What is the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice?
The difference between palliative care and hospice is that hospice care is for patients nearing the end of life, while palliative care is available at any stage of a serious illness. In fact, hospice care includes palliative care within it, but the two can be offered as separated services.
Defining palliative care vs. hospice care.
Hospice care focuses on a person’s last six months of life of less. When curative treatment is no longer an option, hospice professionals work to make the patient’s life as comfortable as possible. This means that hospice care includes palliative care because the goal is to make the patient as comfortable as possible for the time that’s left.
At Crossroads, our specialists perform pain and symptom management at the patient’s home, nursing home or hospital for maximum comfort. We also provide unique programs like Gift of a Day that gives patients a special experience based on the question, “If you had one perfect day, what would it look like?”
Palliative care definition.
Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach aimed at providing relief from the symptoms and stress associated with serious illnesses. It can be provided alongside curative treatments in collaboration with the patient’s current care team. Very often it is intended to help with the side-effects of treatment, such as chemotherapy.
Hospice care definition.
Hospice care is a specialized form of care provided to individuals who have a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to live if the illness runs its natural course. Hospice care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients in their final stages of life, with an emphasis on comfort and support for both the patient and their family.
Palliative care vs. hospice care treatment and eligibility.
The reason hospice and palliative care are often confused is simple: while all hospice care is palliative, not all palliative care is hospice. Both approaches focus on comfort and quality of life, but they serve patients in different ways depending on their prognosis and treatment goals.
How is hospice care different from palliative care?
Hospice care is specifically designed for individuals in the last six months (or less) of life. When it is determined that curative treatment is no longer viable, the hospice care team comes in to make the patient’s remaining life as comfortable as possible by addressing physical symptoms and distress as well as emotional and spiritual issues. This means that hospice care includes palliative care because the goal is to make the patient as comfortable as possible for the time that’s left.
How is palliative care different than hospice?
Palliative care, while also aiming to manage symptoms and enhance comfort and quality of life for patients, can be delivered concurrently with aggressive therapies that are aimed at a cure. It can be delivered at any stage of life and, unlike hospice, can be performed for non-terminal patients in their preferred location. In fact, palliative care is designed to help people live longer, happier lives
Essentially, while hospice works to help terminal patients physically, emotionally, and spiritually live comfortably at the end of life, palliative care undertakes the same philosophy of care but can be performed for non-terminal patients, helping them live a better quality of life.
Someone can receive palliative care at any stage of an illness, whereas hospice care is only appropriate at an end-of-life stage.
What is the main difference between palliative care and hospice care?
The main difference between palliative care and hospice care lies in the patient’s current stage of illness and the goals of the care received. Palliative care is a holistic approach aimed at providing patients relief from the symptoms and stress associated with serious illnesses, while hospice care is specifically designed for individuals who have a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less to live.
In that regard, palliative care is for those looking to cure their condition, while hospice care is for keeping paatients comfortable at the end fo their life.
Hospice vs. palliative care FAQ.
What kind of patients choose palliative care?
Palliative care is chosen by patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses at any stage of their diagnosis. Unlike hospice care, which is typically reserved for patients with a prognosis of six months or less to live, palliative care provides physical and emotional support to patients while they continue to pursue aggressive, curative treatments. This includes individuals dealing with conditions such as heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis, aiming to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Is palliative care the same as end-of-life care?
No, palliative care is not the same as end-of-life care. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and stress at any stage of a serious illness, regardless of prognosis. End-of-life care, which is often used as another term for hospice care, is specifically for patients who have a life expectancy of six months or less and have decided to forgo curative treatments. While both types of care prioritize comfort and quality of life, palliative care is broader and can be received for months or even years before end-of-life care is needed.
Is palliative care the last step before hospice?
When a patient's illness progresses to the point where curative treatments are no longer beneficial, they can be transitioned into hospice care, where the focus shifts from treatment to comfort and quality of life. It’s crucial for healthcare providers, patients, and families to engage in ongoing discussions about goals of care, treatment options, and prognosis to determine the appropriate timing for transitioning to hospice care. While hospice care includes palliative care, in the efforts to treat pain and discomfort, a patient can receive palliative care at any time and for any length of time, and if they are cured of their condition or no longer require palliative care, they can simply go off it, without transitioning into hospice care. Put another way: since the goal of palliative care is to provide comfort while receiving care, the hope is that palliative patients will eventually go off palliative care, without ever needing to transition to hospice care that is only for those at the end of their life.
Patients and their families may have concerns and questions about hospice care, including what services are provided, where care will be delivered, and how to access support. Crossroads offers informational resources, counseling, and support groups to help individuals and families navigate this transition and prepare for the end-of-life journey.
Why do doctors recommend palliative care?
Doctors recommend palliative care to enhance the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses. This specialized medical care focuses on providing relief from symptoms, pain, and stress associated with chronic conditions, regardless of the diagnosis. By addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, palliative care aims to improve overall well-being and can be provided alongside curative treatments. It also facilitates better communication between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that treatment plans align with the patient's goals and preferences.
How long will Medicare pay for palliative care?
There is no set time limit for how long Medicare will pay for palliative care, as it is designed to support individuals with serious illnesses at any stage.