Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care - Which Type of Care Is Right for You

When a loved one is seriously ill or approaching the end of life, families often turn to hospice or palliative care. However, many people don’t fully understand the difference between these two types of care. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between palliative care and hospice care, and how they can help patients and their families.

Palliative care and hospice care both aim to provide comfort and support to patients with serious illnesses. However, they differ in several ways, including the types of illnesses they treat, the goals of care, and the timing of care. Understanding the differences between these two types of care can help patients and their families make informed decisions about their healthcare.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on relieving the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses. It can be provided at any stage of an illness and is often used alongside curative treatments. The goal of palliative care is to improve the patient’s quality of life, and it can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics.

Palliative care teams include doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who work together to provide a comprehensive approach to care. They address not only the patient’s physical symptoms but also their emotional and spiritual needs. This can include pain management, counseling, and assistance with navigating the healthcare system.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is a type of specialized care for patients who are in the final stages of a serious illness and who have decided to focus on comfort rather than curative treatments. Hospice care is typically provided in the patient’s home, although it can also be provided in a hospital or hospice facility.

The goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and support to patients and their families during the end of life. This includes managing pain and other symptoms, as well as providing emotional and spiritual support. Hospice care teams often include doctors, nurses, social workers, and spiritual advisors.

Key Differences Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care

While both palliative and hospice care aim to provide comfort and support to patients, there are several key differences between the two types of care.

Timing of Care: Palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness and used alongside curative treatments. Hospice care, on the other hand, is typically provided to patients who are in the final stages of a serious illness and have decided to focus on comfort rather than curative treatments.

Goals of Care: The goal of palliative care is to improve the patient’s quality of life by relieving symptoms and addressing emotional and spiritual needs. Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and support to patients and their families during their end-of-life journey.

Types of Illnesses: Palliative care can be provided to patients with serious illnesses, regardless of their life expectancy. Hospice care is typically provided to patients with a life expectancy of six months or less.

Location of Care: Palliative care can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. Hospice care is typically provided in the patient’s home, although it can also be provided in a hospital or hospice facility.

Finding the Right Fit

There are benefits to both hospice and palliative care, and both options are similar in philosophy and approach as they prioritize the patient’s comfort and quality of life. When considering the right type of post-acute care, it’s important to think about your goals and talk to your providers about pursuing a treatment approach that meets your needs.

For more information about Charter Healthcare’s hospice or palliative care programs or to refer a patient, call 909-644-4965.