November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. During this month, hospice and palliative care programs raise awareness about what these services provide and how they may be integrated into one’s care plan. When many people hear the word hospice, they normally think of someone who is on their deathbed and only receiving comfort measures. Although this is true, that is not all of what hospice entails.
What is hospice care?
Hospice care focuses on providing services that enhance the quality of life for someone who has a terminal illness. Normally this means that the care geared towards curing the illness is no longer provided. The patient’s needs and comfort are prioritized by the care staff whose role is to make this possible. Hospice providers also support the family. They can provide social workers, assist with plans after death, and support with bereavement. Hospice care is provided usually in the last six months of one’s life and is covered by Medicare.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care provides services that focus on pain, symptoms, and stress associated with a serious illness. These services can also be provided in conjunction with curative care strategies. There is no time limit for palliative care and can be supplemental for families or individuals who are not yet ready to receive hospice care. Palliative care can be partially covered by Medicare Part B and other forms of insurance are used.
For a more in depth comparison, this sheet provided by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization breaks down all the possible questions regarding these two types of services.
Accepting that a loved one’s death is near is difficult, but care providers from both hospice and palliative care are there to guide the patient and family. It is important to recognize that hospice and palliative care are not death sentences. Instead, they are ways to make the final moments of one’s life as meaningful and comfortable as possible.
If you or your loved one are interested in learning more about hospice care, WellPath Partners is here to help. WellPath Partners offers many different resources and services for seniors and their family members. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for help!
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By: Leila Lagandaon
Placement Coordination and Internship Supervisor at WellPath Partners
B.S. Health Science, Community Health Education at California State University, Long Beach
