Our care experts detail how palliative care and hospice care differ.
When a person you love is living with a serious health condition, you might feel helpless. You want to do everything you can to ease the discomfort, fear, or pain, but are uncertain where to begin. One of the best ways you can help is by learning whatever you can in regards to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options their healthcare provider presents.
In particular, you might hear the terms “hospice care” or “palliative care,” and frequently both interchangeably. What is the difference between palliative and hospice care? And are either of them right for your family member?
Our caregivers have the information you need to understand how palliative care and hospice care differ. This can help you make an educated decision about whether one or the other is appropriate for your family member.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care can be introduced to help ease symptoms at any stage during a serious illness, irrespective of life expectancy or any other outcomes. The aim is to help a person better tolerate medical treatments and also to increase recovery and healing.
Palliative care may be used together with other therapeutic treatment options. It is available for as long as it is required, depending on the kind of insurance covering the expense. Some medications and treatments may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or private health insurance plans. It is important to ask questions about policy coverage and to learn about any potential out of pocket costs such as premiums, deductibles, or copayments.
What Is Hospice Care?
Similar to palliative care, hospice care is meant to supply comfort. However, the purpose of hospice care shifts from recovery-based treatment to enhancing quality of life near the end of life. It is recommended if the physician determines that life span is six months or less.
It is important to be aware that hospice care is not about passing away; it’s about living as comfortably as possible. Hospice care offers relief from pain and other physical ailments, while giving emotional and spiritual support – both to the person getting care and their loved ones. Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance firms cover the cost for hospice.
What About Home Care?
Both palliative and hospice care can be offered in the comfort of the person’s home. A non-medical in-home care company, like Inspired Home Care, works in tandem with the palliative or hospice care provider. The services we offer are a crucial component to the person’s holistic care needs. Our caregivers can fill in the gaps between home health care visits to help with:
- Looking out for and reporting any changes in condition
- Enabling loved ones to take much-needed time off from care
- Providing companionship for conversations and any activities the person finds enjoyable or comforting
- Planning and preparing meals
- Tending to light housekeeping and laundry
- Running errands, such as picking up prescriptions and groceries
- And much more
If you would like to speak with someone about the issues your family are facing during the emotional time surrounding the need for palliative or hospice care, give us a call at 847-787-7572 or contact us online. We’re here for you any time to listen and offer supportive solutions.