To provide the best possible care, it’s important to understand the differences between two often-confused terms: hospice and palliative care. I want to shed some light on the subject and hopefully we can all approach hospice and palliative armed with more knowledge and of course, compassion!
Hospice Care: Hospice care is a form of healthcare designed for individuals with a terminal illness. It focuses on providing comfort and improving the quality of life for patients who are no longer seeking curative treatment. Hospice care typically involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors and home health aides. It is usually provided in the patient’s home or a hospice facility.
Palliative Care: Palliative care, on the other hand, is a broader approach to care that can be implemented at any stage of a serious illness. Its primary goal is to relieve symptoms, manage pain, and enhance the overall well-being of the patient. Unlike hospice care, individuals receiving palliative care may still be pursuing curative treatments. Palliative care can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and even at home.
Here’s where you come in as a caregiver:
1. Tailoring Care: Recognizing which type of care is appropriate for the patient’s condition allows caregivers to tailor their approach effectively.
2. Communication: Professional caregivers can facilitate open discussions with patients and their families about the care plan and goals when they understand these distinctions. You should know when there may be a change in condition and more clinical support may be needed.
3. Support: Knowing when to involve hospice or palliative care specialists ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and comprehensive support.
4. Holistic Care: Palliative care’s focus on symptom management can be integrated into the care of patients receiving other treatments, providing a more holistic approach to their well-being.
Care professionals who understand the nuances between hospice and palliative care will be able to provide more informed and compassionate support to individuals with serious illnesses. Remember it is not just about the physical state of the client/patient/resident but also the mental state of whether or not they are seeking curative treatment versus comfort. Both hospice and palliative care are gifts. They allow a person to really dictate what is best for them and isn’t that what we all want in our aging journeys? The best thing to be is supportive and caring and of course, informed of their wishes.
Stay Amazing Caregivers!
~Franny