When deciding on the best type of care for a loved one, the number of options offered can be overwhelming. Palliative care and hospices are both valid options for individuals who have been given a terminal diagnosis but there are some key differences that can help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the specific differences between palliative care and hospice can help you decide which level of care is best for you. Today, we’ll explore everything you need to know.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is a specialist type of care that focuses on easing pain and discomfort after a terminal diagnosis. It can also reduce stress and help people boost their quality of life as they navigate this challenging time.
Palliative care can be provided in a range of settings, including:
- In a residential or nursing home
- The comfort of home
- Hospice or hospital
Many people are choosing to receive palliative care in their own homes, as this is where they feel most comfortable. It also helps them continue living their lives the way they want, rather than being confined to a new routine that may not fit their personal preferences.
Palliative care isn’t the same as end-of-life care, but the latter is a type of the former. End-of-life care tends to be offered to people with less than a year left to live, while palliative care can be provided for many years.
What Is Hospice?
A hospice is a specialised facility where individuals can receive tailored care services based on their needs, including palliative, end-of-life and hospice care. Individuals may choose to move into a hospice when a cure for their condition is no longer possible.
The main focus of hospices and the carers within is comfort, quality of life and honouring the individual’s wishes. Individuals may also choose hospice care over continuing treatment, especially if the side effects or burden become too much.
Hospice doesn’t have to be a long-term solution.
There are several types of hospice stays, including:
- Inpatient stays: Staying in the hospice for a few days or weeks, benefitting from expert symptom control or receiving end-of-life care.
- Day services: Visiting the hospice for a day to access services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy and emotional support, without having to move homes.
- Hospice at home: Specialist nurses coming to visit and care for you in the comfort of your own home.
Palliative Care vs Hospice: Who Are These Services For?
Palliative care is an umbrella term for support services designed to keep anyone experiencing terminal illness comfortable and safe as symptoms progress. Hospice is for individuals living with an incurable or long-term, life-limiting illness, usually specialising in symptom management, respite or day therapy.
Hospice stays are usually better for individuals who require short-term yet intensive specialised care. Palliative care is more tailored and can be delivered for many years, making it more beneficial for people who require live-in support services.
Key Differences Between Palliative Care and Hospice
Both types of care sound similar and are sometimes used interchangeably. However, there are a few key differences between palliative care and hospice that may influence your choice of service.
These include:
- Timing: Palliative care can begin at any stage after a terminal illness diagnosis, while hospice is typically reserved for people nearing the end of life.
- Treatment options: Palliative care can be given alongside active treatments, such as chemotherapy, while hospice focuses purely on comfort and pain management.
- Support: Both types of care offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support, but hospice care often places greater emphasis on what happens at the end of life and beyond.
The Cost of Palliative Care vs Hospice
The price of palliative care vs hospice care depends on the service you choose, your needs, and how you receive the care service.
Hospice care is primarily free, as it is a specialised, end-of-life service largely funded by the NHS and charities. Palliative care costs very greatly, with private live-in support ranging from £1,000 to £2,000 a week, depending on the organisation you choose.
To learn more, download our free guide to financing and funding care.
Staying at Home: What Are Your Options?
Many individuals want to live out the rest of their lives surrounded by familiar surroundings, cherished belongings and loved ones. If this is true for you or your loved one, you may wonder if palliative care or hospice is a viable option.
Palliative care is often provided at home when working with a reputable organisation like Trinity Homecare. Palliative care can be provided in the form of live-in or visiting care, depending on the individuals’ needs, preferences and symptoms.
Hospice care is generally offered in a specialist hospice facility, which may require the individual to move into a new home.
However, at Trinity Homecare, we offer hospice care at home for individuals who need specialist support but don’t want to leave their familiar surroundings. We’ll work with you and your loved ones to create a personalised care plan that ensures your wishes are heard, understood and honoured.
Choosing the Right Support for You
Choosing between palliative care and hospice can make all the difference when it comes to your or a loved one’s quality of life moving forward. Both are designed to provide comfort and reassurance when it’s needed most, while also preserving dignity and independence.
If you’re unsure which care service would be best for your situation, we recommend talking to your healthcare team. They’ll be able to walk you through the possible options to ensure you and your loved ones feel supported every step of the way.
Talk to Us Today
At Trinity Homecare, our ultimate goal is to enrich your lifestyle in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. This allows you to live the independent lifestyle that you love without the daunting thought of moving into a care home. We are here to support you with various forms of live-in care.
Call us now on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free, no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
