When to Get Palliative Care or Hospice for Your Loved One

Deciding when to get palliative care or hospice for a loved one can be a challenging and emotional decision. Many people are unsure about the differences between these types of care and when each is appropriate. Understanding the options available and the right time to seek help can ensure that your loved one receives the best possible care and support during a difficult time. This blog will explore the key distinctions between palliative and hospice care, dispel common misconceptions, and share a personal story from a Denver Hospice patient to illustrate the impact these services can have.

The Importance of Knowing Your Options

Most people don’t have the advantage of personal knowledge about end-of-life options and many also have never thought or talked about their wishes for care in such a situation. Without information, many families may make hasty decisions to engage in aggressive treatment for their loved ones because they don’t know what else to do. These patients may tragically be subjected to treatment they do not want simply because of a lack of knowledge and preparation.

When to Get Palliative Care

To be fully prepared for the future, it’s important to understand palliative care and hospice. Palliative care can begin early in a disease and allows patients to receive full treatment for their illness alongside support. It provides wraparound care for serious illness, focusing on physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. “Both palliative care and hospice care are focused on the needs of the patient and their quality of life.” [CaringInfo] Knowing when to get palliative care is crucial for making informed decisions for your loved one.

According to this updated Science American article, “In 2021 only an estimated one in 10 people worldwide who needed palliative care received it, according to the World Health Organization.” Palliative care can begin early in the course of a disease, so consider it as soon as your loved one is diagnosed with a potentially life-limiting illness. Palliative care patients can continue to receive full treatment for their illness at the same time they are receiving palliative care. Essentially, palliative care is the wraparound support when dealing with a serious illness.

Key Differences Between Palliative Care and Hospice

However, there are some key differences between palliative care and hospice that you’ll need to understand in order to make the best decision for your loved one. Here are four of those differences:

Time Frame

Palliative care “this care can happen at any time during a serious illness. You don’t have to be near death to get this care.” Palliative care can begin early in the course of a disease, so consider it as soon as your loved one is diagnosed with a potentially life-limiting illness. Hospice care is appropriate when the patient has six months or less to live. Knowing when to start palliative care can significantly enhance the quality of life for patients early on.

Treatment

Palliative patients can continue to receive full treatment for their illness while receiving palliative care. However, patients are appropriate for hospice when they have stopped all treatment for the illness. Understanding when palliative care is appropriate can help manage symptoms effectively while continuing treatment.

Outcome

Palliative patients are not necessarily at the end of life and can receive care for as long as necessary. Hospice patients are considered terminal and will be preparing for the end of life with the hospice staff. Some palliative patients go on to be admitted for hospice care eventually, and the palliative care team can assist with that decision when necessary.

Goal of Care

The palliative care team aims to assist the patient during the course of serious illness in any way needed, particularly with physical, emotional, and spiritual issues that are not addressed by the treatment team. The goal of hospice care is to assist the patient and family through the dying process, providing symptom management and support as needed.

Personal Experience with Hospice Care at The Denver Hospice

“When my mother was diagnosed with biliary cancer at the age of 89, it was relatively easy to choose our next steps because of my personal experience with Denver Hospice. Over the years, I had many conversations with her about the type of care she wanted at the end of life, so we were well-prepared for the situation that faced us. The knowledge and support from Denver Hospice made all the difference during this challenging time.

In my mother’s case, when she was diagnosed with biliary cancer, she might have been a good candidate for palliative care to help her with her symptoms if she had been younger and healthier overall. A patient newly diagnosed with cancer who is starting treatment would benefit from the services of the palliative care team throughout the entire course of care.

But Mom was not a candidate for any treatment for her cancer because of her age and frailty, so we chose to admit her for hospice care. We understood that she was at the end of her life and she was ready emotionally and spiritually to prepare for her last days.

The Denver Hospice was a perfect choice for Mom because she was able to stay in her own home and receive visits from the hospice staff. They made sure she stayed comfortable and safe in her home until she needed me to come and provide around-the-clock care for her.”