Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care: Understanding the Difference

If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with a serious illness, you may wonder what the options are for treatment. Words like “hospice” and “palliative care” have probably come up in your research. 

Each of these types of care are focused on relieving pain and providing comfort, but there are some big distinctions between the two. In order to provide the best plan of care to the sick individual, it’s important to know more about each service. 

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is for individuals with a limited life span- typically six months or less. When they begin hospice, attempts to cure the person’s illness have stopped, and the care is focused on comfort measures. 

Additionally, the patient’s family is given emotional and spiritual support, as well as assistance making end-of-life decisions. 

Many times, hospice patients receive services at home, in a familiar environment, although some choose to enter a specialized hospice center. 

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is available from the moment someone is diagnosed with their illness. Individuals may still receive curative and life-prolonging treatment, along with symptom relief. 

Many times, palliative care is offered through a hospital or clinic, but non-medical services are also available in the home of the person in need of care. 

Palliative Care with Visiting Angels

An individual with a chronic illness is likely suffering from more than just physical pain- oftentimes, they deal with loneliness, anxiety, depression, lack of purpose, or fear of death. 

Our Palliative Care Program assists elderly individuals with a variety of conditions, including cancer, COPD, kidney failure, lung disease, and more. 

At Visiting Angels Beaver, our compassionate and respectful Certified Palliative Care Program focuses on treating the whole person, which includes their physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well being. 

Here are a few examples of our holistic approach to palliative care:

• Friendly companionship and conversation to prevent isolation, plus assistance helping the senior stay connected to family and friends through in-person visits and technology.
• Mobility assistance and help with day-to-day tasks if the person struggles with strength issues. 
• A warm and respectful approach that acknowledges the patient’s feelings and frustrations associated with their illness. 
• Maintaining a comfortable environment for the care recipient. 

End of Life Care 

Visiting Angels does not offer medical hospice services, but we are here to help support seniors during the end of life process. Our End of Life Program offers seniors and their family members with compassionate support during a difficult time. 

Our caregivers provide end of life services, including: 

• Assistance managing pain and other symptoms.
• Companionship and help alleviating feelings of stress, loneliness, and anxiety. 
• Help with personal tasks, including bathing and dressing.
• Maximizing comfort
• Respite care so that family members can temporarily step away from their duties. 

Visiting Angels Can Help

If your loved one has been diagnosed with a serious illness, consider using Visiting Angels Beaver as part of their palliative or end of life team. 

For more information about our comforting in-home services, fill out our contact form or give us a call at 412-366-4860.