Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care
Hospice care focuses on the terminally ill and their families.
By standard definition, terminal is a life expectancy of no more than six months. When cure is no longer an option, hospice provides the comfort, support, and care needed during the terminal process and the bereavement period.
Hospice is a philosophy of care that promotes quality of life by enhancing comfort for such individuals with dignity as a fundamental goal of care. When time is of the essence, we at Gifted Hearts Hospice and Palliative Care are dedicated to ensuring that patients and their loved ones are able to focus on cherishing their final moments together.
Hospice is intimately linked with palliative care in that they both offer compassionate service to relieve pain, increase comfort and improve quality of life for patients experiencing the challenges of severe illness.
Palliative care focuses on those with serious illnesses which may or may not be terminal.
Palliative care provides comfort and symptom relief during the difficult seasons of infirmity. It may be pursued at any stage of the disease process from diagnosis to the end of life. Palliative care is often provided during the curative phase of an illness.
Both of these essential services are performed in the patient’s own residence. This includes the home, nursing home or assisted living facility. In acute situations when symptom control cannot be achieved in these settings, a short stay in a hospital or other medical establishment is recommended for inpatient hospice care.
When to consider hospice
Our Motto at Gifted Hearts Hospice and Palliative Care is "Live until you Leave.” Waiting too long before pursuing this specific form of care may mean missing out on the opportunity to really live the final moments.
The time to consider hospice is when the illness creates the following:
-Frequent hospitalizations and visits to the ER
-Recurring infections and changes in body composition
-Progressive weight loss with loss of appetite
-Uncontrolled symptoms—pain, shortness of breath, decreased alertness.
-Rapid decline despite aggressive curative treatment
When to consider palliative care
A diagnosis of serious illness or chronic disorder should include information about palliative care along with medical treatment choices.
The time to consider palliative care is when the patient faces the following:
-Diminished quality of life
-Recurring symptoms requiring repeat hospital care
-Stress from illness: emotional, spiritual, or familial
-Curative treatment side effects
-Decisions about medical treatments, options, and resources
