Hospice vs. Palliative Care: Key Differences Explained

Hospice care and palliative care are two distinct approaches to providing support. 

Both types of care are for people with serious illnesses. They aim to improve one's quality of life. But while they have some similarities, they are not the same. 

Hospice care is often for those in the final months of life. It's the final step after stopping any curative treatments.

A person can receive palliative care alongside curative treatments. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness. 

In this "hospice vs. palliative care" discussion, we'll go through the key differences between these two types of care.

Understanding the differences between hospice and palliative care is very important. Not only for the patient but their families as well.

What Is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is a specialised form of medical care for people with serious illnesses.

It's designed for patients with terminal illnesses. In most cases, those patients have a prognosis of six months or less.

Hospice care is a form of compassionate comfort care. It puts the quality of life of the patient first.

Hospice care provides support for the patient and their family. It also focuses on managing pain and addressing emotional needs.

This type of specialised care can be provided:

1. At home
2. In an assisted living facility
3. In a separate hospice centre 

Hospice care usually starts when a person's condition is not improving. In those cases, curative treatment is no longer an option. 

This stage of hospice care is also known as end-of-life care.

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is also a specialised type of medical care. 

The focus is on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. 

A person can receive palliative care during any stage of illness. They can even receive palliative care alongside curative treatments. 

It doesn't matter if the illness is curable or not.

Palliative care aims to:

• Manage symptoms
• Help patients understand their options
• Provide support for the patient and their family
• Make the person as comfortable as possible in this period

It's provided by a team of healthcare professionals. These include doctors, nurses, and other specialists. 

They work together to address the patient's physical, emotional, and practical needs. 

In some cases, palliative care can transition to hospice care. 

Hospice vs. Palliative Care

Hospice care and palliative care have many aspects in common. 

Both focus on providing comfort and relief from pain. Both can be provided to patients with serious illnesses. 

But, there are some key differences between the two. 

The key differences between hospice care and palliative care include:

1. Goals and focus of care
2. Scope of services
3. Eligibility and timing
4. Setting and delivery of care
5. Funding and insurance coverage

Goals and Focus of Care

Hospice care and palliative care both focus on the needs of the patient and their quality of life. But there is a major difference between them.

Palliative care is all about easing pain and discomfort and reducing stress. It can be received alongside curative and therapeutic care.

In other words, it doesn't matter if the patient has a terminal illness or not. Patients with serious but curable illnesses can receive palliative care.

The goals of palliative care include:

• Enhancing quality of life
• Organising coordination of care
• Managing physical symptoms of illnesses
• Offering support for families and caregivers
• Promoting communication with healthcare providers
• Providing spiritual and existential support

Hospice care is provided when a cure is no longer possible. It's intended for patients with a prognosis of six months or less to live.

The main goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of life of that patient.

The goals of hospice care include:

• Managing pain and symptoms
• Providing emotional support
• Improving quality of life
• Respecting patient autonomy and wishes
• Coaching for caregivers
• Providing grief support for the patient and their families

At some point in a terminal illness, the patient stops receiving treatment. 

This is where hospice care comes in. The patients instead receive medicine that can make their life as comfortable as possible during this stage.

Scope of Services

Palliative care and hospice care offer similar services. Both types of care also prioritise the needs of the patient.

Hospice care just goes a step further than palliative care. 

Palliative care focuses on easing pain and discomfort. It also aims to reduce stress and improve the patient's quality of life. 

The patient can receive palliative care along with curative and therapeutic care. Palliative care aims to:

1. Manage pain and symptoms
2. Provide care coordination
3. Assist with insurance forms
4. Offer spiritual care

Hospice care focuses on quality of life when it becomes certain that the patient can't be cured. 

For example, if the patient is struggling with cancer, heart failure, or late stages of Alzheimer's disease.

It's provided when the doctor determines the patient has six months or less to live. 

Hospice care can include all the services that come with palliative care. For instance, managing painful symptoms or providing emotional support. 

