“Palliative care” is often used as an interchangeable term with “hospice care,” but they are actually two different approaches. These care levels can sometimes have some overlap; however, a person can receive palliative care for a serious illness for a very, very long time.
Palliative care is done for a patient not to cure the illness, but rather to keep the patient as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Compare this with hospice, whose goal is to keep the patient comfortable – usually without further treatment of the underlying illness.
Let’s talk about the differences and similarities between palliative care and end-of-life/hospice care, and where you can go for the full spectrum of these types of care for your loved one.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care involves pain management and relief from the symptoms of serious, chronic health conditions. Through this medical approach, a patient’s quality of life can actually improve, regardless of how advanced the condition is.
This kind of care can be given in the early or advanced stages of a serious health condition. One of the main differences between palliative care and hospice care is the fact that a person may receive curative treatment during palliative care. The patient might also receive assistance with transportation to and from treatment.
Uses for Palliative Care
Regardless of the severity of the condition, a patient can receive palliative care for health issues including:
- Cancer
- Bone marrow disorders
- Cystic fibrosis
- Dementia
- Lung disease
- Kidney failure
- Liver disease
- Stroke
This treatment can be beneficial if a person is suffering from pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, depression, anorexia, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping – due to either the condition itself or the medication to treat the condition. In palliative care, a patient may also receive help at home with daily living activities.
Patient Is Still Responding to Treatment
Palliative care is given to people who are dealing with severe disease but are stabilizing or even getting better with treatment. In contrast, with end-of-life care, the patient isn’t responding to treatment anymore.
A healthcare practitioner may have determined that the patient has six months or less to live. That said, the patient may continue to receive palliative care until their doctor, their family, or the patient himself or herself decides to transfer into hospice care.
Hospice and Palliative Care in Bastrop, TX
If your loved one has received a diagnosis of a serious health condition, consider palliative care. Our medical team here at Serenity Hospice focuses on helping patients optimize their quality of life and comfort, no matter how advanced their health condition is. For patients who want to stay at home, our staff can come to you several times a week.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our friendly staff at Serenity Hospice today by calling us at (512) 985-6107 or by filling out our request form online now. We look forward to partnering with you and your family.
