Palliative Care

This service provides physical and emotional comfort to people living with severe illnesses. Services are in addition to treatments you are already receiving and help you live the best possible quality of life. Palliative care is different from hospice care, which people receive after stopping treatment and near the end of life. 

Comprehensive Palliative Services in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

UMass Memorial Health providers frequently care for people with cancer. We coordinate therapies and support to help you feel better and enjoy more of your favorite activities. We also advocate for you to ensure you receive services that are consistent with your preferences. Fellowship-trained palliative medicine doctors guide your care. They work alongside social workers, nurses and therapists to tailor the services you need. 

Palliative Care Services

We help reduce the impact of cancer so you can focus on the things that matter to you. 

Palliative services are often available at the time of diagnosis and may include: 

• Managing complex pain
• Using medical therapies and other approaches to relieve symptoms
• Discussing care preferences and helping you navigate complex medical decisions
• Providing additional information about your diagnosis
• Helping you establish treatment goals
• Supporting transitions of care, such as safely returning home after a hospital stay
• Exploring your cultural and spiritual background and ways to ensure care is consistent with them
• Preparing you and your loved ones for the next steps of care
• Arranging access to additional services, like cancer resources and support