Share:

In honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month this November, it’s worth taking a few minutes to learn the differences between these two types of health care. When you have a loved one in need of extra care and support due to a serious illness, it’s important to understand which type of care would benefit them the most. Here’s what you need to know. 

What Are the Differences Between Hospice & Palliative Care?

Palliative Care

Palliative care is designed to provide improved quality of life for patients with serious illnesses that are not yet considered life-threatening. While it doesn’t include medical treatment, it will ease pain and suffering by treating symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and nerve pain. It also helps with mobility issues and the side effects of medications and medical treatments. This type of care is ideal for those with cancer, AIDS, kidney disease, and other serious ailments.  

Hospice

hospiceHospice is similar to palliative care in that it is intended to make patients more comfortable while they’re sick. However, this type of care is specifically designed for patients who are not expected to recover from their diseases. Typically, hospice is begun once a patient has less than six months to live. In addition to easing pain and providing comfort, this type of care helps both patients and their families prepare for the end of life. Depending on the patient and situation, hospice care may be performed by nurses, counselors, social workers, and religious figures.

 

Provide your loved one with outstanding hospice or palliative care by contacting Lifetime Care in Western New York. This charitable organization has been serving Rochester, Newark, Auburn, Dundee, and Lakeville since 1960 and currently provides care for 33,000 homebound hospice patients. When you hire these home health care professionals, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive individualized assistance at a manageable cost. Find out more about these services online or by calling (585) 214-1000.

tracking