Understanding the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care Dana Nolan MS, LMHC, NCC Mental Health Counselor
May 07, 2015
Understanding the Difference Between Palliative Care and
Hospice Care
Dana Nolan MS, LMHC, NCCMental Health Counselor
A New Trend in Patient Care
Increase in hospitals/clinics offering specialized palliative care.
Confusion between palliative care and hospice.
Hospice care is more established nationwide and worldwide.
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What is Palliative Care?
Goal is to feel better. Patients with chronic or serious
illness (such as mesothelioma). Decrease or relieve symptoms
of disease or its treatment. Improve quality of life.
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Palliative Care With Mesothelioma Patients
Common symptoms treated: pain, shortness of breath, chemotherapy-
induced neuropathy, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue etc.
Palliative care can be given ALONG SIDE
curative treatments such as surgery, chemo, gene therapy etc.
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Who Provides Palliative Care? Physicians, Registered Nurses, Counselors, Massage
Therapists, Registered Dietitians etc… Increase recently in healthcare teams that
SPECIALIZE in palliative care.
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What is Hospice Care?
Patients cease curative treatment and begin palliative care only to maximize quality of life.
Life expectancy is months vs. years. Hospice organizations provide care to
patients/families in their home or nursing home. Hundreds of hospice organizations in US.
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Who Are Hospice Care Providers?Hospice organizations are only able to provide hospice
care to patients who meet hospice criteria. Physician, nurse, home health aids, counselors/social
workers, chaplains and volunteers routinely make up hospice teams.
Services are routinely provided in the patient’s home which better suits the family and patient.
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Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care
Does insurance pay for palliative care?
Does health insurance pay for hospice care?
Can I stop hospice care and go back to curative treatment if a promising drug comes on the market?
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Palliative Care vs. Hospice CareCont.
Can I keep my physician if I want to add palliative care to my treatment plan?
Can I keep my physician if I want hospice care?
How long can I receive palliative care?
How long can I receive hospice care?
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Conclusions
Many misconceptions about both hospice care and palliative care.
Many similarities between the two types of treatment.
Major difference is that a patient cannot receive curative treatment while receiving hospice care.
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Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270