Comfort care
Comfort-focused care: what changes
When the focus shifts to comfort, the goal is quality of life and symptom relief. This page explains what typically changes and what stays important.
Quick checklist
- Decisions prioritize comfort and avoiding burdensome interventions.
- Communication becomes simpler: goals, preferences, and what matters most.
- Symptoms are treated aggressively (pain, breathing, anxiety).
- Caregiver support becomes part of the plan.
What to expect
- More emphasis on comfort meds and home support.
- Clearer plans for “what to do if…” situations.
- Focus on dignity, routine, and reducing suffering.
Questions to ask
- “What symptoms should we watch for, and what do we do?”
- “What medications should we have on hand?”
- “Who do we call at night?”