When your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, you’ll learn a lot of new things about medicine, treatments, clinical trials and more. You may feel more than a little overwhelmed as you research everything and try to determine what will work best for your loved one’s care. Medical terminology can be confusing, especially when different terms are used to describe treatments that, on the surface, seem like they’re doing the same thing. Two of the most common that can cause confusion are “palliative care” and “hospice care.”
“It’s normal to wonder what the difference is between these two forms of care,” says Erica Labb, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford. “They’re generally spoken about in the same context and, sometimes, at the same stage of treatment. Both types of care are meant to provide relief and comfort to the individual, but they do have some pretty significant differences.”
In order to make sure you’re choosing the best treatment for your loved one – as you well know – you want to be sure you clearly understand the differences between care and when they can be best used.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is a type of care that’s focused on helping patients with chronic, serious illness feel better. There’s no one specific “treatment” when it comes to palliative care – a team of providers use different techniques, medicines and holistic approaches to manage and minimize, as much as possible, the side effects of the illness and side effects that can come from the treatment of the illness.
“Palliative care can begin at any point during a care plan and can be used whether the individual is expected to recover or not,” says Erica. “It’s not focused on postponing or hastening resolution. It’s all about taking care of the now, making sure that the individual receiving care is as comfortable as possible while they’re going through their healthcare journey.”
Palliative care is provided by an entire team of professionals, including therapists, counselors, specialists, social workers and physicians. Together, the team works to make sure there’s a whole-person approach to easing and treating symptoms that are causing stress, pain or discomfort.
Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be used in conjunction with other treatments or curative care options, such as radiation therapy. You can start or stop it as desired, depending on how it’s working for you or a loved one.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care, like palliative care, is focused on providing comfort and well-being to an individual with a serious illness. With hospice care, though, treatment only occurs when a medical professional has diagnosed the disease as terminal and curative forms of treatment have ceased. It can be considered a form of palliative care.
Although hospice care only begins once curative treatment is over, it is not approached as a “giving up” type of situation. It’s a respectful, person-centered philosophy that respects your loved one’s wishes and provides the highest-quality support possible. Hospice also provides support and assistance to family members who are dealing with the effects of the terminal illness. Hospice team members are trained and available to help family members during the remaining days, as well as after the passing, of your loved one.
Differences Between Palliative and Hospice Care
Treatment
- Palliative care is provided for any individual with a serious illness, whether it’s terminal or not. Although palliative care is focused on improving the quality of life for your loved one, it can be used in conjunction with curative or life-prolonging treatments.
- Hospice is designed to provide comfort – emotionally and physically – for those who are expected to live six months or less. It focuses on improving the quality of life for your loved one’s remaining time, not prolonging life or curative approaches.
Eligibility
- Palliative care requires no qualification. Your loved one’s physician can provide palliative care referrals whenever they are desired.
- Hospice requires an individual to meet a series of requirements before this form of care begins. To qualify, an individual must: have a medical professional and a hospice director certify that they have a terminal disease and a reduced life expectancy; and the patient or family must be made aware of the prognosis and elect to choose hospice instead of curative treatments.
Care Location
- Palliative care is often done in a clinical setting like a hospital, care facility or outpatient clinic.
- While there are official “hospice houses” available, hospice can be provided anywhere – at home, in a care facility or in a nursing home. It’s more of a philosophy instead of a place.
Payment Options
- Palliative care is most often paid for through private insurance, although Medicare and Medicaid may cover some forms of treatment.
- Hospice care can be covered through many different methods, including Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance.
“Both palliative and hospice care can have a place in a well-rounded personalized care plan,” says Erica. “At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford, we have experience in dealing with both types of treatment and balancing them within our person-centered care. We can help families and residents navigate options and provide support and guidance throughout any stage of the dementia journey.”
For more information about palliative care or hospice care, or to learn more about the comprehensive memory care services available at Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford, please contact us on our website.
Comprehensive Services
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford, we know no two residents are alike. That’s why we’ve designed our services to address the distinct challenges each resident faces. With comfort, safety and happiness as our top priorities, residents receive unmatched personalized attention, no matter the stage of memory loss.
Community Amenities
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford features a beautiful residential design. Every inch has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the lives of those with memory loss. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations are placed throughout the community to create a peaceful and secure environment so residents may enjoy great comfort, familiarity and security.
Contact us today to learn more.