Palliative Care and Hospice

Palliative care and hospice care are types of healthcare that focus on improving the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses, but they differ in their goals, timing, and scope of services.

Palliative Care

Palliative care, often misunderstood and underutilized, is a specialized form of medical care aimed at providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Here are some lesser-known facts about palliative care:

Not Limited to End-of-Life Care: Unlike hospice care, palliative care is not just for end-of-life situations. It can be provided at any stage of a serious illness and alongside curative treatments.
Wide Range of Illnesses: Palliative care is applicable for various chronic illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, and many others.
Focuses on Improving Quality of Life: The primary goal of palliative care is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family by addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
Involves an Interdisciplinary Team: Palliative care is provided by a team of specialists, including doctors, nurses, and other professionals like social workers, nutritionists, and therapists, who work together to provide an extra layer of support.
Not Location Specific: While hospice care is often provided at home, palliative care can be offered in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and at home.
Symptom Management: Palliative care specializes in managing complex symptoms like pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and depression.
Enhances Communication: Palliative care teams help facilitate communication among patients, families, and other doctors to ensure that there is a clear understanding of the patient’s needs and treatment options.
Supports Emotional and Spiritual Well-being: Beyond physical symptoms, palliative care addresses emotional and spiritual concerns, offering counseling and support.
Can Extend Life: Studies have shown that palliative care can not only improve quality of life but also extend life in some cases, contrary to the common misconception that it hastens death.
Covered by Insurance: Like hospice care, palliative care is generally covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans.
Not a One-Time Service: Palliative care can be an ongoing service that adjusts to the patient’s needs over time, rather than a one-time intervention.

Hospice

Hospice care, often misunderstood, is an important part of the healthcare system, focusing on the quality of life for people who are in the advanced stages of a terminal illness. Here are some lesser-known aspects of hospice care:

Not Just for Cancer Patients: While many associate hospice care with cancer patients, it actually serves people with a variety of terminal conditions, including end-stage heart disease, lung disease, Alzheimer's, and more.
Home-Based Care: Hospice care is often provided in the patient's home, allowing them to stay in a familiar and comfortable environment. This approach can provide significant emotional and psychological benefits.
Focus on Comfort, Not Cure: The primary goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and quality of life, rather than to cure the illness. This includes managing pain and other symptoms, and providing emotional and spiritual support.
Family Support: Hospice care extends beyond the patient. It includes support for family members, helping them cope with emotional challenges and providing guidance on how to care for their loved one.
Interdisciplinary Team Approach: Hospice care involves a team of professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and spiritual counselors, who work together to address all aspects of a patient's well-being.
Bereavement Support: Hospice care doesn't end with the patient's death. Bereavement support is offered to families to help them through their grief and adjust to life after the loss.
No Strict Time Limits: Although hospice care is generally for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, there are no strict time limits. Care can continue as long as the hospice team believes it's necessary and beneficial.
Includes Various Therapies: Hospice care can include a variety of therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and even music or art therapy, to improve quality of life.
Covered by Most Insurance Plans: Hospice care is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans, making it accessible to a wide range of patients.
Volunteer Involvement: Volunteers play a crucial role in hospice care, providing companionship, respite for caregivers, and various forms of support.

Things to Know About Hospice

01.

Home hospice does not provide around the clock in home help. Asking for help for overnights and weekends is important.

02.

Hospice might take up to 5 days to get home hospice in place. Ask family, friends, or church people to help.

03.

It is ok to change agencies. Find one that works for you.

04.

Hospice will provide the needed equipment to include a hospital bed.

05.

The process might feel overwhelming and rushed.

06.

They will provide and "Comfort Kit." These are medication to help relieve symptoms such as pain and anxiety.

07.

Medication can be in liquid form in case your loved one has trouble swallowing.

08.

You can start hospice at home, and move your loved one to a hospice facility.

09.

Hospice will provide other types of non- medical care. Ask for people to read to , sing to, and companionship. They can be there just to listen. Ask what volunteers services are availably for your and your care recipient.

10.

Hospice will continue services to the family for up to a year after your care recipient is gone.