They Are Both For Long Term Care

Palliative care and hospice care are similar yet different in several ways. When determining the kind of care your loved one needs, you need to understand the kind of services both provide.

Palliative care is for patients suffering from serious illnesses from the moment of diagnosis to death. This care can last weeks, months, or even years. Often, palliative care aims to prolong and improve the quality of life. However, hospice care is the final care given to a patient close to death. 

Palliative care and hospice care are often understood to mean the same. This article will show the similarities but also the differences that make them unique. 

Palliative Care

Palliative care is given to patients who have been diagnosed with a long-term illness, such as organ failure, cancer, stroke, dementia, and many more. When this happens, anxiety and panic are the first reactions. Not just for the patient but the family as well. Most people assume they will die, and they find it scary. 

A palliative care package is designed to give the patient hope and improve his quality of life irrespective of how long he has to live. Often, palliative care products introduce positivity in the patient and the family. 

However, it is best to point out that palliative care does not give false hope. Instead, it helps the patient and his family have realistic hope and find ways to enjoy life despite the illness.  

Patients can start palliative home care in Singapore at any moment of their illness. However, it is best to start the care from diagnosis, treatment, and, more importantly, during the physical decline. 

Hospice Care

Hospice care is care given to patients to help keep them comfortable at the end of the treatment. By the time a patient starts getting hospice care, it is evident that there is no hope that the treatment will work. Treatment is halted, and instead, the patient is helped to remain as comfortable as possible as they approach their death. 

Hospice care never lasts for more than six months. 

Similarities Between Palliative Care And Hospice Care

• Both palliative and hospice care can be given at home.
• Both focus on the patient’s comfort and well-being to the end. 
• Palliative and Hospice care are empathy-based. 
• Both types of care are given to patients whose illnesses will cause their death. 

Differences Between Palliative And Hospice Care

• The palliative care package tends to be long-term, depending on the severity of the patient’s health. Hospice care, on the other hand, is short-term. 
• Patients can seek palliative home care Singapore from the moment they receive their diagnosis. However, hospice care is only sought when the treatment is not working, and all that is left is to help the patient with pain relief and comfort until they pass on.
• Palliative care products are patient and family-oriented, while hospice care is mostly about the patient. 
• Palliative home care Singapore is given alongside other treatments. However, hospice care is given when all other treatments are stopped. 

If you wonder whether you or a member of your family needs hospice or palliative care, it is best to focus on the difference. Your situation will determine which care is most suitable, whether given in the hospital, institution, or at home.