Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care: Know the Difference
The confusion between palliative care and hospice care can be prevented by learning what makes them different. They have some similarities, but the differences are the most important to take into account when finding the right care for your loved one. Continue reading to learn the similarities and differences of palliative care and hospice care.
Palliative Care and Hospice Care: Similarities and Differences
Similarities:
- As comfort care, palliative and hospice care focus on managing symptoms and relieving pain.
- The majority of palliative care patients and hospice patients have already been hospitalized on more than one occasion.
- Quality of life is improved through palliative care as well as hospice care.
- Palliative care and hospice care are both designed to help patients and their loved ones cope.
Differences:
| Palliative Care | Hospice Care |
| Palliative care can be administered at any stage of the patient’s illness. | Hospice care is administered at a prognosis of 6 months or less. |
| Palliative care is typically provided in a healthcare setting. | Hospice care is typically provided in a nursing facility or at the patient’s home. |
| Palliative care is used in hopes to cure the patient’s disease and lessen symptoms. | Hospice care is not focused on a cure. Rather, it is used to alleviate the patient’s suffering before they pass. |
| Palliative care is focused on easing both physical and psychological pain, treating symptoms, and extending and increasing the quality of life. | Hospice care is meant to comfort those with fatal diseases that are in their final moments of life. |
At Richmond Health Care Center, we provide quality hospice and palliative care for our residents and ensure they are comfortable and able to live their lives as fully as possible during this difficult time. Give us a call today at 281-238-8006 to learn more.