Palliative Care Versus Hospice Care

Insider information on accessing the underutilized gifts available to the public through the healthcare system: Palliative Care and HospiceMost people do not understand what Palliative Care and Hospice actually is, and how it could apply to them when dealing with a family health crisis.  Those who think they understand what it is, are often scared off by the presumption that these are death benefits and change the subject. Either they feel It is too unpleasant to contemplate, or they feel that it would be like giving up on their loved one. But, Palliative Care and Hospice are really quality of life benefits, and not just for the terminally ill patients, but also for the caregivers. Caregivers get access to expert partners who will join with them in providing the best possible support for their loved one.  These underutilized benefits of the health care system, many legally encoded, offer amazing support for those who are in the know. Taking advantage of these perks requires a certain mindset and proper information. By not availing ourselves of these amazing benefits, we are under serving ourselves and our loved one suffering with a serious or life-threatening illness.Palliative Care is easier to accept for most of us because it is a dual path: Using it when seeking a cure for the illness, and also for the best quality of life and symptom management, at the same time.  When To Consider Palliative CareIf you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a serious or life - limiting illness, you may want to consider Palliative Care. The focus of Palliative Care is to relieve the pain and symptoms associated with the illness, while you continue to receive curative treatment for your diagnosis. Its main goal is to provide the best possible quality of life for the patient, regardless of their age, or the stage of the disease. Palliative Care is delivered by a team that typically consists of a clinician (physician or nurse practitioner), a nurse manager, and/or a social worker.  The team may also include a nutritionist, creative arts therapist (music and art) and mental health or spiritual care providers such as a chaplain. These professionals can help lead discussions about the patient's goals of care, while providing support throughout all stages of the disease trajectory.Palliative Care services are billed the same as any specialist-level visit (e.g. cardiology), and most insurance programs cover them, possibly with a co-pay. They may be offered in addition to - and not instead of -  a primary care physician's services. Nowadays, most urban hospitals have a Palliative Care department, although it may not be widely advertised, and patients may have to specifically ask for a consultation. Patients can receive care anywhere they call home, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, or in your or your loved ones home.Palliative Care Information Act of 2011 In New York, the Palliative Care Information Act was passed into law in February 2011 to ensure that patients are fully informed of the options available to them when faced with a life-limiting or terminal illness. Health care practitioners are required to offer seriously ill patients information and counseling about Palliative Care and end-of-life options, including prognosis, range of options appropriate for this patient, risks and benefits of the various options, and the patient's legal right to comprehensive pain and symptom management at the end of life. If the patient is no longer competent to have these conversations, they must be held with the patient's health care agent (surrogate). Of course, not every patient wishes to hear this information from their physician, and they have the right to refuse it. And not every physician or nurse practitioner feels equipped to have these serious conversations. In the latter case, the healthcare provider must arrange for another qualified physician or Nurse Practitioner to hold them. What is Hospice? Hospice, also known as comfort care, is for patients who have made the personal decision to no longer pursue curative treatment for an illness. Instead, they have decided to focus on quality of life and time with family and friends. The decision to seek hospice care is an important one. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, there may come a time when efforts to cure or even slow the illness are no longer working and become debilitating rather than helpful. If that time comes, you might want to consider the benefits of hospice care. Patients usually transition to hospice care when they have decided to stop curative or aggressive treatments. "Hospice" focuses on comfort, not curing, respecting the fundamental principle that each of us has the right to live pain-free and die without suffering, and with dignity.   Who Qualifies For Hospice Any person, at any age, can receive hospice care if the following criteria are met: 1.  A licensed physician would not be surprised if this patient were no longer alive in six months if the disease runs its usual course, and, 2. The patient agrees to no longer pursue curative treatments.  Hospice Care is a personalized inter-disciplinary, specialist-level of care delivered by a team consisting of a board-certified physician or nurse practitioner, a registered nurse case manager, a social worker, clinical pastoral care providers (chaplains) and volunteers.  The team may also include a licensed creative arts therapist (music and art). Goals of care discussions between the clinical staff, patient and loved ones help form the plan of care and lend support to the patient and the family throughout the course of the disease. Pre- and post- bereavement support is provided and extends to 13 months following a patient's death.  Most hospice care is delivered in the home setting, wherever the patient resides. This may include an apartment, home, nursing home, assisted living facility, etc. If the hospice care is provided at a skilled nursing or assisted living facility, it does not take the place of the facilitys existing staff. The hospice team supplements the facilitys care and coordinates with its clinical teams. Hospice care can also be provided in special units of contracted hospitals and in separate hospice residences.   Who Pays For Care?Medicare, Medicaid, and all insurance programs offer hospice benefits. Many hospice agencies will also take on some patients who are unable to pay for their care through access to their internal foundation, grants or donations.If you would like to learn more about Palliative and Hospice Care, as well as  what is available to you, contact Miryam Rabner at mrabner@MJHS.org.  To good health! About the authorMiryam Rabner, M.Phil., has been a community outreach liaison for MJHS Hospice and Palliative care in the Bronx and Manhattan for the past 16 years.  MJHS is one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the eastern seaboard region. MJHS provides home care services, hospice and palliative care for adults and children, rehabilitation and nursing care, and the research-based MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care. Miryam is a guest poster and friend of Senior Care Authority of New York and Southwest Florida. Senior Care Authority of New York and Southwest Florida offers assistance with quality-of-life preparation, planning and care. Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about this and our other services, by emailing info@scanyfl.com 

