Palliative Care vs. Hospice

When faced with a serious illness, understanding possible care options is crucial. Two terms that often come up are palliative care and hospice care. While they share some similarities, they serve different purposes at different stages of illness. In general terms, the objective of both hospice and palliative care is to improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Their primary goal is to provide comfort, alleviate pain, and address the emotional, spiritual, and social needs of patients and their families.

Palliative care is comfort care with or without curative intent. You can receive palliative care while also receiving curative and therapeutic care for an illness, such as chemotherapy, dialysis, or surgery. This type of care can be provided in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, or at home. Palliative care may be a good option for patients dealing with diseases including, but not limited to, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, dementia, and Parkinson's disease.

Hospice is comfort care without curative intent; the patient no longer has curative options or has chosen not to pursue treatment because the side effects outweigh the benefits. With hospice, you will not receive curative treatment for your specific illness, but you will receive medicine that enhances quality of life - such as treatment for high blood pressure or anxiety. Hospice care is specifically for patients who are nearing the end of life, typically with a prognosis of six months or less. While hospice care is typically provided in the patient's home, it can also be delivered in hospice facilities, hospitals, or nursing homes.

Coverage for palliative care services can vary, leading to potential out-of-pocket costs. Medicare, Medicaid, and many insurance plans will cover the medical portions of palliative care. Check with your doctor and insurance to see what may be covered in your situation.

Because hospice care is restricted to patients with a prognosis of six months or less, it limits access for those who might benefit from similar care earlier. Hospice benefits can include pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, 24/7 access to care, nursing, social services, chaplain visits, grief support following a death, and other services deemed appropriate by the hospice agency. Hospice care costs could be paid up to 100% by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, depending on your specific plan.

Both palliative care and hospice care are invaluable services designed to provide patient-centered care, interdisciplinary teams, symptom management, and support for families. Understanding the differences and the appropriate times to choose each can help patients and their families make informed decisions about their care. By prioritizing quality of life, these approaches ensure that patients can spend their time in comfort and dignity, surrounded by the support they need. For more information or to locate a palliative care or hospice care team near you, visit National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at www.nhpco.com.