Palliative Care vs Hospice Care: What’s The Difference?

Palliative care and hospice care are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Both palliative care and hospice care focus on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, but there are some key differences between the two.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a type of care that is focused on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. It is provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains, who work together to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. The goal of palliative care is to relieve symptoms and improve the patient’s overall well-being.

Palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness, from the time of diagnosis through the end of life. It is not limited to patients who are expected to die soon. Palliative care can be provided in a hospital, at home, or in a long-term care facility.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is a type of care that is focused on providing comfort and support to patients with a terminal illness. The goal of hospice care is to help patients live as comfortably and independently as possible in the final stages of their illness. Hospice care is usually provided in the patient’s home, but it can also be provided in a hospital, hospice facility, or long-term care facility.

Hospice care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains, who work together to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. The team also provides support to the patient’s family members and caregivers.

Palliative Care vs Hospice Care

While both palliative care and hospice care focus on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, there are some key differences between the two.

1. Timing

Palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness, from the time of diagnosis through the end of life. Hospice care, on the other hand, is only provided when the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less.

2. Goals

The goals of palliative care and hospice care are different. Palliative care focuses on improving the patient’s quality of life, relieving symptoms, and managing pain. Hospice care, on the other hand, focuses on providing comfort and support to patients who are in the final stages of their illness.

3. Setting

Palliative care can be provided in a hospital, at home, or in a long-term care facility. Hospice care is usually provided in the patient’s home, but it can also be provided in a hospital, hospice facility, or long-term care facility.

4. Payment

Palliative care is often covered by health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. Hospice care is covered by Medicare and Medicaid, as well as some private health insurance plans.

5. Prognosis

Patients who receive palliative care may or may not have a terminal illness. Hospice care is only provided to patients who have a terminal illness and are expected to die within six months.

6. Treatment Options

Patients who receive palliative care may continue to receive treatment for their illness, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Patients who receive hospice care do not receive curative treatment for their illness, but they may receive treatments to manage pain and other symptoms.

7. Caregiver Support

Both palliative care and hospice care provide support to the patient’s family members and caregivers. However, hospice care places a greater emphasis on providing emotional and spiritual support to the patient’s family members and caregivers.