Asked and Answered


    Palliative Care

    How do you know when someone is ready for palliative care?
    A decision to begin palliative care takes in many factors. Ideally the decision includes a discussion with the health care team, who can offer information about options and available support. Several questions can help determine when palliative care becomes the main focus of care: What options are available for treatment? What does the person... read more...
    How is eligibility for palliative care decided? What procedure is followed?
    Decisions about palliative care must distinguish between a general palliative care approach and palliative care services, which often have limited resources. A palliative approach to care is broadly aimed at ensuring comfort and quality of life for people with a life-threatening illness. Ideally, this approach is an integral part of supporting... read more...
    Is there a cost for palliative care in the hospital?
    Canada has universal health care, which provides basic health care without user fees. Yet the provinces control health care, and some charge a fee to access the health system. Palliative care is a basic service in all provinces and territories, so there’s no charge for palliative care in a hospital. Provincial and territorial governments usually... read more...
    What are the criteria for being admitted to a hospice?
    The terms " palliative care " and "hospice" mean different things to different people. Here, "hospice" is taken to mean a facility that provides an alternative home for people living with a terminal illness. These people need a community, home-like environment and specialized care, yet their care isn’t so complex that it requires a hospital. read more...
    What funding is available for palliative care patients or caregivers?
    The Government of Canada has a program called the Compassionate Care Benefit. This is an employment insurance benefit available to employees who need time off to be with a family member who may be close to death. It becomes available after the employee has used up all vacation or family leave time offered by the employer. At that point employees... read more...
    What’s the difference between palliative care at home and palliative care at the hospital?
    Several factors determine the best place for providing care to a person with a terminal illness. This type of decision requires a balance between patient and family needs, and the availability of resources to meet those needs. Patient and family considerations include the following: patient and family preference; physical ability to handle... read more...
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