Difference between Palliative and Hospice Care: Definitions & Eligibility
If you’re afraid of making the wrong choice for yourself or a loved one, don’t be.
The difference between Palliative and Hospice Care, who is eligible, how much does it cost, and does insurance pay for it, are some of the most common questions.
Find clarity and peace of mind as we take a look into the intricate world of palliative and hospice care, breaking down their differences, definitions, and eligibility criteria.
Definition of Palliative Care
Here we will look at the palliative care meaning, and when should someone be offered palliative care.
- It is a specialized form of medical care, to provide relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses.
- It is to enhance quality of life for patients at all stages of illness, whether dealing with cancer, heart failure, or other serious conditions. It isn’t just for end-of-life scenarios.
- It’s not about giving up, but embracing a better quality of life, easing pain, and preserving dignity.
The focus of palliative care is to support:
- Pain and symptom management
- Emotional support
- Communication
- Decision-making assistance
It’s like having an extra layer of support that helps you cope with your health issues.
What makes palliative care unique is its holistic approach — it addresses not just the physical discomfort like pain or nausea, but also emotional challenges like anxiety and depression. This multidisciplinary practice involves various healthcare providers, from doctors and nurses to therapists and counselors.
Now, when should someone be offered palliative care?
- Ideally, it should be introduced early in the patient’s journey to maximize its benefits.
- It can be particularly helpful for elderly people with terminal or long-lasting illnesses as it tailors the care to their specific needs.
Definition of Hospice Care
Hospice care isn’t to hasten or postpone death but to improve the standard of living in the final stages, making every moment count. In a very practical and emotional sense, hospice care:
- Provides meaning and guidance.
- It’s a special kind of care centered on providing support to patients who are in the final stretch of a life-limiting illness, as well as to their families.
- It’s about making sure that you live your remaining time in the most comfortable, dignified, and meaningful way possible.
It doesn’t just focus on the physical aspect of illness — the different stages of hospice care address emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs.
The care team, comprising doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, clergy, and volunteers, works together to support both the patient and their family.
Difference between Palliative and Hospice Care
Is palliative care the same as hospice care?
Not quite — these two terms are often misunderstood or used interchangeably. While both are designed to relieve patients’ pain and discomfort, their primary focus, timing, and settings differ significantly.
- Hospice care primarily caters to patients with a terminal illness, where the prognosis is short, providing relief rather than curative treatments.
- Palliative care can be introduced at any stage of an illness, whether it’s terminal or not. In parallel with curative treatment, it is to enhancing life satisfaction by managing symptoms and side effects.
To understand the key differences between hospice and palliative care, let’s break it down into the following areas:
- Curative vs. comfort care: Hospice care focuses solely on providing relief and avoids curative treatments, whereas palliative care can be paired with curative treatments to improve quality of life and manage symptoms.
- Timing of care: Hospice care is usually initiated when a patient’s prognosis is six months or less. Palliative care, however, can begin at any stage of the illness, irrespective of the prognosis.
- Location of care: Both types of care can be provided in various settings. While hospice care can be delivered at home or in a dedicated facility, palliative care is usually given in a hospital setting.
- Services provided: In hospice care, physical, emotional, and spiritual support are all part of comprehensive care. Meanwhile, palliative care focuses on managing physical symptoms and side effects, as well as addressing emotional and social concerns.
- Eligibility criteria: Patients with terminal illnesses with a prognosis of six months or less typically receive hospice care. Anyone with a serious illness can benefit from palliative care, regardless of their stage or prognosis.
Financial Considerations & Insurance Implications
When it comes to financial considerations, the insurance implications of hospice vs. palliative care come to the fore.
- Home care industry statistics show an alarming trend of potential mistreatment and fraud in some for-profit hospices, with whistleblowers playing a significant role in exposing such wrongdoings.
In the United States:
- Both hospice and palliative care are covered by insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurers. It provides comprehensive support at home, including medication, equipment, nursing visits, and social work support, often with no out-of-pocket expenses.
- Coverage for both generally depends on what insurance plan you’re on and the specific services required.
- Some insurers cover palliative care under the umbrella of medical services, while others may only cover specific palliative treatments.
In the United Kingdom:
- Hospice care is primarily funded through a combination of NHS (National Health Service) support, charitable donations, and fundraising efforts by hospices themselves. The NHS provides some funding to hospices, but it usually does not cover all the costs. As a result, hospices rely significantly on donations from the public, fundraising events, and support from charitable organizations to provide care at no cost to the patient or their family.
- Palliative care services are provided free of charge to patients through the NHS. The NHS funds palliative care for those with serious illnesses to manage pain and other symptoms, and to provide support for the patient and their family. This care can be delivered in various settings, including hospitals, hospices, and at home.
Conclusion
In essence, all hospice care is palliative, offering control over distressing symptoms, but remember, not all palliative care is hospice. It’s a broader spectrum of support that can be accessed at any time during an illness, not just at the end stages.
- Hospice care is a comforting blanket specially woven for those nearing the end of their life’s journey.
- Palliative care is a caring companion walking alongside people battling serious illnesses, no matter the stage or the age.
To decide which one is best it is important to have compassionate, open conversations with doctors and loved ones. The choice is about improving quality of life, easing anxiety, and respecting dignity.
Reach out, ask questions, and find the care that works best for you or your loved one.
FAQ:
Can palliative care be provided alongside curative treatments, and if so, how does this differ from the approach in hospice care?
Yes, palliative care is possible in conjunction with curative treatments. The approach differs from hospice care, which typically begins when curative treatment is no longer possible.
How does the approach to pain and symptom management differ in hospice care and palliative care?
Pain and symptom management in hospice care provides reassurance during the end-of-life phase. In contrast, palliative care manages symptoms and pain throughout an illness, even during curative treatments.
Are there any cultural or religious considerations taken into account in hospice and palliative care?
In both hospice and palliative care, cultural and religious considerations are respected. Care protocols are often tailored to honor the patient’s beliefs and traditions.
How does the involvement of a multidisciplinary team differ between hospice care and palliative care?
The multidisciplinary team in both hospice and palliative care includes doctors, nurses, and social workers. However, in hospice care, the focus is on end-of-life comfort, so there may be clergy or counselors involved, while in palliative care the medical expertise is usually higher.
Can someone switch from palliative care to hospice care if their condition worsens?
Yes, patients can switch from palliative care to hospice care if their condition gets worse.
