Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care that focuses on keeping the chronically ill patients who have chronic illnesses or patients afflicted with a life-limiting illness. Instead of exploring curative treatments, the primary goal of this type of care is to make sure that the patient’s physical and emotional symptoms are managed to increase their overall quality of life.
Hospice as a Kind of Palliative Care
While the spectrum of palliative is fairly broad, hospice is much narrower and is reserved for patients who have been given a diagnosis of six months or less to live. Some patients are in hospice longer than that, but in many cases, the length of stay is shorter. It is often the case that the family and close friends of the patient are usually very involved in providing care. They work with the professionals, getting to know them so that everyone feels safe with each other during end-of-life.
Insurance Requirements for Palliative Care
It’s important to know that insurance companies may have differing requirements for palliative and hospice care. Despite the overlap between the terms, it is important to distinguish between the two. It is possible for a patient to be eligible for palliative care and not be eligible for hospice care. While palliative care often is for those at the end of life, it can sometimes be combined with curative treatments that are intended to restore health. Staying Informed About Your Options
Discussing Palliative Care With Loved Ones
Long before any kind of palliative care is needed, it’s a good idea to inform yourself about available options. The more you discuss the possibilities, the more likely it is that you and your loved one will be comfortable with the idea when it is needed. A little knowledge can provide a lot of peace of mind.
If you believe that you or a loved one would benefit from palliative care, contact Harbor Light Hospice today. Allow us to help you understand your options, we are here to help you.
