CENTRE COUNTY — If you have helped look after elderly family and friends, you may have heard about different types of care for individuals with serious illnesses and for those when they approach the end of life.
Two of the most common are palliative care and hospice care.
While they both share some similarities, there are distinct differences, including when and where the care is provided, as well as in the treatment options available.
WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE?
Palliative care is aimed at providing relief from pain, symptoms and side effects of treatments for serious illnesses. Unlike some types of care, it is available to anyone regardless of whether their condition is curable. The primary goal of palliative care is to enhance the patient’s comfort and quality of life, and it is often offered alongside other treatments a patient may be receiving.
Palliative care is interdisciplinary and involves a team of health care providers that can include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains and other trained specialists. They work together with the patient, their family and other care providers to ensure the treatment plan aligns with the patient’s goals, values and needs.
“Palliative care may begin at diagnosis or later in the illness,” Cheryl Mitchell, director of Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home, explained. “It may include services like symptom management, advance care planning, end-of-life care and bereavement support, all tailored to improve the well-being of both the patient and their family and friends.”
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM PALLIATIVE CARE?
Palliative care is generally available at any age and stage of illness while you are still pursuing treatment. Some of these conditions may include:
• ALS
• Cancer
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary fibrosis (COPD) or lung disease
• Dementia
• Heart disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Kidney disease and kidney failure
• Life limiting trauma
• Life limiting stroke
• Liver disease and liver failure
• Neurological diseases
• Parkinson’s disease
WHAT IS HOSPICE CARE?
Hospice care focuses on providing comfort, support and quality of life for individuals with terminal illnesses who are approaching the end of life. Designed for those who choose to stop curative treatments, hospice care offers comprehensive support for both the patient and their family.
“Hospice care can be provided at home or in facilities such as nursing homes or hospice centers,” Mitchell said. “Like palliative care, a team of health care and social service providers works together to offer medical, emotional and spiritual support.”
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM HOSPICE CARE?
Hospice care is available to patients of any age and any condition, not just the elderly or those with cancer. To qualify for hospice, patients generally must meet two criteria: a physician must certify that the patient is terminally ill, and life expectancy must be six months or less if the illness follows its natural course.
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH IS RIGHT FOR MY LOVED ONE?
Palliative and hospice care both aim to enhance quality of life through symptom management and pain relief, but hospice care is for patients with a terminal illness who have chosen to stop curative
treatments. On the other hand, palliative care supports individuals with serious or chronic illnesses who are continuing treatments to improve or extend their lives. Your health care team will help you understand more about palliative and hospice care as it pertains to your loved one’s condition.
