How is palliative care different from hospice care?

It’s a situation we run into frequently: a caregiver with an aging parent contacts us looking for some clarity. They know their parent needs additional care at home, but they aren’t sure what type of care is right. After all, “home health,” “hospice,” “personal care,” and “palliative care” can be confusing (and all run together) especially if this is your first time researching senior at-home care solutions. 

While all of these terms indicate unique services, the two that are most frequently used together — and therefore the most confused — are hospice care and palliative care. The confusion is understandable: these are related services with a bit of overlap. Palliative care and hospice care are both unique types of healthcare that focus on improving the quality of life for those with serious illnesses. However, there are some important differences between the two. 

Below, we explain a bit more about these two types of care, their similarities and differences, and how to know which is right for your parent, family member, or loved one.

Let’s Define These 2 Types of Care

Palliative Care

Palliative care is designed to offer relief from pain, stress, and other symptoms caused by a chronic or acute illness. Think of palliative care as “comfort care.” It can be offered at any stage of an illness, including when a patient is actively receiving curative treatments from a physician. Palliative care can be administered by medical professionals such as nurses or physical therapists in whatever setting a patient is currently in — from a hospital or skilled nursing facility to a private residence. The only goal of palliative care is to improve a patient’s overall quality of life by addressing their physical or emotional needs. This may be done through medication or through treatments such as massage, exercise, stretching, and more.

Hospice Care

Hospice care is a broader umbrella of care that includes palliative care. Hospice is designed for patients who have a terminal illness and no longer can or wish to pursue curative treatments. Hospice care is typically given during the last days, weeks, or months of a person’s life. The primary focus of hospice care is on providing comfort and support to the patient — but also to their family and loved ones — during this difficult time. A hospice care team is more varied, and includes medical professionals such as doctors and nurses, as well as counselors, social workers, or even volunteers.

So, what’s the difference?

There are quite a few unique differences, but generally, it’s helpful to think about how hospice care is a bit broader than palliative care. Hospice is end-of-life care that includes palliative (or “comfort”) care in its umbrella of services. Hospice is also focused on the caregivers and family members of a patient, unlike palliative care which is solely focused on the patient.

Remember: palliative care is simply care that helps a patient feel better — whether they are on the road to recovery after a surgery or facing the final weeks of life. It can be applied to many different patients and situations beyond hospice care. 

Does my parent need hospice care or palliative care services?

Both of these services are directed by a physician. Your parent’s doctor will recommend palliative care or hospice care depending on the physical condition, medical complications, emotional needs, and desires of your parent. 

If your parent is working to regain independence, or recover from a surgery or illness, palliative care is an excellent way for them to feel better on the journey forward. If your parent is no longer able to receive treatments or no longer wishes to because of their declining physical or mental state, hospice care may be the next step your parent’s doctor recommends.

How Dignity Can Help You and Your Aging Parent

As a hospice company in Utah, our role is to take over as the primary care provider of patients once they have decided to begin hospice care. Our hospice physician and medical staff use palliative care practices to ensure our patients are as comfortable as possible even when dealing with advanced illnesses such as cancer, dementia, kidney disease, or heart failure. 

However, we also focus much of our attention and time on you, the family members of the hospice patient. Hospice is a unique journey that is just as much for the family as it is the patient. By developing a close relationship with our patients’ loved ones and letting them dictate their unique hospice experience, we offer support, resources, and knowledge that makes this time a bit easier to handle.

If you’re still wondering which services are right for your parent — or if you believe hospice may be the next best step — we’d be happy to discuss your situation with you and answer any questions you may have. Your call is completely free and carries no obligation. Call us today to speak to a hospice care coordinator.