Dispelling Myths of Palliative Care

Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s

A common misconception is that palliative care implies hospice, when in fact, palliative care can and should be a component of the treatment of any serious disease, including Parkinson’s. The word “palliation” means providing relief from pain and other symptoms, with a goal of improving quality of life. Individuals receiving palliative care also may receive other treatments, with curative intent if available. On the other hand, palliation can be a part of hospice, but in hospice, a person no longer has curative options or chooses not to pursue them. In this episode, Maggie Ivancic, MSW, LCSWA, the Clinical Social Worker and Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence Coordinator at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, discusses aspects of palliative care – how it differs from hospice, its intent, and how and where to access it.