Understanding the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice

Posted on

Oct 29, 2020

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Palliative care is patient andfamily-centered care optimizingquality of life by anticipating,preventing and treating suffering.
It is for people of any age, at anystage of a serious illness, whoare seeking relief from pain andsymptoms. Individuals may receivepalliative and curative treatments atthe same time. A Nurse Practitionerand Licensed Clinical Social Workerwill collaborate with the patientsdoctor to alleviate symptoms ofserious and chronic illnessesincluding:
- treating pain
- managing chronic illnesssymptoms
- education on diagnosis anddisease process management
- clarifying treatment goals andoptions
- assisting with navigating thehealthcare system
Palliative care can occur inhospitals, nursing homes, assistedliving facilities and at the patientsresidence reducing unnecessarytrips to the hospital. Services arepaid for through Medicare (PartB), Medicaid and many private insurances.
Hospice is patient and family centered care optimizing qualityof life for individuals who havea life-limiting illness and are nolonger seeking curative, but rathercomfort measures. Hospice is trulyfocused on maintaining qualityof life, dignity and comfort forthe remainder of a persons life.Services are provided wherever aperson calls home and are coveredunder Medicare, Medicaid, privateinsurance or Veterans benefits.
Hospice services include:
Skilled Nursing weekly/daily/continuous care dependent uponclinical need for the managementof pain, physical/emotionaldistress or symptom management
Certified Nursing Assistantservices twice a week to assistwith bathing and personal cares
Social Work services to advocatefor patient wishes, helpindividuals address emotionalaspects of illnesses and assistfamilies in identifying additionalresources
Chaplain services for spiritualsupport
Durable Medical Equipment- items like a hospital bed,wheelchair, walker, oxygen, andmore
Medications - any medicationdeemed necessary to managesymptoms/provide comfortmeasures
Incontinence Supplies - diapers,bed-covers, gloves, rash creamsand more
Bereavement services availableto family members for up to 13months after the loss of a lovedone
Hospice services are by choiceand can be elected or cancelledat any time. Hospice is the onlyMedicare benefit that neverexpires. Individuals can useit for as long as they qualifyand continue to show signs ofincremental decline.By keeping the focus on thewishes of the patient, Hospiceservices afford patients to liveout the remainder of their livesknowing their symptoms anddiscomfort will be managed, theywill receive quality care in theirhome, and their families will haveresources after their passing.

Editors Note: This article was submittedby Katie Monahan. Katie is the Director ofCommunity Relations at Transitions Hospiceand can be reached at 847-515-1505 or atkmonahan@transitionshospice.com.

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Choose the Care thats Right for You

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Pain Matters - Palliative Care from Agape Healthcare

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