Is there a difference between palliative vs. hospice care?
When a person you love is dealing with a serious health issue, you might feel helpless. You want to do everything you can to ease the pain, discomfort, or fear, but are unsure how to proceed. One of the most effective ways to provide support is simply by learning everything you can in regards to the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment plans the doctor presents.
Specifically, you might hear the terms “hospice care” or “palliative care,” and frequently both interchangeably. What exactly is the difference between palliative vs. hospice care? And are either of them appropriate for your family member?
Our care team has the information you need to learn more about both these options. This can help you make a more informed decision about whether one or the other is suitable for your loved one.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care can be introduced to relieve symptoms at any stage during a significant illness, in spite of life expectancy or other outcomes. The aim is to help a person better tolerate medical treatments and also to promote recovery and healing.
Palliative care may be used in conjunction with other curative treatment methods. It is accessible for as long as it is necessary, depending on the type of insurance covering the cost. Some treatments and medications may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance plans. It’s critical to ask questions about policy coverage and to learn about any potential out of pocket costs such as deductibles, copays, premiums, etc.
What Is Hospice Care?
Like palliative care, hospice care is meant to provide comfort. However, the purpose of hospice care changes from recovery-based treatment to enhancing quality of life close to the end of life. It is recommended when the doctor certifies that life expectancy is six months or less.
It’s important to mention that hospice care is not about dying; it’s about living as comfortably as possible. Hospice care provides relief from pain as well as other physical issues, while offering spiritual and emotional support – both to the person receiving care and their family. Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance providers cover the cost for hospice.
What About In-Home Care?
Both hospice and palliative care can be offered in the comfort of a person’s home. A non-medical home care company, like Anthem Home Care, works in tandem with the hospice or palliative care provider. The services we provide are an important component to the person’s holistic care needs. Our staff can fill in the gaps between home health care visits to help with:
- Planning and preparing meals
- Tending to laundry and light housekeeping
- Looking out for and reporting any changes in condition
- Allowing family members to take much-needed breaks from care
- Providing companionship for conversations and any activities the person finds enjoyable or comforting
- Running errands, such as picking up groceries and prescriptions
- And much more
If you would like to speak with someone about what your family is facing during the emotional time surrounding the need for palliative or hospice care, give us a call at 361-643-2323 or contact us online. We are here for you any time to listen and provide supportive solutions.