Essential Questions to ask if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma ***IMPORTANT***

The Differences between Palliative Care and Hospice Care

Posted on: November 7, 2023 *Updated on: May 25, 2024

Palliative care and hospice care aim to improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma. However, there are key differences between the two, especially in terms of when and how they are provided:

Palliative Care:

  1. Timing: Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, including alongside curative treatments. It is not limited to patients in the end stages of their disease.
  2. Goals: The primary goal of palliative care is to alleviate symptoms, manage pain, and improve the overall well-being of the patient. It focuses on addressing physical, emotional, and psychological distress. Palliative care aims to enhance the patient’s quality of life and help them cope with the challenges of their illness and treatment.
  3. Treatment: Patients receiving palliative care may still be pursuing active treatments for their illness, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. The palliative care team works in conjunction with the medical team to provide comprehensive support.
  4. Location: Palliative care can be administered in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and even at home. It is not limited to a specific location.

Hospice Care:

  1. Timing: Hospice care is typically provided when a patient’s prognosis is limited to a short timeframe (often six months or less) and curative treatments are no longer effective or desired. It is reserved for patients in the end stages of their illness.
  2. Goals: The primary goal of hospice care is to provide comfort, dignity, and emotional support to patients in their final months of life. The focus shifts from curative treatment to ensuring the patient’s comfort and quality of life in their remaining time.
  3. Treatment: Hospice care does not involve curative treatments. Instead, the focus is on managing pain and symptoms, as well as providing emotional and spiritual support to both the patient and their loved ones.
  4. Location: Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including the patient’s home, hospice facilities, nursing homes, or hospitals. The location is chosen based on the patient’s preferences and needs.

In summary, the main difference lies in the timing and goals of these two types of care. Palliative care can be provided throughout the course of an illness, with a focus on symptom management and quality of life, while hospice care is specifically designed for patients with a limited prognosis and focuses on providing comfort and support in the final stages of life.