Eligibility and Timing

Hospice and palliative care also differ in eligibility and timing.

The rule is the same for both types of care: you must be eligible.

In both cases, this includes a prognosis of a serious illness. The timing of care initiation is also taken into account. 

Palliative care can be pursued at any stage of illness. It doesn't matter if the condition is curable, chronic, or life-threatening.

It's beneficial for those with various conditions. These include such as cancer, heart failure, and dementia.

Palliative care should improve one's quality of life. It provides relief from symptoms and offers emotional support.

Palliative care can last from a few weeks to a few years. It depends on many factors. 

Hospice care is for those with a terminal illness. If you or your loved one don't have a terminal illness, you aren't eligible for hospice care.

Hospice care is comfort care. It doesn't involve curative intent. It prioritises care, comfort, and quality of life. 

Hospice care can be provided at home, in a facility, or in a separate hospice centre.

Make sure to discuss with a doctor if hospice or palliative care might be helpful for you or your loved one.

Setting and Delivery of Care

The delivery and setting of care also differ.

When it comes to delivery, the focus is on providing support to the patient. This applies to both hospice and palliative settings. 

The comfort of the patient and their families comes first. 

Palliative care can be provided in different settings, including:

• Their home
• Hospital
• Specialised palliative care units
• Nursing homes
• Outpatient clinics

Hospice care can be provided wherever the patient lives. This includes nursing facilities and long-term care facilities. 

It's important for the patient to be comfortable. This means they can choose where to receive care.

Many patients want to receive care in the comfort of their own homes. 

They do this by applying for Home Care Packages. 

Home Care Packages are government-funded programs for elderly Australians.

They are designed for those who want to receive the care they need at home. In other words, they don't have to move to a nursing home.

Home Care Packages come with many benefits for patients receiving specialised care. This holds especially true for those receiving palliative and hospice care.

Healthcare professionals come to them. The patient can be surrounded by family members and loved ones throughout this difficult time. 

Funding and Insurance Coverage

Finally, you have to think about the financial aspect. 

Palliative care and hospice care have different funding sources and insurance coverage options. 

Palliative care can be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance policies. 

It may vary depending on the types of services the patient receives.

Veterans have more options. They may be eligible through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Hospice care fees are typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Medicare is the only insurance that includes pharmaceuticals as part of hospice care.

Check with your insurance provider to understand the coverage options. 

They will also inform you about potential out-of-pocket costs of two types of care.

If you sign up for a Home Care Package, the funds will be covered by the government.

But you have to be eligible for Home Care Package funding. 

If you're approved, the funding will cover all the necessary costs. These costs may be associated with your treatment and care. 

How to Choose Between Hospice and Palliative Care?

Now that you know how these two types of care differ, it's time to make a decision.

It should depend on the stage of illness, treatment goals, and personal preferences.

Here's a guide to help decide which type of care may be more appropriate:

1. Assess the stage of the illness with a healthcare professional
2. Define the goals of the treatment
3. Think about the needs of the family and caregivers
4. Consider the patient's wishes and quality of life priorities
5. Consult with a healthcare team
6. Check if you're eligible

You should choose hospice care if the patient:

• Has a limited life expectancy
• Is no longer seeking curative treatment
• Desires comfort-focused care with full support for end-of-life needs

Palliative care may be a better option if the patient has a serious illness but wants to continue treatments.

These treatments can manage or potentially slow the disease's progression. Palliative care will just allow them to receive symptom management and support.

Knowing the Difference - Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care 

It's important to understand how hospice and palliative care differ. This is especially important for those facing a serious illness.

Hospice care focuses on providing comfort for those with six months or less to live. There is no curative intent.

Palliative care can be pursued at any stage of illness.

Both types of care aim to ease pain and symptoms. But, the timing, eligibility, and scope of services may vary.

If you're looking for a reliable care provider, Haisey Home Care offers comprehensive care solutions. We offer support services for those with high-level needs. 

If you want to know more, feel free to reach out to us.

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