Palliative Care Versus Hospice

Palliative care and hospice care are similar in that they both offer medical support for people with serious, sometimes terminal illnesses. But the two have very different objectives.

"Patients, families even our medical professionals are still confused about the role of palliative care in a patient with serious illnesses," says Dr. Sherika Newman, a palliative care physician with Lee Memorial Health System.

Dr. Newman is part of the palliative care team at Lee Memorial Health System.

"Palliative medicine actually runs concurrent with a patient's medical illness even when they are in curative phases such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, being treated for their heart failure or chronic lung disease," says Dr. Newman.

There's a key distinction that sets it apart from hospice.

"Hospice is end of life care meaning the patient can no longer benefit from curative measures or they have failed curative measures and they're truly at end of life and only need the support of care for end of life," says Dr. Newman.

Palliative care is frequently directed toward cancer, heart conditions and stroke, but any illness that's long term and debilitating can fall under its umbrella.

Taking a team approach, both palliative care and hospice includes doctors, nurses, social workers, even clergy. Points of interest range from pain management to helping a patient cope with the consequences of their condition.

"We're focusing on quality of life and not isolating the patient into just focusing on the medical disease. And I think that as the baby boomers age, and they are an intellectually aging group, they're going to want these types of support care," says Dr. Newman.

It's focus on quality of life, not end of life, sets palliative care apart.

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we've been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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Hospice care is intended for patients who are near the end of their lives and have a terminal illness, and the focus of care is on comfort and quality of life rather than on curative measures. Hospice care typically involves a team of healthcare professionals who provide medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families.

Palliative care, on the other hand, is intended to improve the quality of life for patients who have serious illnesses, regardless of their life expectancy. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments, and the focus is on managing symptoms, providing emotional and spiritual support, and addressing the overall well-being of the patient. The goal of palliative care is to help patients live as comfortably and fully as possible, regardless of the status of their illness.

[pretzelover]

Thank you so much! This helped me for my final! Was so confused between the two! Now it's clear:)

[elizabethm]

Nice to know
I was under the wrong impression..
I am a cancer survivor as well as Hcm recipient
Thank you for the information

[ArtisseSanders]

Oh I thought Palliative Care was the same as Hospice.

[cindyshaw]

Did not like this video. I feel the reporter was rude when she was talking about hospice care she was talking like we caused our illness and that put me off big time. Did no one else hear that. Sorry I know its something small but I'm on a lot of meds and I'm having a very hard time dealing with dying right now. I have 3 months to 1 yr. So I'm scared. My cancer ia in the progression stage now. And it sucks. I just want to live until my grand daughter starts Kinger garden. I am only 36 yrs old and I have 6 kids the youngest is 10yrs old and oldest is 21 yrs old, I want to be here with them. But God has other plans for me. He needs me for some reason, , , , I love you Jesus, I love everyone that's reading this to. I forgive the reporter to. Jesus is Lord