Many people confuse hospice and palliative care, mistakenly thinking they are the same. While they both serve the purpose of providing pain and symptom relief, the patient prognosis and treatment goals are often different. Understanding the differences between these two types of care is essential for helping individuals make the right decisions.
What Do Hospice and Palliative Care Have In Common?
When individuals are searching for hospice near me, it is important they understand their options. Before delving into the differences between the two, it is helpful to understand how they relate to one another. Both of these services are aimed at helping people find physical and mental relief during a serious illness. Both of these types of care help to reduce patient and family stress. Caregivers in both types of services offer complex symptom relief for patients of all ages.
Hospice and Palliative Care Differences Explained
There are a few differences between these two types of services. Those who require this type of care need to understand the differences between hospice and palliative care, so they can make the right decision for their needs. The following offers insight into some of the key differences between these two types of care.
Eligibility
One of the biggest differences between these two types of care is eligibility. Hospice eligibility requires two doctors to certify the patient has less than six months to live. Palliative care is begun whenever a physician sees fit. It can be started in any stage of an illness, even if the illness is not terminal.
Teams
Another key difference between the two types of care is the teams that are involved. While both offer interdisciplinary teams, the teams in hospice often have different treatment goals than those in palliative care.
Costs
It is important to note that hospice care is paid 100% by all private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. Palliative care costs can vary and may involve out-of-pocket costs for the patient and their family.
Location of Care
Hospice and palliative care also differ on where they are administered. Hospice care is typically given in the patient’s home. Because patients in hospice do not have long to live, they are given the dignity of spending time at home, surrounded by their families and the familiar. Palliative care is most often provided in a hospital setting.
Choosing the Right Care Services Is Important
No matter the type of illness or its prognosis, choosing the right healthcare services is essential. As stated above, hospice care is more appropriate for those who are nearing the end of their lives due to a serious illness that has no cure or cannot be treated further.
Palliative care is beneficial in many types of illnesses, even those that can be treated effectively. No matter which option a person chooses, it is imperative they learn as much as possible about their options so they can make the best decision for their healthcare needs.
Conclusion
While there are many similarities, there are also direct differences between hospice and palliative care. This guide has offered information on the differences and should help individuals make a more informed choice for their health or the care needs of a loved one.
Serious illnesses are difficult to go through, but hospice and palliative care make a big difference in patient wellbeing. With this care, patients can ensure their symptoms are controlled and they feel much more comfortable through treatment.