Palliative care
Palliative care is an approach to care for people living with serious illnesses that considers the whole person, including their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being.
A palliative approach to care follows your values, beliefs and wishes, and can be provided in any setting including at home, outpatient clinics, long term care homes, hospitals and hospices. VCH offers a range of palliative care services.
How to access palliative care servicesWhat is a palliative approach to care?
Palliative care is an approach to care for people living with serious illnesses* that considers the whole person, including their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being.
Palliative care is about maximizing the quality of life and reducing suffering, from diagnosis to end of life. It invites conversations to align care planning with the person's values, beliefs, and wishes. Palliative care can coexist alongside curative treatment and the hope for a longer life.
A palliative approach to care can be helpful at any point. This includes from time of diagnosis and throughout the illness journey for anyone with a serious illness*.
*Serious illnesses include dementia, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, frailty, and cancer, among others.
Palliative care at home and in the community
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Palliative Care in Your Home
A palliative approach to care can be provided to you and those you choose to be…
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Palliative Care in Long-Term Care Homes
Long-term care homes are supported by interdisciplinary care teams and healthca…
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Palliative Care through Outpatient Clinics and Programs
For people who can leave their homes, North Shore, Vancouver, and Richmond offe…
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Caregiver Support
Caring for a friend or loved one is a complex role with unique responsibilities…
Costs for palliative and end-of-life care services
In B.C., some publicly subsidized home and community care services are free. For others, the cost is shared between the Ministry of Health and you, the person receiving services. The amount you are required to pay is called the client rate.
B.C. Palliative Care Benefits (Plan P)
The BC Palliative Care Benefits program is available to B.C. residents with active MSP coverage who have reached the end stage of a life-threatening disease or illness and wish to receive palliative care wherever they live.
Palliative care resources for patients and caregivers
Compassionate support and essential information to help you and your loved ones navigate serious illness with dignity and comfort.
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