Supportive & Palliative Care
What is Supportive Care?
Working together with your other doctors, the supportive and palliative care teams help relieve the symptoms, pain and stress of serious illness.
We’ll help you and your family understand your treatment options and goals. We’ll be there every step of the way, offering comfort, compassion and closeness you won’t find anywhere else.
Advance Care Planning
There are times when a person is no longer able to share their health care decisions with their family or caregivers.
For this reason, OSF HealthCare has developed OSF Care Decisions, an advance care planning program available at no cost to all OSF patients and employees.
Aid in Dying
Physician assisted suicide, which is known as aid in dying in the state of Illinois, allows eligible individuals to seek this option if they meet specific criteria. As a Catholic health care organization, OSF HealthCare does not participate in this practice because it does not align with our commitment to uphold the sacredness of life.
We understand this can be a difficult and deeply personal conversation. If you have questions or concerns, you are not alone. Our team is here to listen, provide clear information and support you with compassion, dignity and respect.
We’re Here to Support You
We will continue to care for your whole person through:
- Pain management and symptom relief
- Hospice services focused on comfort and understanding each person's unique needs
- Emotional, spiritual and mental health support
- Resources for caregivers and families
You can always talk with your care team. We will be here to support you, help relieve your suffering and walk alongside you every step of the way.