There is a lot of confusion concerning the definition of palliative care. What exactly is it? And what’s the difference between it, home health, and hospice?
The World Health Organization defines palliative care as, ”an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem[s] associated with [a] life-threatening illness.” This is done “through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psycho-social, and spiritual.”
Although this sounds similar to home health and hospice, there are small but significant differences. Palliative care has frequently been referred to as the bridge between home health and hospice. Palliative care includes elements of both home health and hospice but bridges the gap where the other two respectively can’t.
Both palliative care and hospice care are intended to provide comfort. But while hospice begins after the treatment of the disease is stopped, palliative care can begin at diagnosis and happen at the same time as treatment (even while curative measures are still being taken). In this way, it is similar to home health.
In short, if you suffer from an injury or illness that you are successfully working to recover from, home health is likely the right choice for you. If you have ceased having treatments because a qualified physician has given you a prognosis of less than six months to live hospice is the way to go. If you are unsure and still pursuing recovery, yet you desire comfort cares, palliative care might be the right choice for you.
Needless to say, planning your care or the care of a loved one can be a difficult process filled with unknowns. You don’t have to do it alone—give Aspire Home Health and Hospice a call. If you have further questions about what services are right for you, reach out to us at 801-292-0296. We have representatives standing by 24/7 to answer your questions and help you plan for your future.
