Palliative Care and Hospice
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is both a philosophy of care and a highly structured system of care. The goal of palliative care is to prevent and relieve suffering and to support the best possible quality of life for patients and their families. It includes the physical aspects of patient care as well as emotional, social and spiritual aspects of care for the patient and their family.
What is hospice?
Hospice care is for those who have a terminal diagnosis and are no longer getting treatment to cure their illness. Hospice care is focused on relieving symptoms and is for patients who are expected to live for months not years. It is okay to ask your physician if they believe it is time for hospice.
Does my insurance cover palliative care?
Most insurance plans will cover palliative care that you receive either in the hospital or as an outpatient. Advance directive planning that you do with your physician may also be covered.
Is palliative care the same as hospice?
No, Hospice is care for those who are in or approaching their last stages of life.