(reference for above quote- O Connor M in Palliative Care Australia: Media release, 6 Sept 2006.)
About palliative care

Palliative care is a positive approach for those people diagnosed with a life limiting illness that focuses on optimising comfort and maximising function and independence.

This is an active approach to care which focuses on quality of life and on living well. Palliative care has been coined "everyone's business" and is not just for the elderly or those people with cancer.

Definitions
Using a Needs Based Model for Care Delivery
Standards for Providing Quality Palliative Care
Phases of Care