Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients (adults and children) and their families who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness. In its simplest form, maintaining patient dignity boils down to treating the individuals in your care the way you would like to be treated. When patients are treated with respect, it creates a greater sense of trust and well-being. Although it can include end of life care, palliative care is much broader and can last for longer. Having palliative care doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re likely to die soon – some people have palliative care for years. End of life care offers treatment and support for people who are near the end of their life.