As we age, the care we need can change. Making informed decisions about your health care begins with conversations with your medical team, loved ones, and caregivers. From routine checkups with your primary care provider to discussions about treatment options following a serious diagnosis, understanding your choices can help ensure you receive the care that best supports your quality of life.
Many people use the terms palliative care and hospice care interchangeably, but they are not the same.
Hospice care is palliative care, but not all palliative care is hospice care.
Palliative care provides specialized support for people living with serious illnesses. It focuses on relieving symptoms, managing pain, reducing stress, and improving quality of life. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness and can be received alongside treatments intended to cure or manage the disease.
Hospice care is specialized care for individuals with advanced illnesses who are nearing the end of life. Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life while addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Hospice care is generally appropriate for individuals who have an estimated life expectancy of six months or less and who have chosen to focus on comfort rather than curative treatment. Hospice care is an insurance benefit that includes the care from an interdisciplinary team, along with medications, medical equipment, and supplies to help manage symptoms and maintain comfort.
“A common misconception is that palliative care and hospice care are the same thing,” says HIA Hospice Medical Director Dr. Mark Rostad. “Palliative care works alongside the care you are already receiving. Beginning palliative care early can benefit anyone living with a serious illness who wants to improve their quality of life.”
A palliative care team may include a medical provider, nurse, social worker, and pharmacist who work together to help manage symptoms and coordinate care. The goal is to improve quality of life while a patient continues treatment for their illness.
As an illness progresses, some individuals may transition from palliative care to hospice care.
“Another misconception is that hospice care is only for a person’s final hours or days,” Dr. Rostad says. “When people begin hospice care earlier, they have more time to benefit from the support of the entire care team, including medical providers, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers.”
Hospice care also supports family caregivers. One example is respite care, which provides short-term inpatient care for a patient, allowing caregivers an opportunity to rest and recharge while their loved one continues to receive specialized care.
Deciding Which Care Is Right for You?
Palliative care may be right for you if you have a serious illness and need help managing symptoms, pain, or the emotional challenges that can accompany treatment.
Hospice care may be right for you if treatments are no longer effective or desired and your focus has shifted to comfort, quality of life, and support for both you and your loved ones.
“We are all mortal, and these conversations can be difficult for individuals and families,” Dr. Rostad says. “But when we normalize talking about care options, people can receive the right care at the right time and make the most of the time they have.” For more information about HIA Palliative or HIA Hospice, visit hiahealth.org.