Is There a Difference Between Hospice Care and Palliative Care?

For some people, “hospice care” and “palliative care” might be synonymous. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth! While both forms of care share some similarities, they’re also different in many ways. But what are those differences? In what ways are they similar? If you’re on the hunt for answers about hospice and palliative care, don’t go away. Keep reading to find out more about these two forms of care and figure out which one is the best fit for you.

What Is Hospice Care?

Hospice is a specialized type of medical care provided to individuals with a terminal illness or condition. The primary goal of hospice care is to provide comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients who are nearing the end of life. Hospice care is administered when a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less and a cure is no longer an option. This type of care is person-centered, encompassing the patient, their families, and their caregivers.

Hospice care typically involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. This team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors, spiritual care providers, and volunteers. Once assembled, the team works collaboratively to develop a comprehensive care plan that meets the unique needs of each patient and family. Additionally, the hospice team works closely with patients’ primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure that all the patient’s wishes and needs are met.

Hospice care is primarily provided in patients’ homes, allowing them to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment surrounded by loved ones. However, patients can also receive hospice care in hospice facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or inpatient hospice units.

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms associated with a serious illness. The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families facing serious illness by addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with serious illnesses. This includes medication management, pain relief techniques, and other supportive therapies to alleviate suffering and improve comfort. Like hospice, palliative care places a strong emphasis on patient and family-centered care. Family members and caregivers are provided with education and support to help them cope with the challenges.

Palliative care can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and patients’ homes. A great addition to curative treatments, it’s often integrated into comprehensive care plans. Overall, palliative care provides comprehensive, compassionate support to individuals and families facing serious illness.

What Are the Differences Between Hospice and Palliative Care?

Now that we’ve gone over what palliative and hospice care are, let’s do a little comparison!

Goal and Focus

• Palliative Care:
  Palliative care aims to provide relief from symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and emotional distress, while also addressing the psychosocial, spiritual, and practical needs of patients and their families.
• Hospice Care:
  Hospice care is specifically designed for patients with a terminal illness who have a life expectancy of six months or less. The primary goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and support to patients in the final stages of their illness, focusing on symptom management, pain relief, and emotional and spiritual support for both patients and their families.

Timing of Initiation

• Palliative Care:
• Palliative care can be initiated at any stage of a serious illness, from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, or end-of-life care. Patients may receive palliative care concurrently with curative treatment or disease-modifying therapies.
• Hospice Care:
  Hospice care is typically initiated when curative treatment options are no longer effective or desired. Patients may transition to hospice care when they have a prognosis of six months or less to live, as determined by a physician.

Setting of Care

• Palliative Care:
  Palliative care can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and patients’ homes.
• Hospice Care:
  Hospice care is primarily provided in patients’ homes. However, patients can also receive this type of care in hospice facilities, nursing homes, or inpatient hospice units. The goal is to provide patients with comfort and support in a familiar and supportive environment.

Coverage and Payment

• Palliative Care:
  Palliative care services may be covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, depending on the provider and setting of care. Coverage can vary based on the specific services offered and the patient’s insurance plan.
• Hospice Care:
  Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Medicare’s hospice benefit covers all services related to terminal illness. This includes medications, medical equipment, and support services, with little to no out-of-pocket costs for patients and their families.

Who Should Choose Hospice Care?

Patients who choose hospice care typically have a terminal illness or condition with a prognosis of six months or less to live. Several factors may influence a patient’s decision to opt for hospice care, including the following:

• Terminal Illness: Patients who’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness or condition may choose hospice care.
• Declining Health: Patients whose health has significantly declined may opt for hospice care.
• Desire to Focus on Comfort: Patients who desire comfort, quality of life, and dignity in the final stages of life may choose hospice care.
• Preference for Home-Based Care: Many patients prefer to receive hospice care in the comfort of their own homes.
• End-of-Life Planning: Patients who have made decisions about their end-of-life care preferences and wish to receive care that aligns with their goals and values may choose hospice care.
• Family Support: Patients with supportive family members or caregivers who are willing and able to provide care and emotional support may choose hospice care.

Who Should Choose Palliative Care?

Palliative care is appropriate for individuals living with a serious illness. Several factors that may indicate that a patient could benefit from palliative care include:

• Serious Illness Diagnosis: Patients with a serious, life-limiting illness, such as cancer or kidney disease, may benefit from palliative care.
• Complex Symptoms: Patients who are experiencing complex physical symptoms may benefit from palliative care.
• Emotional Distress: Patients who are experiencing emotional distress related to their illness may benefit from palliative care.
• Treatment Decision-Making: Patients who are facing difficult decisions about their medical treatment options may benefit from palliative care.
• Need for Care Coordination: Patients who require coordination of care across multiple healthcare providers and settings may benefit from palliative care.
• Desire for Supportive Care: Patients who desire additional support, education, and resources to help them cope with the challenges of living with a serious illness may benefit from palliative care.

Bottom Line

While both palliative care and hospice care focus on providing comfort and support to individuals with serious illnesses, there are key differences between them. Palliative care is broader in scope and can be provided at any stage of a serious illness. Meanwhile, hospice care is specifically for patients with a terminal prognosis and focuses on end-of-life comfort and support.

If you still need more information about hospice and palliative care, make sure to check out these great articles next!

• How Long Can Someone Be in Hospice?
• 10 Things to Know about Hospice Care
• Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Hospice?
• How Much Does Hospice Care Cost?
• How to Choose a Hospice Care Program
• 8 Myths About Hospice Care BUSTED
• Navigating End-of-Life Care: Hospice and Palliative Care Resources for Seniors and Caregivers