Hospice care is for anyone who has a condition that is considered terminal—the person is expected to live six months or less if the disease or condition runs its normal course. Hospice care may begin any time after the patient decides to end treatment. The patient, family and physicians understand that the focus of hospice care is on pain, symptom management and comfort and not a cure.
Yes, hospice physicians work closely with each patient’s personal physician to determine a hospice plan of care tailored to meet each patient’s needs and wishes.
Medicare and Medicaid both provide coverage for basic hospice services, and most private insurance policies have some hospice provision. Families should check with their health insurance provider specifically.
If a person changes their mind about hospice care, they can revoke from hospice services and seek curative treatment again. Patients do not lose their Medicare benefits if they revoke from hospice care to resume curative care or if they simply do not desire hospice services anymore.
At any time during a life-threatening illness when a cure is not possible, it is appropriate to consider hospice. The decision belongs to the patient, family and the patient’s physician. Hospice care is most beneficial when there is sufficient time to manage symptoms, control pain and establish a trusting relationship.
Anyone facing a potentially life-limiting illness should be aware of all the care options, including palliative and hospice care. Palliative care can often be provided at the same time as curative treatments.
Hospice and palliative care both focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life, but they differ in when they are provided. Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness and is offered alongside treatments aimed at recovery or cure. Hospice care, on the other hand, is for those nearing the end of life, when the focus shifts entirely to comfort and support rather than curative treatment. Both approaches honor each person’s needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
The primary goals of palliative care are to relieve pain and manage symptoms for people with serious illnesses, while improving their overall quality of life. It focuses on addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, providing support for both patients and their families. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness alongside curative treatments.
Palliative care enhances quality of life by focusing on comfort, symptom relief, and emotional support throughout a patient’s illness. It helps patients maintain dignity and independence, reduces stress, and ensures care aligns with their personal values and goals. This holistic approach also supports families, improving the overall experience for everyone involved.
The duration of palliative care depends on several factors, including the type and progression of the patient’s illness, their individual symptoms, and overall health needs. It may last for weeks, months, or even years, depending on how long the patient benefits from symptom management and support. The care plan is continually adjusted as the patient’s condition and goals change.
Receiving information about a complex illness in a way that is easy to understand is critically important for informed decision making by patients and families. We educate you on your specific disease trajectory and co-morbid conditions. We outline care options and answer you and your loved one’s questions.
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