What Is Difference Between Hospice Care & Palliative Care?

One of the main differences between hospice care and palliative care is the focus of the treatment. Hospice care is focused on providing comfort and support during the final stages of life, while palliative care is focused on improving the quality of life for the patient and their family, regardless of the stage of the illness.

Another difference is that hospice care is typically provided in a patient’s home or a hospice facility, while palliative care is typically provided in a hospital or clinic setting. Hospice care is also typically provided to individuals who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a life expectancy of six months or less. Palliative care can be provided to individuals at any stage of a serious illness.

It’s important to note that hospice care and palliative care are not mutually exclusive, and individuals can receive both types of care at different stages of their illness. For example, a patient may receive palliative care while they are undergoing treatment for a serious illness, and then transition to hospice care as their illness progresses.

In conclusion, hospice care and palliative care are two types of medical care that are focused on providing comfort and support to individuals who are living with serious illnesses or nearing the end of their lives. While both types of care have similar goals, they have different focuses and are typically provided in different settings. Hospice care is focused on providing comfort during the final stages of life, while palliative care is focused on improving the quality of life for the patient and their family, regardless of the stage of the illness.

What Is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is provided to patients who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a life expectancy of six months or less. The main goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and support to the patient and their family during the final stages of life. Hospice care is for individuals who are no longer seeking curative treatments for a variety of reasons. 

Hospice care is usually provided in a patient’s home, a hospice facility, or a long-term care facility. Your hospice care teams are made up of a variety of healthcare professionals, including: 

– Attending physicians
– Hospice Medical Directors
– Registered Nurses
– Social Workers
– Chaplains
– Hospice Aides
– Hospice Volunteers
– Bereavement Counselors

Who Can Offer Hospice Care Services?

– State licensed and/or Medicare-certified – – Hospice providers
– Non-Medicare certified Hospice providers
– Veteran Affairs Hospice

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a type of care that is provided to individuals who are living with serious illnesses, regardless of their life expectancy. Palliative care is not provided based off of a time limit like hospice care. Individuals receiving palliative care are often also still seeking curative treatments, whereas with hospice care they are not. The main goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for the patient and their family by managing symptoms, addressing emotional and spiritual needs, and providing support and resources. Palliative care is typically provided in a hospital or clinic setting, and can be provided alongside curative treatment or in conjunction with hospice care. Palliative care is not dependent on care setting or type of medical practice. Palliative care teams are also made up of a team of healthcare professionals, including:

– Attending physicians
– Hospice Medical Directors
– Registered Nurses
– Social Workers
– Chaplains
– Bereavement Counselors

Who Can Offer Palliative Care Services?

– Palliative Care Practices
– Licensed Home Health Agencies
– Licensed Hospice Agencies
– Nursing Facilities
– Healthcare Clinics
– Hospitals

Who Pays For Hospice Care & Palliative Care?

Although both Hospice and Palliative care treatments have coverage options through Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, it is important to note, some medications, treatments, equipment, and services may not be covered.

Hospice Care Payment Options:

Medicare – is covered by Medicare Hospice Benefit.

Medicaid – in most states, Medicaid covers all associated costs. Arizona and Oregon patients are covered through Medicaid. 

Private Insurance – most insurance companies have a Hospice Benefit to cover associated costs, However, it is important to check with your insurance provider on what may or may not be covered as well as co-pay. 

Palliative Care Payment Options:

Medicare – is covered by Medicare Part B.

Medicaid – is covered by Medicaid.

Private Insurance – most insurance companies cover palliative care services. Again, it is important to check with your insurance provider on what may or may not be covered as well as co-pay.