What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?

Hospice care and palliative care both aim to provide better quality of life and relief from symptoms and side effects for people with a serious illness. Patients who require palliative or hospice care have a team that meets their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. Hospice care can often include palliative care but they are both very different.

How do these forms of care differ?

Palliative care is available at any stage of a serious illness, often right after diagnosis. Nurses and carers can step in at any point, even during active treatments like radiation or chemo. Hospice care is different. It’s only offered in the final phase of an incurable illness or when someone is near the end of life. In hospice care, “treatment” focuses on managing symptoms and side effects. A patient’s hospice team works directly with their medical team. However, a palliative care team operates separately from the patient’s regular medical care team. Let’s take a look at both forms of care in more depth.

Palliative care

Palliative care is care for patients that are terminally ill. You may have heard the term but not known exactly what this involves.

There are a wide range of illnesses where palliative care can be offered. These include heart disease, cancer, kidney failure, lung disease, dementia and HIV. While receiving palliative care, patients can still see their regular doctor and continue treatment for their illness. A typical palliative care team are combined of a group of doctors and nurses. Depending on your situation, your care team might include other healthcare providers. Registered dietitians and psychologists are examples.

Where can people access palliative care?

Palliative care is provided where the person and their family wants, where possible. It is not exclusively locked into a clinical or hospital setting.

This may include:

• At home
• In hospital
• In a hospice
• In a residential aged care facility

Differences between palliative hospital care and homecare

Palliative hospital care takes place in a hospital or hospice setting, where patients receive specialised medical care. Palliative homecare occurs in the patient’s own home, focusing on providing comfort and support in familiar surroundings.

Both types of care aim to provide comfort, symptom management, and emotional support to individuals with life-limiting conditions. The decision to choose between hospital care and homecare should consider several factors. These include the patient’s specific needs and preferences. Available resources and support from healthcare professionals and caregivers are also important.

What is hospice care?

Hospice care centers on enhancing the quality of life for individuals and their caregivers facing advanced, life-limiting illnesses. It starts when treatments can no longer cure or control a disease, like advanced cancer. Instead of focusing on the illness, hospice nurses and carers prioritise the patient’s comfort. Their goal is to manage symptoms, allowing the person to spend their final days with dignity and quality, surrounded by loved ones.

Where is hospice care provided?

Hospice care isn’t tied to your location. Patients can receive care at home or in a care facility. These facilities include nursing homes, hospitals, or hospice centers. A hospice team member visits regularly. Phone support is usually available 24 hours a day. The team collaborates with the patient, caregiver, and family. They offer the necessary medical, emotional, and spiritual support.

What is palliative homecare?

Palliative homecare is a healthcare service. It offers comprehensive and compassionate support at home for people with life-limiting illnesses. The aim is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. This is achieved by addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs, considering the 5 stages of palliative care.

Palliative homecare may include pain management, symptom control, emotional support, and assistance with activities of daily living to ensure that patients can live as comfortably and peacefully as possible in their familiar home environment. This approach allows patients to receive care while staying connected with their loved ones and maintaining a sense of independence and autonomy.

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Who can benefit?

Example conditions:

• Cancer: Patients with advanced or terminal cancer often receive palliative care to manage pain, alleviate symptoms, and improve their quality of life during treatment and in their final stages.
• Heart failure: Palliative care can help individuals with congestive heart failure by addressing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain, and by providing emotional support.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Patients with severe COPD may receive palliative care to manage symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, and anxiety.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Palliative care can assist in managing the progressive symptoms of ALS, such as muscle weakness and respiratory issues.
• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias: Individuals in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s or other dementias can benefit from palliative care to address behavioural and psychological symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
• HIV/AIDS: Palliative care can help manage the symptoms and complications of HIV/AIDS, as well as provide support for the emotional and social aspects of the disease.
• Kidney disease: Individuals with end-stage kidney disease who are not eligible for or choose not to undergo dialysis can receive palliative care to manage symptoms and maintain comfort.
• Neurological disorders: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease may benefit from palliative care to address physical and emotional challenges.
• Congenital disorders: Palliative care is provided to individuals with congenital or genetic disorders to enhance their quality of life and offer support to their families.
• Serious paediatric illnesses: Children with life-limiting conditions such as paediatric cancer, genetic disorders, or severe congenital anomalies may receive palliative care to alleviate symptoms and support their families.
• Heart disease: Palliative care can help individuals with advanced heart disease manage their symptoms and address emotional and social concerns.
• Liver disease: Patients with end-stage liver disease may benefit from palliative care to manage symptoms, improve comfort, and address complex medical issues.

Palliative care is not limited to these conditions and can be tailored to specific needs and goals. Its primary focus is on improving the overall quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses and providing support to their families throughout the illness journey.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare we are experts in providing palliative homecare for clients who want to remain in their own homes. When it comes to your health and well-being, choosing the right homecare package is of utmost importance and navigating this process can be overwhelming. With Cavendish Homecare by your side, you’ll have the support you need to remain safely at home while enjoying elevated health and wellbeing.

If you would like to enquire about our homecare services, contact us on, 02030085210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com.

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