Palliative Care vs Hospice Care: Myths, Facts, and What Families Should Know

While suffering from a serious or terminal illness, understanding the difference between palliative care and hospice care is very crucial. While both of the services aim to relieve pain and improve the quality of life, they differ in scope, timing, and objectives. This article explores palliative vs hospice care, the common myths, and all the relevant information to assist families in making informed healthcare decisions.

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Understanding Palliative Care

Palliative care involves offering comfort and care to patients suffering from serious or life-threatening conditions. It helps provide relief from the symptoms and physical and mental stress related to the disease.  

Scope and Objectives of Palliative Care

Palliative care primarily aims at offering comfort and helping alleviate pain and symptoms through early identification, assessment, and treatment. This approach allows the patient to access physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support as per their individual needs. 

When and Where It Is Provided

One can even access the services early in the course of an illness and alongside curative treatments. It is available in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and at home.

Services Included

Nurse Next Door’s in-home palliative care services include:

• Alleviating the pain  
• Symptom management
• Emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual support 
• Family support and education
• Avoiding injuries and falls 
• Support for daily activities 

Globally, only 1 in 10 people are receiving the required palliative care services. 

Understanding Hospice Care

Hospice care involves offering care to patients in the final stages of a terminal illness. It provides the patients with comfort and support, particularly when curative treatments are no longer possible.

Scope and Objectives of Hospice Care

Hospice care aims to offer comfort and support without curative intent. It primarily treats terminally ill patients with a prognosis of six months or less. This approach helps them enhance their quality of life by addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.  

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for accessing hospice care services requires a prognosis of six months or less, certified by a physician.

Services Included in Hospice Care

Nurse Next Door’s in-home hospice care services include: 

• Pain relief 
• Symptom management 
• Emotional, psychological, and spiritual support 
• Bereavement support for families
• Guiding and educating the family 
• Assisting clients in fulfilling their personal wishes

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Settings Where Hospice Care Is Provided

Patients can access hospice care in various settings, including the patient’s home, hospice centers, hospitals, and nursing homes, based on their particular preferences and requirements.

Palliative Care Vs Hospice Care

Although both palliative and hospice care aim to enhance the quality of life, they still differ in their timing, treatment goals, and settings.

Treatment Goal

Palliative care primarily focuses on relieving pain and other associated symptoms of the disease along with providing mental, social, and emotional support. During this, the patient continues to receive their other treatments. 

Hospice care focuses on offering comfort and care to terminally ill patients and concentrates on end-of-life care. In this care, the patient does not receive any curative treatment.

Palliative Vs Hospice Care Timing 

Palliative care can start from any point throughout the course of the disease. One may access it during early diagnosis and treatment, alongside other curative treatments. On the other hand, hospice care is only offered to individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less as per their physician’s estimate. 

Common Myths and Facts

Misconceptions regarding palliative and hospice care are common. However, these myths can misguide people and make them hesitant to access the services. Below are some common myths and their corresponding facts that one needs to be aware of:

Myth: Palliative care is the same as hospice care.

Fact: While both target improving the lifestyle and overall health of individuals, they differ significantly. Palliative care is suitable at any stage of the disease, and one can access it alongside curative treatment. However, Hospice care is particularly intended for terminally ill patients who are no longer receiving any other treatment and are nearing the end of life. 

Myth: Palliative care is only for patients at the end-of-life stage.​

Fact: Palliative care offers comfort and support to patients at any stage of a serious illness, not just the terminal phase. It focuses on symptom management, pain relief, and improving quality of life. Also, the patient can receive treatments aimed at curing the illness. ​

Myth: You can only access hospice care services in a facility.​

Fact: Hospice care is available in various settings, including the patient’s home, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospice centers, depending on the patient’s preferences and needs.

Benefits of Early Integration

• Improved Quality of Life: Early palliative care helps control pain, fatigue, and emotional distress, improving day-to-day comfort.
• Potential for Extended Survival: Studies indicate that early integration may increase the survival rates in some cancers.
• Reduced Hospitalizations: Patients may face fewer ER visits and ICU stays. 
• Improved Mood & Satisfaction: Patients report less depression and greater satisfaction with care. 

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Guidance for Families

Assessing care needs involves evaluating the symptoms, emotional support, and care goals. Talk openly with healthcare and home care providers about your goals and preferences. Home healthcare agencies like Nurse Next Door focus on comfort, independence, and personalized support. Book a Caring Consult today to learn more about the services and make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between palliative and hospice care helps families choose the right support at the right time. Palliative care is for serious illnesses at any stage, while hospice care is for the client’s final chapter of life. Nurse Next Door provides compassionate, personalized, and holistic 24/7 care at home to maintain dignity and quality of life. Uplift your loved one’s quality of life today.