Hospice vs. Palliative Care: Making the Right Decision
Hospice and palliative care share the same priority—providing the best possible care for someone with a serious illness. Terminal illness is one of the most difficult issues anyone can face, whether you are dealing with symptoms personally or helping a loved one through the process. During this time, it’s important to focus on the quality and type of care you (or your loved one) want to receive.
Palliative care focuses on relieving the pain and symptoms of illness. At Santé, our palliative support specialists provide support and guidance throughout every stage of illness, whether at one of our rehabilitation facilities or in the comfort of your own home. Our gentle, compassionate staff is available round-the-clock to ensure your continued comfortability.
Hospice differs in that it is based around end-of-life care rather than curative treatment. Like palliative care, its primary goal is the comfort and well-being of the patient. However, hospice care reaches beyond the patient to also help their family and friends cope with the difficulties of seeing a loved one through terminal illness. Santé’s dedicated hospice teams include an attending physician, directors, registered nurses (RNs), and home health aides available anywhere in Maricopa County. Social workers and chaplains provide emotional and spiritual support for both patient and family.
How do you know which type of care is right for you, or your loved one? Review the checklist below for a brief side-by-side comparison of hospice and palliative care, then contact us to discuss the best path for yourself and your family.
- Pain and symptom relief
- Offered at any time during illness
- Often covered by insurance
- Home care coordination
- Part- or full-time care
- In-home or at a facility
- Counseling and support
- Available 24/7
- Pain and symptom relief
- End-of-life care
- Coverage: Hospice care is covered 100% for all patients with Medicare Part A or Medicaid. In addition, many private insurances including VA cover hospice services.
- Santé hospice provides services for any individual regardless of their ability to pay.
- Full-time care
- Typically provided at a patient’s home, nursing home, assisted living facility or wherever you call home
- Counseling and support
- Available 24/7
- Includes follow-ups with the patient’s family for 12 months following the death of their loved one
Remember, you are not alone. According to NHDD.org, 42% of Americans have seen a loved one through a recent terminal illness. Of those diagnosed, more than 1.6 million choose hospice care, while many more opt for palliative care to ease their symptoms. No matter what type of care you select, we are here to help.
