While hospice and palliative care often are used interchangeably in conversation, ThedaCare is reminding those with seriously ill family members that they actually serve slightly different purposes.
Palliative care is specialized medical care that patients can receive along with curative treatments when confronted with serious medical conditions. Visits address physical and emotional symptoms as well as spiritual and resource barriers to improved quality of care.
They also include a thorough conversation about patients’ medical goals.
Hospice care is a subset of palliative care intended for people nearing the end of life, typically with a life expectancy of six months or less.
Individuals in hospice care transition from a curative approach to their condition to a comfort-based approach.
Individuals and their loved ones may consider palliative care when they have a serious diagnosis like cancer, advanced heart or lung disease, or neurodegenerative disease.
Transitioning to hospice care may be appropriate when a loved one has a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of six months or less, or the care focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort and quality of life.
The patient typically prefers a supportive, peaceful environment, whether at home or in a hospice facility.
To learn more about palliative care and hospice, visit ThedaCare.org.
