Hospice & Palliative Care: Don't be Scared to Use These Services!
Hospice and palliative care are both specialized forms of medical care focused on providing comfort and support to individuals with serious illnesses, but they have distinct differences.
It depends on several things, including your personal circumstances and preferences, as well as legal requirements. Here are some considerations:
Hospice Care
Hospice care is provided to individuals who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or have a life expectancy of six months. The primary goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of life for patients by managing pain and other symptoms, as well as providing emotional, spiritual, and practical support to both patients and their families. Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including the patient's home, hospice centers, hospitals, or skilled nursing facilities.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized medical care for individuals with serious illnesses with the goal of improving the quality of life for patients by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, managing symptoms, and providing support for patients and their families. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness and can be offered alongside curative treatments. It is often provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains, and can be offered in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and in the home.
Confusion around the terms
The word "hospice" is an emotional word. Sometimes, the company will have the work "hospice" as part of their name, but they also provide palliative care. The fact is that it is possible for people to enact either hospice or palliative services, their health improves and the services terminate. During Covid, a hospice company was called into many care facilities because they could bring a higher level of care and additional staff to support residents. While in memory care, a "hospice" company came in at least 3 times to work with my mother on improving her physical strength, speech and provided spiritual support. Once she showed improvement, the services stopped.
Don't be afraid of using the services of a hospice or palliative care company if your care provider says it's needed. They bring an enhanced level of service, equipment, supplies and medical expertise to the table.
Most communities contract with specific service companies. However, if your loved one is not in a community, interview a few providers on your own. Ask them about their case load, and what percentage was focused on the elderly adult.
While hospice and palliative care share similar goals of providing comfort and support to patients with serious illnesses, hospice care is specifically for individuals nearing the end of life, while palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness and can be offered alongside curative treatments. Both forms of care aim to enhance quality of life and provide holistic support to patients and their families during challenging times.
Again, I want to reiterate, it is possible to be in either form of care and improve. Good hospice and palliative care providers are compassionate, seasoned professionals who are there to support both the patient and family. Take advantage of the service if needed. Most also provide bereavement support for families.
Please connect with us if you have additional questions or need support.
Disclaimer: This webpage provides general information and guidance. Individuals should consult with professionals and relevant authorities for personalized advice and recommendations based on their specific circumstances.