Navigating End-of-Life Care: Hospice and Palliative Care Resources for Seniors and Caregivers

For some seniors, end-of-life care becomes a necessity. But how do you navigate end-of-life care? What types of care are available? The good news is, you’re in the right place. Here’s what you need to know about end-of-life care.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is a type of health care that provides support and comfort to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives. This comprehensive service focuses on alleviating pain and distress while providing emotional and spiritual support to the patient and their family. Patients can receive this type of care in several different places, including their homes or long-term care facility.

Typically, a hospice team consists of doctors, nurses, social workers, and volunteers. The staff works together to manage the patient’s symptoms and, above all, provide comfort. Hospice care also provides grief support to the family members after the patient’s death. Generally, hospice care is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans.

Hospice care may be appropriate if your loved one:

• is not receiving curative treatment for their illness
• has a life expectancy of six months or less
• has decided to focus on comfort and quality of life instead of a cure

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is similar to hospice care, but there are a few key differences. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be provided at any stage of the disease, from diagnosis to end-of-life. Palliative care focuses on improving the patient’s quality of life. In addition to hospitals, patients can also receive care in long-term care facilities or their homes. Palliative care teams generally consist of doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains.

Palliative care may be appropriate for someone who:

• is dealing with a chronic or complex illness that requires specialized care
• is experiencing significant symptoms related to their illness
• would benefit from physical, emotional, and spiritual support

What to Expect During End-of-Life Care

Hospice and palliative care are individualized to each patient’s needs and goals. Here are some aspects of care you can expect:

• A focus on managing symptoms and providing comfort.
• An interdisciplinary team to manage the patient’s medical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Patients can still receive medical treatments and therapies as needed.
• Support for the patient’s family during and after the care process.

End-of-life care can feel scary, but understanding what to expect can help make the process easier. Of course, the hospice and palliative care team will provide support and guidance. Additionally, it’s their job to create a personalized care plan that takes into account your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Hospice and Palliative Care Resources

A good first step is to talk to your doctor. They’ll be able to tell you what type of care that would be best for you or your loved one. In addition, you can find hospice and palliative care providers in your area by using online resources, such as the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s provider directory or Medicare’s hospice compare tool. Below are some other great online resources that may aid you in your quest to find end-of-life care:

• GetPalliativeCare.org
• MACRA National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care
• Caring Connections

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