When facing a terminal illness, many people and their families often find themselves confronted with decision making, confusing terminology, and emotional uncertainty. It can be difficult to know where to turn for support in these difficult times. Many people don\u2019t realize that hospice and palliative care offer more than just medical help \u2013 they also provide comfort, dignity, and peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Palliative V.S. Hospice Care \u2013 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Palliative care<\/strong> is specialized medical care for people of any age living with a chronic illness at any stage of their disease. It can be provided along with life-prolonging treatments like dialysis, chemotherapy, or surgeries. The focus of palliative care is to provide relief from any symptoms (such as pain, shortness of breath, or anxiety) to improve the quality of life for the patient and their families by supporting them emotionally, physically, and spiritually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hospice<\/strong> is specialized care intended for people who are no longer seeking treatment for their illness and are usually expected to have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. This care is meant to provide a patient with as much comfort as possible during their last months, weeks, or days of live. Every patient under hospice care will have a designated team of physicians, nurses, therapists, aides, and even grief specialists and social workers to help guide and educate them and their family members through this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both <\/strong>palliative care and hospice focus on managing symptoms, providing comfort and quality of life, provide a team of healthcare professionals, offer emotional and spiritual support, and offer home-based care in wherever a patient considers \u201chome\u201d (patient\u2019s home, assisted living facilities, hospitals, etc.). Both are also typically covered by Medicare or private insurance companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Misconceptions about Hospice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding What To Expect When You or a Loved One Begins Hospice Care<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After getting a referral to hospice, a nurse will meet with the patient (and\/or their family) to admit them into services. A physician with hospice will be assigned to oversee the patient\u2019s care plan and medications and the patient will start receiving regular weekly nurse visits (usually 2 a week or more as needed). A patient will be assigned a specific team under hospice that will offer 24\/7 support. Hospice will also offer medical equipment \u2013 such as hospital beds, bedside commodes, wheelchairs, lifts, oxygen equipment, and more. They will supply briefs, pads, and other incontinence supplies. An aide can be sent to assist the patient with personal care needs, such as bathing and grooming. Hospice offers a chaplain to make visits to provide spiritual support for the patient and family. Oftentimes, volunteers may also come to visit with the patient and provide companionship. Overall, the hospice team provides support on several different fronts to patients and their loved ones throughout the end-of-life journey and during bereavement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Local Hospice and Palliative Care Organizations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For Pinellas inquiries, call 727-467-7423 or click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Hillsborough inquiries, call 813-651-7300 or click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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