice care is typically provided once patients opt not to continue life-prolonging treatments like chemotherapy or dialysis.
“Palliative care differs because it can be provided alongside curative treatments, not just at the end stages of life. It’s designed to help ease suffering throughout the length of an illness,” Wiland-Gress says, emphasizing that this distinction is crucial. Studies show that early integration of palliative care can lead to better symptom control, improved quality of life, and even longer survival in some cases.
One of the most common misconceptions is that palliative care means giving up. Wiland-Gress explains, “People sometimes think we’re coming in with an agenda to stop all interventions. That’s not the case. We’re here to understand a patient’s hopes, fears, and goals and tailor care accordingly.”
Palliative care isn’t about replacing curative treatments — it’s about complementing them by addressing physical symptoms, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. It helps to provide patients with more control over their care and aims to align treatments with their values and goals.
How does palliative care help manage symptoms and mental health?
Palliative care isn’t just about managing pain. It also focuses on a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms which vary depending on the illness. “We see a lot of pain management cases, especially for patients with cancer, sickle cell crisis or post-operative pain from serious illnesses,” says Wiland-Gress. “But we also help manage anxiety, shortness of breath, insomnia, nausea and poor appetite.”
By addressing these symptoms, palliative care helps patients feel more comfortable and able to focus on what matters most to them. In many cases, addressing these symptoms can also prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions and improve the overall care experience for both patients and families.
Mental and emotional health play a critical role in palliative care, and addressing these aspects can significantly improve overall well-being. “Sometimes it’s about giving patients permission to feel scared or anxious, and then supporting them through that,” Wiland-Gress says.
Social workers, chaplains, and mental health professionals all play integral roles in addressing emotional well-being, using support methods like counseling, guided relaxation techniques and spiritual support tailored to an individual’s beliefs.
Supporting families and caregivers in palliative care
Palliative care extends its support beyond the patient to include families and caregivers. The emotional toll of caring for someone with a serious illness can be overwhelming, and families often need guidance and reassurance.
“Families often need as much support as patients. We provide emotional counseling, help navigate medical decisions, and connect them with community resources,” says Wiland-Gress. “Sometimes families have questions they feel more comfortable asking outside the patient’s room. We’re there for them, too.”
Social workers and chaplains play a vital role in addressing emotional and spiritual distress, providing counseling, and helping families navigate the complexities of medical decision-making.
When should someone consider palliative care?
The earlier, the better — ideally, palliative care should be integrated soon after a diagnosis of a serious illness. According to Wiland-Gress, “The sooner we’re involved, the better managed symptoms are, and the higher the quality of life throughout the disease journey.”
Signs that it may be time to consider palliative care include difficulty managing symptoms, repeated hospitalizations, emotional distress, or uncertainty about treatment options. Patients and families are encouraged to advocate for palliative care early, whether in a hospital setting or through outpatient referrals.
The heartfelt, real-life impact of palliative care
Success in palliative care isn’t always measured by clinical outcomes, but by moments of relief and connection. Wiland-Gress recalls, “We had a patient who was overwhelmed with pain and discomfort. After working with our team, they finally said, ‘This is the first time I’ve felt like myself in a long time.’ Moments like those remind us why we do this work.”
Whether it’s managing symptoms, facilitating conversations with families, or simply offering a comforting presence, palliative care can profoundly impact everyday life for patients and families. When someone is navigating a chronic condition or a life-limiting illness, palliative care offers hope, relief, and a compassionate approach to healthcare.
Learn more about palliative care at OhioHealth.
