“What's the difference between hospice and palliative care?”

Hello, Good question, and here is a great explanation from the Cleveland Clinic: Living with a serious illness can be overwhelming which is why its important to understand your options for additional support. Both hospice and palliative care provide care with an aim to improve quality of life. People often confuse palliative care with hospice. Both types of care ease the symptom distress severe illness can bring pain, fatigue, depression and more. The difference is in the overall approach to care. You can begin palliative care for a serious illness while also receiving curative or life-prolonging treatment. Palliative specialists work in tandem with other medical specialists as an added layer of support to have you feel as well as possible. In contrast, hospice is comfort care when life-prolonging care is no longer beneficial or desired. Hospice is interdisciplinary care provided by physicians, nurses, social workers and chaplains to support people and their families at the end of life. Palliative care originally developed to help those who have cancer is now used to help people living with a wide range of diseases, including heart failure. Research shows that palliative care can even extend life. Similarly, any person entering the final phase of life can receive hospice care wherever they are located, whether in their home, nursing facilities or even specialized hospice facilities. Both types of care will improve the persons quality of life and will provide caregivers with emotional and practical support. So just because you or your loved one must deal with a chronic illness doesnt mean you have to live with discomfort, pain or anxiety. If the need should arise, dont hesitate to seek care from a palliative care specialist or when its time from hospice. But, I would suggest talking with your medical team for clarification of what they do/offer. Becky https://www.oncologyspasolutions.com/

Hospice is for people facing a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less wherein comfort care is given without curative intent; the patient no longer has curative options or has chosen not to pursue treatment because the risk and side effects outweigh the benefits. Palliative care begins at the discretion of the physician and patient at any time, at any stage of illness, terminal or not where comfort care is given with or without curative intent.
Hope this helps.