Palliative and Hospice Care: Decoding the Terminology for Families

When a loved one is dealing with a serious health condition, you might feel helpless. You want to do everything you can to alleviate the discomfort, fear, or pain, but are unsure of where to begin. One of the best ways you can help is by learning all that you can about the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options the physician presents.

In particular, you might hear the terms “hospice care” or “palliative care,” and sometimes both interchangeably. Exactly what is the difference between hospice and palliative care? And are either of them appropriate for your loved one?

Our care team has the important information you need to understand more about both of these options. This will help you make a well-informed decision about whether one or the other is suitable for a loved one.

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care can be introduced to help ease symptoms at any time during a critical illness, in spite of life expectancy or any other outcomes. The aim is to help a person better tolerate treatments and also to increase recovery and healing.

Palliative care can be used together with other therapeutic treatment options. It is available for as long as it is required, depending on the type of insurance covering the cost. Some treatments and medications may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance plans. It is important to ask questions about policy coverage and to learn about any potential out of pocket costs such as premiums, deductibles, copayments, etc.

What Is Hospice Care?

Similar to palliative care, hospice care is intended to give comfort. However, the aim of hospice care shifts from recovery-based treatment to enhancing quality of life near the end of life. It is recommended when the physician determines that life expectancy is six months or less.

It is 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 symptoms, while offering emotional and spiritual support – both to the person receiving care and their family. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover the cost for hospice.

What About 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 Morning Glory Home Care, works side by side with the palliative or hospice care provider. The services we provide are an invaluable component of the person’s holistic care needs. Our care professionals can fill in the gaps between home health care visits to assist with:

• 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 comforting or enjoyable
• Planning and preparing meals
• Taking care of laundry and light housekeeping
• Running errands, such as picking up groceries and prescriptions
• And much more

If you would like to speak with someone about the issues your family is facing during the emotional time surrounding the need for hospice or palliative care, contact us at 618-667-8400. We’re here for you any time to listen and offer supportive solutions.