death and dying. Patients and families who want palliative care may have to request it or turn to other health care professionals than those they have known to find the support they need.
There is sometimes a feeling that a palliative care unit is a "place to go to die." What is important to know is that the focus in such a unit is on living until death. The emphasis is on achieving comfort (freedom from pain) and maintaining as much activity as possible. Often the regulations and atmosphere in a palliative care unit are more relaxed than in a typical hospital setting. In many instances arrangements can be made for family gatherings or visits with pets. A palliative care unit can become "a home away from home."
