As you research the various options for your loved one’s care, it can be overwhelming to try to find the best choice for their needs. From palliative care to hospice care, you’ll come across many options in your search.
In this blog, we will look at palliative care vs hospice care. While they share some similarities, there are also important differences. Understanding both can help patients and their families make informed decisions about the care that best aligns with their needs and goals.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is an approach to care that aims to manage symptoms and improve comfort for patients suffering from serious illnesses, regardless of their prognosis. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and mental stress of a serious illness, to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a type of palliative care specifically designed to provide comfort and support for people who are nearing the end of life. It focuses on providing relief from symptoms, pain, and stress so that patients can spend their remaining time living as comfortably and fully as possible in their own homes or a hospice care facility.
How Do You Qualify for these Services?
Now that we’ve defined each, let’s take a look at the goals and eligibility standards of each type of care.
Palliative Care
Regardless of life expectancy, palliative care can be offered to patients at any stage of a serious illness. The primary eligibility requirement is a diagnosis of a serious illness that results in discomfort or affects the quality of life.
This approach allows patients to continue any potential curative or life-prolonging treatments while receiving palliative support.
Hospice Care
Hospice care, on the other hand, is typically reserved for individuals who have a life expectancy of around six months or less, as determined by a physician. The focus of hospice care is to ensure the patient’s remaining life is as comfortable and meaningful as possible.
The treatment goals are not to cure the illness but to provide comfort, manage pain, and address emotional and spiritual needs. Once a patient chooses hospice care, curative treatments are usually discontinued. However, treatments that provide comfort and manage symptoms are continued.
Palliative Care vs Hospice: The Key Differences
If you’re still trying to understand the differences between palliative care vs hospice care, here are a few key points that can help:
- When care happens: Palliative care can start as soon as a serious illness is diagnosed, while hospice begins when it has been determined that life expectancy is six months or less.
- The location of care: Both palliative and hospice care can occur in the home, hospital, nursing home, or other care facility.
- Medical team: The medical teams for both approaches are different. Palliative care teams typically have a doctor, nurses, social workers, pain specialists, dietitians, or others. Hospice teams usually have home health aides, registered nurses, or certified nursing assistants.
- Period of care: Palliative care can be long-term, while hospice is usually for the final few months of life.
Make an Informed Decision with Care At Home
At Care At Home, we are here to provide the care, support, and guidance you need. Let us help you find the best care options for your loved one so they have access to quality, compassionate care. We’re committed to providing a positive experience and helping your family get the care they deserve.
Contact us today to get started. Together, we can ensure that your loved one receives the best care and that you can be there for them every step of the way.