As individuals age or recover from serious medical conditions, the need for specialized care often arises. A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is designed to provide expert medical care, rehabilitation services, and daily living assistance to help individuals achieve their best possible quality of life. Whether for short-term recovery or long-term care, skilled nursing facilities play a critical role in supporting patients with complex medical needs.Defining a Skilled Nursing FacilityA skilled nursing facility is a healthcare-focused residential setting that offers around-the-clock medical supervision and support. These facilities are staffed by licensed professionals, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), physical therapists, and occupational therapists. This multidisciplinary team ensures residents receive the specialized care they need.Unlike assisted living facilities, which focus on providing support for daily activities, skilled nursing facilities are equipped to handle more advanced medical needs. They cater to individuals recovering from surgeries, strokes, or illnesses, as well as those managing chronic or progressive health conditions.Services Provided at Skilled Nursing FacilitiesSkilled nursing facilities offer a comprehensive range of services to meet the diverse needs of their residents, including: Medical Care Skilled nursing facilities provide advanced medical services for individuals recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, or for those managing chronic conditions. These services include: Wound care and dressing changesAdministration of IV medications, injections, and treatmentsMonitoring chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart diseasePain management Rehabilitation Services Rehabilitation is a cornerstone of care in skilled nursing facilities, helping residents regain mobility, independence, and quality of life. These services include: Physical Therapy: To assist with strength, balance, and physical function after surgery or injury.Occupational Therapy: To help residents rebuild skills needed for daily activities, such as dressing, eating, and grooming.Speech Therapy: To address speech impairments, swallowing difficulties, and communication challenges. Personal Care Assistance Skilled nursing facilities offer help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to ensure residents' comfort and well-being. These services include: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and eatingNutrition and meal planning, including accommodating specialized diets for medical conditions Long-Term Care For individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or advanced age-related conditions, skilled nursing facilities provide long-term care focused on maintaining quality of life, comfort, and dignity. Specialized Care Many skilled nursing facilities cater to individuals with specific needs, such as: Dementia or Alzheimers disease careParkinsons disease managementPost-stroke recovery programsPalliative and end-of-life care Emotional and Social Support To promote mental and emotional well-being, many skilled nursing facilities offer activities, group events, and counseling. These programs foster a sense of community and help residents feel engaged and supported.

Moving can be a stressful experience at any age, but it poses unique challenges for seniors. The emotional and physical demands of downsizing, relocating, and adjusting to a new environment can be overwhelming. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the importance of making this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Senior Move Management is an art that combines empathy, organization, and practical solutions to empower elders during their move. This guide offers insights and tips on how to manage senior moves effectively.The Emotional Aspects of MovingUnderstanding Emotional AttachmentsSeniors often have strong emotional attachments to their homes and belongings, accumulated over a lifetime of memories. Moving can feel like letting go of a significant part of their lives. Acknowledge these emotions and approach the process with sensitivity and compassion.Tip: Spend time listening to their stories and memories associated with their belongings. This can help them feel valued and understood, making it easier to let go of certain items.Involving Seniors in the ProcessEmpower seniors by involving them in the decision-making process. This can give them a sense of control and reduce anxiety. Discuss their preferences, needs, and concerns regarding the move. Create a collaborative plan that respects their wishes and eases the transition.Tip: Break down the moving process into manageable steps and celebrate small accomplishments along the way. This can help maintain a positive outlook and reduce overwhelm.Preserving MemoriesWhile downsizing, its crucial to find ways to preserve cherished memories. Help seniors select a few meaningful items that can be prominently displayed in their new home. Consider creating digital photo albums or memory boxes to retain sentimental value without the physical clutter.Tip: Create a memory lane in their new home with framed photos, favorite books, or other treasured items. This can make the new space feel familiar and comforting.Practical Steps for a Smooth MovePlanning and OrganizationEffective planning and organization are key to a successful move. Start by creating a comprehensive timeline that includes sorting, packing, moving, and settling in. Assign specific tasks and deadlines to ensure a systematic approach.Tip: Use a color-coded labeling system for boxes and furniture to simplify unpacking and arrangement in the new home. This can save time and reduce confusion on moving day.Decluttering and DownsizingHelp seniors sort through their belongings to decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Focus on the practical needs and available space in the new home. Encourage them to keep items that serve a purpose or bring joy, while gently guiding them to let go of unnecessary possessions.Tip: Set up a dedicated area for donations and arrange for pick-ups or drop-offs to charity organizations. This can streamline the decluttering process and provide a sense of contribution to the community.Hiring Professional HelpConsider enlisting the help of professional organizers or senior move managers. They bring expertise, efficiency, and emotional support to the moving process. Professionals can handle logistics, packing, and even the setup of the new home, allowing seniors and their families to focus on emotional well-being.Tip: Research and choose reputable senior move management services that align with your specific needs and budget. Personal recommendations and reviews can be helpful in making the right choice.Creating a Comfortable New HomeEnsure that the new living space is comfortable, safe, and accessible for seniors. Arrange furniture and belongings in a way that promotes ease of movement and accessibility. Personalize the space with familiar items to create a sense of home.Tip: Conduct a safety assessment of the new home to identify and address potential hazards such as loose rugs, inadequate lighting, or steep stairs. Simple modifications can significantly enhance safety and comfort.Empowering elders during their move is about more than just logistics; its about honoring their past, respecting their emotions, and creating a positive experience. Senior Move Management, with its blend of practical solutions and compassionate care, can transform a potentially stressful process into a journey of empowerment and renewal.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we are dedicated to supporting seniors and their families through every step of the move. By understanding the emotional aspects, involving seniors in the process, and employing practical strategies, we can ensure a seamless transition that celebrates the richness of their lives and helps them embrace the next chapter with confidence and peace.By following these tips and approaches, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of your elderly loved ones, ensuring their move is not just a change of residence, but a positive and empowering experience.