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Hospice vs. Palliative Care: How Do They Differ?

Sep 02, 2024
A serious illness is a challenging journey requiring compassionate care and support. Hospice and palliative care offer unique approaches to managing this journey, each tailored to enhance comfort and quality of life.

Navigating the complexities of serious illness can be overwhelming, and understanding the types of care available is crucial for making informed decisions. 24/7 Care At Home offers Home health, hospice, and palliative care, each providing high-quality, comprehensive support to patients and their families. 

While these types of care share some similarities, they differ in their goals. Knowing these differences can help you choose the best option for your loved one. 24/7 Care At Home provides patients and their families with tailored care to meet their needs and compassionate, around-the-clock support.

Hospice care

Hospice care is intended for patients diagnosed with a limited life expectancy. Our service focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatments. 

The goals are to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Our clinical team is dedicated to creating personalized care plans that prioritize the patient’s comfort, providing pain and symptom management, emotional support, and assistance with daily activities.

An essential aspect of hospice care is supporting the patient and their family. Our providers work closely with families to ensure they receive the necessary resources, education, and support to cope with the challenges of end-of-life care. 

Our hospice care takes place in the comfort of the patient’s home, allowing them to spend their days in a familiar and loving environment surrounded by family and friends. Our team is available 24 hours, seven days a week, to provide continuous support, ensuring peace and dignity for the patient and their family.

Palliative care

Palliative care is designed for patients experiencing serious, life-threatening illnesses, regardless of the stage of the disease or prognosis. Palliative care can be provided with or without curative treatments. 

The primary goal is to improve the patient’s quality of life by alleviating pain, nausea, fatigue, and emotional distress. Our specialists collaborate with the patient’s healthcare team to integrate palliative care into their treatment plan.

Palliative care focuses on addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the patient’s experience. Our team helps patients maintain their strength and vitality during challenging times. 

This approach supports the patient’s ability to continue pursuing treatments that may extend or improve their life while ensuring they receive the highest level of comfort and care.

Choosing the right care

Deciding between hospice and palliative care depends on the patient’s circumstances, goals, and preferences. If curative treatment is no longer an option, or the patient has chosen to focus solely on comfort and quality of life, hospice care may be the appropriate choice. 

Alternatively, palliative care might be the better option if the patient is still receiving active treatment and aims to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. 24/7 Care at Home is dedicated to helping you navigate these important decisions. 

We strive to provide compassionate and expert care tailored to your needs. We understand that each patient and family is unique, and we’re committed to offering personalized support that respects your values and priorities.

If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, we invite you to contact our team to discuss your options and find the best path forward. Our experienced providers are here to offer guidance, support, and exceptional care. Contact us at 800-651-5371 today to learn more about how we can help you achieve the best possible quality of life.