# When should I consider palliative care for myself or a family member?

Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family
Language: en
Category: general
Publisher: ClinicsJo
Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.743Z
Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.743Z
Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family

You should consider palliative care for yourself or a family member at any stage of a serious or life-threatening illness, not just at the end of life. The primary goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for the patient and their family by relieving the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual symptoms associated with the illness and its treatment [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>).

Palliative care can be initiated concurrently with curative or disease-controlling treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy for cancer, or surgery for pain relief [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>). Palliative care does not require you to give up your current healthcare provider; rather, it is an additional layer of support [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S3>).

## Signs Indicating a Need for Palliative Care

There are several indicators that it may be time to consider palliative care. If you or a family member are suffering from a serious illness causing distressing and uncontrolled symptoms—such as pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, or sleep problems—palliative care may be beneficial [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S2>). It also helps in managing the side effects of medical treatments [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S2>).

In addition to physical symptoms, palliative care can address emotional and psychological aspects, such as depression, anxiety, and fear related to the diagnosis and treatment [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>). It can provide support to families and caregivers who may feel overwhelmed by the additional responsibilities and emotional challenges [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>).

## When Does Palliative Care Begin?

It is never too early to start palliative care. It can be provided at any stage of the illness, from diagnosis through to the end of life [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>). Research indicates that integrating palliative care early into the routine care of advanced cancer patients can improve their quality of life and mood, and may prolong survival [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>). The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that all patients with advanced cancer receive palliative care [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>).

## How to Access Palliative Care

The first step to accessing palliative care is to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can refer you to a palliative care specialist or a multidisciplinary palliative care team [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>). This team typically includes doctors, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers, who work together to provide comprehensive care [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>).

Palliative care can be provided in the hospital, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, or even at home under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>). It is important to discuss care goals with the medical team and family, which may include advance care planning [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>).

## Palliative Care and Family Support

Palliative care recognizes that illness affects the entire family, not just the patient. Therefore, it offers support to family members and caregivers to help them cope with physical, emotional, and practical challenges [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>). It can help in dealing with anxiety and fear, and offer guidance on practical needs such as financial and legal matters [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#source-S1>). For more information on comprehensive support, you can visit [Palliative Care: Comprehensive Support for Patients and Their Families Facing Chronic and Advanced Diseases (Arabic)](<https://clinicsjo.com/ar/articles/palliative-care-comprehensive-support-for-patients-and-families>).

## Medical references

- [Palliative Care in Cancer](<https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/advanced-cancer/care-choices/palliative-care-fact-sheet>)

- [Palliative Care](<https://medlineplus.gov/palliativecare.html>)

- [3 tips for families considering palliative care](<https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/3-tips-for-families-considering-palliative-care>)

General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment.

Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/when-consider-palliative-care-for-self-or-family#answer