Understanding the difference between hospice and palliative care is crucial when facing serious illnesses or navigating end-of-life care for your loved ones. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct approaches with different focuses and goals. 

Both palliative care and hospice care prioritise the well-being of the patient and aim to enhance their overall quality of life. To be able to make an informed choice about which type of supportive care is best for you or your loved one, let's explore the similarities and differences between hospice and palliative care to help shed light on each unique approach and dispel common misconceptions.

 

What Does Palliative Care Mean?

Palliative care is a type of care for anyone living with a serious illness. This form of care can be applied at any stage of the illness and involves treatments to slow or stop the illness. A palliative care team will work to prevent or ease suffering and help family members make healthcare decisions that can be difficult. Palliative care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, to provide comprehensive support. It is highly flexible, allowing patients to move between curative and supportive care as their needs evolve. This care can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, palliative care homes and the patient’s home, making it adaptable to both short-term and long-term needs.

 

Is Palliative Care Considered End-Of-Life Care?

No, palliative care and end-of-life care are not the same. End-of-life care is a specific type of care given in the last stages of life. Palliative care, on the other hand, is a broader care approach that aims to improve the quality of life at any stage of serious illness and doesn’t always mean that death is near.

 

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care or end-of-life care, focuses exclusively on comfort and quality of life for patients in the final stages of life, typically with a prognosis of six months or less. The goal is to provide dignity and peace, managing symptoms like pain and discomfort while supporting emotional and spiritual needs.

 

Unlike palliative care, hospice typically signifies the end of curative treatments, focusing on comfort rather than prolonging life. Hospice care is often delivered in the patient’s home but can also be provided in care homes or hospitals. It also includes bereavement support for the patient’s family after their passing.

What is the Difference Between Hospice And Palliative Care

 

The main difference between palliative and hospice care lies in timing and treatment goals. Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness and may be provided alongside treatments aimed at curing or managing the disease. Hospice care, on the other hand, is reserved for patients nearing the end of life, when curative treatments are no longer in place.

Palliative care supports both the patient’s comfort and active treatments, while hospice focuses solely on comfort during the final months. Both involve a multidisciplinary care team, but hospice includes stronger emphasis on family bereavement support. Care in both services can be offered in hospitals, care homes, or specialised facilities, with hospice care often focusing on home environments.

 

Misconceptions About Palliative Care vs Hospice

 

When it comes to palliative care vs hospice, several misconceptions are often driven by the fear that opting for these services means giving up on treatment or hope. However, it’s important to understand that choosing palliative care or hospice doesn’t mean abandoning curative treatments entirely. Instead, it reflects a shift in focus to prioritise the patient's comfort and evolving needs, depending on their prognosis.

Another common misunderstanding involves the cost. Many people assume that palliative care and hospice are expensive. In reality, hospice care is typically free, funded by the NHS or charitable donations. Palliative care, while sometimes privately funded, can also be covered under NHS continuing healthcare. In some cases, treatment in a palliative care home may be fully supported by NHS funding.

 

 

Select Healthcare’s Palliative Services

The Select Healthcare Group offers palliative services and end-of-life care across the UK in several specialist palliative care homes. If you’d like to know what to expect from a palliative care home or you’d like more information about our end-of-life care services, contact our knowledgeable team today on 01384 217900.

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