Everything You Need to Know about the Differences and Similarities of Palliative and Hospice Care
The terms palliative care and hospice care are often used interchangeably. Yet this is not correct. If you or a loved one need hospice care in Arizona, you will have to meet specific eligibility criteria and find a qualified provider. You can get palliative care with just about any doctor at just about any hospital.
Palliative care involves providing relief and comfort to a patient who is being treated for a serious disease or illness, whether it is terminal or not. That can include giving you painkillers after you break a bone or providing anti-nausea medication while you are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.
Palliative care can also be given to patients who reject curative treatment, such as if the patient has limited self-care capabilities, is not benefiting from treatment, or has evidence that further treatment will not help the condition. This type of care treats the symptoms rather than seeks to provide a cure.
Hospice care also provides relief and comfort, but patients who receive it are not also seeking curative care. They may have an illness that cannot be cured, or they may have tried therapy and stopped responding to it.
Hospice care is always palliative care, but palliative care is not always hospice care.
Here are a few more differences between the two:
Prognosis
You can get palliative care if you have a short- or a long-term illness. You don’t have to have a major injury or terminal illness in order to qualify for this kind of care. On the other hand, you can receive Queen Creek palliative care if you are seriously injured or ill.
Hospice care is only available for those who need end-of-life care. In fact, two doctors must attest that the patient is only expected to live another six months or less. Of course, the patient could outlive that prognosis, but hospice care will not be ended after the initial six months. Another evaluation by a doctor may be requested though.
Providers
Any doctor can provide palliative care. Your primary physician in Arizona can provide palliative care for an injury, or a specialist you see halfway across the world can provide palliative care. If you see multiple doctors for your condition, all of those doctors can work together to determine the best relief care and to provide it.
You will almost always get palliative care at a hospital, but you may sometimes get it at an urgent care facility.
Hospice care in Queen Creek is provided by specialty care givers and it is usually given at home. Some providers will offer the care at a residence facility that is designed to be as comfortable as home but that has some special amenities. It can also be provided at hospitals and veterans’ facilities.
Payment
Hospice care is paid in full by either Medicaid or Medicare — or your own insurance if you are not available for either. Medicare pays for round-the-clock care, medications, medical equipment, social services, chaplain visits and grief support. It may also pay for other services that the hospice provider says are necessary.
Palliative care is typically paid for by personal insurance, including the office visits and medication. If a person qualified for Medicaid or Medicare, those plans may cover some palliative care. However, the standard co-payments, deductions and other limitations will apply.
Because palliative and hospice care are so similar, many people become confused about which is which. Primarily, the difference is in the expected outcome for the patient and in the logistics of deciding on and paying for a care plan.
Americare Hospice and Palliative Care in Mesa provides both types of care for patients of all ages in Arizona. We are a Catholic facility, but we provide services to people of all faiths. We believe that all human life is sacred, and we will do everything we can to make sure that you or a loved one gets the relief and care needed during this difficult time. Our in-patient hospice units are designed to be as comfortable as home, and we provide round-the-clock care in addition to giving special attention to the spiritual needs of the dying. Contact us today to set up a tour or to talk with someone more about our services.
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1212 N. Spencer St., Suite #2
Mesa, Arizona 85203
Office: (480) 726-7773
Fax: (480) 726-7790
Email: info@americarehospice.org
