End Of Life Care Essay
Palliative Care: Differences Between Hospice Care, Palliative Care, and End of Life Care
Three of the most often confused terms in senior care are palliative care, hospice care, and end of life care. Two of these terms, hospice care and end of life care, can be used interchangeably. The third term, palliative care, is quite different from the others and should not be confused with them. When it is, seniors are often cheated out of important care that could speed healing, improve health, and add to their quality of life.
"Palliative"simply means to soothe or relieve. "Palliative care" is comprehensive care designed to provide comfort and support to a person with a serious illness or injury outside of the hospital setting. Palliative care is provided by a group of specialists that may include nurses, social workers, clergy, nutritionists, physical therapists, etc. The …show more content…
Hospice care services do all they can to make a person comfortable once curative treatments have stopped and a person is nearing the end of their life. Hospice may include services such as document preparation (powers of attorney, DNR orders, wills, etc.), pain medication, respite care, and palliative services.
Since palliative services are offered as a part of hospice care, the two are often mistaken. It is important to remember that hospice care is limited to the final months of life once curative treatments have ceased. Palliative care is available at any time and is combined with curative medications and treatments.
Another difference comes in the form of finance. Most insurances and Medicare cover hospice services. Not all insurances cover all palliative care services, medications, or treatments. It is important to discuss options with the insurance company to ensure your loved one gets the very best treatment, services, and medications they are entitled
Three of the most often confused terms in senior care are palliative care, hospice care, and end of life care. Two of these terms, hospice care and end of life care, can be used interchangeably. The third term, palliative care, is quite different from the others and should not be confused with them. When it is, seniors are often cheated out of important care that could speed healing, improve health, and add to their quality of life.
"Palliative"simply means to soothe or relieve. "Palliative care" is comprehensive care designed to provide comfort and support to a person with a serious illness or injury outside of the hospital setting. Palliative care is provided by a group of specialists that may include nurses, social workers, clergy, nutritionists, physical therapists, etc. The …show more content…
Hospice care services do all they can to make a person comfortable once curative treatments have stopped and a person is nearing the end of their life. Hospice may include services such as document preparation (powers of attorney, DNR orders, wills, etc.), pain medication, respite care, and palliative services.
Since palliative services are offered as a part of hospice care, the two are often mistaken. It is important to remember that hospice care is limited to the final months of life once curative treatments have ceased. Palliative care is available at any time and is combined with curative medications and treatments.
Another difference comes in the form of finance. Most insurances and Medicare cover hospice services. Not all insurances cover all palliative care services, medications, or treatments. It is important to discuss options with the insurance company to ensure your loved one gets the very best treatment, services, and medications they are entitled