What’s the Difference Between Hospice Care and Palliative Care?

What’s the Difference Between Hospice Care and Palliative Care?

When considering care options for your loved one, the amount of new information can be overwhelming.

It’s difficult enough to make an important decision when you have all the information, but even more so when the information is new and unfamiliar.

One of the first and most basic questions when dealing with the end-of-life stage is the difference between hospice care and palliative care.

Despite the two methods of care being quite different, they are tightly connected. This is because palliative care can often lead to hospice care, depending on the age of the patient and the severity of his or her illness, so it’s a good idea to understand both.

For this reason, we’ve assembled a helpful guide on what makes hospice care and palliative care different, and why it’s important to know the difference.

What is Hospice Care?

In short, hospice care is designed to accommodate patients with a terminal illness.

That means that treatment for the patients no longer has the intent to cure, but, rather, the intent to make the end of life as comfortable as possible.

While this includes traditional treatments for pain like medication, hospice care also utilizes emotional and psychological treatments by way of music therapists, social workers, and religious figures. Not only can these individuals be an enjoyable presence, but they can also help guide you and your loved one through the grieving process.

What is Palliative Care?

While hospice care is intended for terminally ill patients, palliative care is intended for patients who are expected to recover. These patients typically involve those who have a chronic disease and need daily aid in living their lives, whether it be through medication schedules, dealing with side effects, or simply moving around.

It should be noted that palliative care isn’t designed to cure patients, but rather to serve as an addendum to an existing plan of treatment. Think of it not as a method of healing, but as providing an environment conducive to healing. 

Hospice Care and Palliative Care: It’s Important to Know the Difference

Now that the major differences between hospice care and palliative care have been laid out, you can make a more informed decision as to the future of your loved one.

For terminally ill patients seeking physical and psychological comfort in their final years, hospice care is the best option. For patients that still have an expectation to recover and merely need daily help in living their lives, palliative care is likely what you’re looking for.

No matter which option you choose, you can rest assured that the nurses and staff at the care facilities will do everything in their power to make your loved one’s stay as pleasant as possible.

Are you considering hospice care for your loved one? Reach out to Divinity Hospice online or by phone (281-339-7079). We’ll give your loved one the respect, attention, and personalized care they deserve.