Most families who learn about hospice care or palliative care do so at a difficult time in their lives, taking care of a loved one with a serious illness. Some people may use hospice care and palliative care interchangeably, and while both aim to achieve similar goals for the person (palliative means treatment for symptoms), there are differences.
Hospice vs Palliative Defined
Hospice care is specifically for people who have a terminal illness. It focuses on comfort and quality of life. Hospice care is usually provided to patients with an expected life span of less than six months. Receiving hospice care does not mean a person stops receiving other health-related care. It shifts care to focus on managing the symptoms of the illness, rather than curing the illness.
Hospice care can include:
- Pain and symptom control
- Nursing care
- Assistance with daily living
- Emotional care
- Spiritual care
- Social work support
- Medication for the terminal illness
- Family care and caregiver support
- Bereavement support
Palliative care is health-related care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing comfort and quality of life while managing the symptoms of the illness. Palliative care also addresses related emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
Unlike hospice, palliative care may be provided at any point in a serious illness. A patient does not need to have an end-of-life diagnosis to receive it.
Palliative care can also be provided with the intent to manage and/or treat the illness. Consider an individual with a diagnosis of cancer undergoing cancer-specific care. With the diagnosis of cancer, the individual is able to access palliative care to manage symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, etc.
Hospice Care vs. Palliative Care: The Key Difference
One of the easiest ways to reflect on hospice care vs palliative care is to consider the goals of care and the timing of care.
Hospice care usually focuses on the last stage of a terminal illness to provide comfort. Palliative care focuses on people with serious illnesses at any stage to provide comfort.
Hospice care usually requires a terminal illness diagnosis in addition to being hospice care eligible. Palliative care does not require a terminal illness and/or a diagnosis to be eligible (Prognosis of 6 months or less)
Hospice care usually requires a diagnosis of a terminal illness in addition to being hospice care eligible. Palliative care is able to occur alongside the treatment of the illness.
Hospice care focuses on comfort and supportive care for the patient and family. Palliative care focuses on comfort and supportive care for the patient and family.
Palliative care may be provided at home or any of the settings described above. Hospice care may be provided at home or any of the settings described above.
Both approaches value comfort, dignity, communication, and quality of life. The main difference is when they are used and how the patient’s overall treatment goals are structured.
When Might Hospice Care Be Appropriate?
Hospice care may be instituted when an individual has a terminal illness, and the goal of treatment has shifted to achieving comfort for the patient rather than ameliorating the illness. Doctors and hospice staff can evaluate eligibility for patients based on their medical condition and the specific criteria.
Families may want to consider hospice when the patient has:
- A terminal or limiting illness
- Worsening symptoms and increased discomfort
- Frequent trips to the ER or hospital
- Diminishing ability to perform their Activities of Daily Living
- A desire to have comfort and quality of life over invasive medical interventions
- An increased need for support for their existing caregiver(s)
What Does Hospice Care Offer?
Each patient has unique needs, so hospice care is highly individualized.
- Skilled Nursing
Hospice care offers nursing services to help manage and change the symptoms of the illness. Hospice nurses provide support to the caregiving family.
- Pain and Symptom Management
Teams will manage discomfort associated with pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, and anxiety.
- Emotional and Social Support
Hospice care services help people cope with the physical and social challenges caused by the illness.
- Family and Caregiver Support
Hospice offers guidance to the caregiving family.
- Bereavement Support
Post-death grief support and services are available to the caregiving family.
An Example from New Jersey
Consider an older adult living in New Jersey with an advanced limiting illness. The patient discusses end-of-life care with their healthcare team. The patient decides that comfort and time with family are the primary concerns and goals.
The family has the option to bring hospice care NJ services into their home to provide added support. A hospice care team can assist in managing symptoms, organizing care plans, and providing emotional support and guidance to family caregivers.
How Do You Choose Between Hospice and Palliative Care?
This decision is based on the medical condition of the patient and how well it fits with the patient’s goals and the treatment plan.
The following questions can be asked of the health care professional for clarity on the situation:
- What are the goals of this current treatment?
- Is this a life-limiting illness?
- Can palliative care coexist with this given treatment?
- What services can be offered at the home?
- What support can be given to family caregivers?
Finding Hospice Care Near You
Searching for “hospice care near me” will result in many providers. However, prospective families should look beyond proximity. The provider’s experience, offered services, care settings, communication practices, staff qualifications, and family support are all things to consider. Check if the organization can provide the services your family needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is hospice care and palliative care the same thing?
No. While both aim to enhance comfort and quality of life, hospice care is for people in the last stages of an expected terminal illness. Palliative care may be used in any stage of a serious illness and can be used with treatment, whereas hospice care is only meant for a terminal illness.
2. Can a patient receive palliative care and treatment simultaneously?
Yes. Quite often, palliative care can be administered in conjunction with treatment for the illness. Symptom management and enhancing quality of life are the objectives of such care.
3. When would a family consider hospice care?
When a family member has a terminal condition, and the aim is set for comfort care only, the family can consider hospice care. A physician can aid in this decision.
4. How can I get hospice care in New Jersey?
You can inquire with your physician. You can also research the location to see what providers are available and how their services and support offered to families differ.
Conclusion
Having a grasp of what hospice care and what palliative care offers can help families choose care that fits the preferences and wishes of their family members. Both strive for the same objectives of comfort and dignity.
Faith Hospice Care in New Jersey offers the needed support to patients and families at the most difficult and trying times of their lives.
The patients suffering from serious and life-limiting conditions are cared for and supported at every stage of the journey to comfort. For therapy management and emotional support for caregivers, call Faith Hospice Care for hospice services in your area.
