End of Life Care Versus Palliative Care
Sometimes the words we use to describe the care our loved ones receive all blend together. Hospice care, palliative care, end-of-life care, elder care...aren't they all the same things? You might be surprised to learn that each of these services is distinct and different, each offering different kinds of services and benefits, and also have separate restrictions.
Today, let's take a brief look at end-of-life care versus palliative care.
Palliative care might better be known as comfort care. It is a level of care for patients with a terminal or chronic illness or disease. Palliative care can be given at any point in life and at any stage of an illness. Much of the care might have an expectation …show more content…
Care often starts at a hospital but may transition to a nursing home, assisted living facility, or even the patient's own property.
End-of-life care and hospice care are very similar. These care types are designed to assist a person when dying is imminent (typically withing six months). Palliative services may be provided during a hospice stay, since the patient's comfort and care is a primary concern during end-of-life treatment. One major difference would be in the type of treatment administered. In hospice care, life-extending treatments are not the focus, comfort is.
Hospice care is often provided in the patient's home if 24-hour care is not necessary. If full-care is essential, care can be provided in a nursing home. The family members are usually part of the hospice team.
Another major difference between palliative care and end-of-life care is the payment options available. For hospice care, you will want to check and see what is covered under Medicare and insurance. Many times there are state subsidies available, but there are also rules about income and assets. Palliative care is typically covered under insurance and Medicare, but there are limits on experimental procedures, drugs, and where care can be
Sometimes the words we use to describe the care our loved ones receive all blend together. Hospice care, palliative care, end-of-life care, elder care...aren't they all the same things? You might be surprised to learn that each of these services is distinct and different, each offering different kinds of services and benefits, and also have separate restrictions.
Today, let's take a brief look at end-of-life care versus palliative care.
Palliative care might better be known as comfort care. It is a level of care for patients with a terminal or chronic illness or disease. Palliative care can be given at any point in life and at any stage of an illness. Much of the care might have an expectation …show more content…
Care often starts at a hospital but may transition to a nursing home, assisted living facility, or even the patient's own property.
End-of-life care and hospice care are very similar. These care types are designed to assist a person when dying is imminent (typically withing six months). Palliative services may be provided during a hospice stay, since the patient's comfort and care is a primary concern during end-of-life treatment. One major difference would be in the type of treatment administered. In hospice care, life-extending treatments are not the focus, comfort is.
Hospice care is often provided in the patient's home if 24-hour care is not necessary. If full-care is essential, care can be provided in a nursing home. The family members are usually part of the hospice team.
Another major difference between palliative care and end-of-life care is the payment options available. For hospice care, you will want to check and see what is covered under Medicare and insurance. Many times there are state subsidies available, but there are also rules about income and assets. Palliative care is typically covered under insurance and Medicare, but there are limits on experimental procedures, drugs, and where care can be