Palliative Care Palliative care is any form of medical care or treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of disease symptoms.  The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for people facing serious, complex illness.  This support encompasses aspects such as respite care, symptom management and bereavement support and may extend over a period of time.  An assessent of medical need and a care plan can lead to support provided to the child and family so both can experience a better quality of life.  Many hospitals have palliative care centers.