If you or someone you love is dealing with a serious, life-altering illnesses, it’s important to understand your options. Learn the difference between palliative care vs hospice to help you and your family better prepare for the journey ahead.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is a special approach to caring for patients with serious illnesses. The goal of this kind of holistic care is to relieve symptoms. This allows patients to spend time with loved ones and engage in activities that bring them joy. Palliative care specialists work with your existing medical team to enhance care by focusing on living your best life for as long as possible. These services can be provided in the hospital, clinic, or in a home setting.
Our palliative service complements, rather than replaces, the treatment you receive from your primary medical providers. This support is available alongside curative or other treatments you may be receiving, such as chemo or radiation for cancer. It is appropriate at any age and any stage of a serious illness.
- Pain Relief & Medication Management
- Assistance With Care Coordination
- Help With Decision-Making
- Identifying Resources
- Mental Health Support
- Spiritual Counseling
- Nutritional Education
- Relaxation Techniques
- Support For Caregivers
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is designed to support patients and their families as they approach the end of life with a focus on providing comfort, dignity, and support during this difficult time. The goal of hospice care is to make sure that you can spend your remaining time in a peaceful and comfortable environment, surrounded by the people and things that matter most to you. The hospice team is there to provide physical and emotional support. Our team of professionals specialize in end-of-life care.
- Symptom Management
- Pain Control
- Emotional Support
- End-Of-Life Planning
- Counseling
- Spiritual Support
- Assistance With Daily Activities
At Amore Hospice Care, all of our hospice and palliative care services are provided in the home.
Palliative Care Vs. Hospice: What Are The Differences?
Palliative care and hospice care do share a common goal, which is to provide comfort and support to patients dealing with serious, life-altering illnesses. Both forms of care prioritize the management of pain and other symptoms, and both aim to improve quality of life. They offer an interdisciplinary approach, involving a team of professionals including physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains working together to support you both physically and emotionally.
While palliative care and hospice care share many similarities, however, there are some important differences between the two.
- Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness.
- Hospice care is typically provided when someone is nearing the end of life and is no longer pursuing curative treatment.
- Hospice care is designed to provide care and support for both the patient and their loved ones during this difficult time.
- Palliative care can be focused solely on the patient’s needs.
- Hospice care also tends to be more comprehensive, with a team of professionals who specialize in end-of-life care.
- Palliative care may involve a smaller team of healthcare professionals.
- Hospice care is always Palliative medicine; however, palliative medicine is not always hospice.
- Hospice care is a benefit provided to those when aggressive measures are no longer beneficial.
- Patients must have a prognosis of 6 months or less to be eligible for the hospice benefit.
Who Most Benefits From Palliative Treatment?
Essentially, any serious illness that affects a person’s quality of life and causes significant physical or emotional distress may be an indication of palliative care. The goal of palliative care is to help alleviate symptoms and improve overall comfort and well-being, regardless of the specific condition that someone is dealing with.
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness, you may be eligible for palliative support. Answering yes to any of these questions could indicate a need for this type of support.
- Do you have a chronic or terminal illness?
- Does your pain or other symptoms interfere with your quality of life?
- Do you need support coping with your condition?
- Are you struggling to make decisions about your care?
- Do you have complex medical needs requiring coordination with multiple providers?
- Do you need help communicating your wishes to your caregiving team?
- Are you at risk of experiencing a sudden decline in health?
- Are you concerned about your ability to remain independent and safe at home?
Who Most Benefits From Hospice Care?
Hospice care is usually offered when a patient is expected to live six months or less, and all curative treatments have been stopped. Our compassionate hospice care focuses on the quality of life and comfort, taking into consideration the individual needs and wants of each patient and their families, in the comfort of their homes.
Signs hospice care may be the right solution for you:
- You or a loved one have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, then they need hospice care.
- Individuals have less than six months to live, hospice care may be the best fit.
- They no longer benefit from disease-directed treatment, then hospice care may help.
- They cannot spend their remaining time at home, hospice care aids both the patient and their families.
Does Insurance Cover Palliative Services?
Most insurance plans have provisions for at least some level of palliative care while you are in the hospital or a skilled nursing or hospice facility. At home, services may or not be covered. It’s best to check directly with your health plan to understand what assistance you may be eligible for and what co-pays or additional fees you will need to cover out of pocket.
Can I Change My Mind After Choosing Palliative Care?
Yes, you have the flexibility to transition from palliative care to hospice care and vice versa based on your changing needs and preferences. These decisions should be discussed openly with healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care plan.
In-Home Care Advantage
The comfort and familiarity of your own home provide a soothing environment that promotes emotional well-being, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of control during challenging times. In-home end-of-life care allows for personalized, patient-centered attention, ensuring that medical, emotional, and spiritual needs are addressed with sensitivity. The continuity of care within familiar surroundings also facilitates stronger connections between patients, families, and healthcare providers.
- More Effective Pain Management
- Better Symptom Control
- Minimized Hospital Visits
- Enhancing Overall Comfort
- Personalized & Comprehensive In Nature
Palliative & Hospice Care In Las Vegas
At Amore Hospice Care, we understand how difficult it can be to deal with a chronic or complicated illness. That’s why we offer in-home palliative care to patients and families throughout the Las Vegas Valley and Boulder City. Our skilled team of doctors, nurses, and specialists will do everything we can to help you get through this tough time. Please contact us today to learn more about our end-of-life care, focusing on hope and happiness, and dealing with your illness on your terms.