To simplify, the answer is YES! Palliative care is a part of hospice but hospice is not a part of palliative care. Although this may sound confusing, in actuality it makes sense. Both palliative care and hospice care provide quality of life, symptom management, and support for patient and family members.
When Can A Patient Receive Palliative Care?
Palliative care services can be initiated at any stage of your illness. Hospice requires a terminal illness with two physicians certifying that you or your loved one has six months or less to live if the disease follows its usual and expected course. Both require an order from your physician. Both hospice and palliative care are there for you emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Hospice services include medical equipment such as a hospital bed, bedside commode, wheelchair, personal supplies such as lotions, wound care needs, and both comfort medications plus medications related to your hospice diagnosis. Palliative care does not provide equipment or medications but will guide you and your family by presenting recommendations on how to obtain those needs.
Although there are differences in palliative care versus hospice, the transition of these services brings forth the continuation of care that allows hospice to palliate both your emotional and physical symptoms while providing support to you and your family.
In conclusion, everybody on hospice does receive palliative care. Palliative care manages symptoms, relieves pain, focuses on quality of life, along with providing emotional and spiritual support to patients and families. This is also true for hospice because palliative care is a part of hospice!
At Angels Grace Hospice, in Bolingbrook, IL we provide customized care plans specific to each of the patients and their families. We provide end-of-life care at home, hospitals, skilled nursing homes or assisted-living facilities depending on individual circumstances. Contact us with any questions and for further assistance with your end of life care options.