Understanding the Difference Between Palliative Care and

Hospice Care

Dana Nolan MS, LMHC, NCCMental Health Counselor

A New Trend in Patient Care

Increase in hospitals/clinics offering specialized palliative care.

Confusion between palliative care and hospice.

Hospice care is more established nationwide and worldwide.

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What is Palliative Care?

Goal is to feel better. Patients with chronic or serious

illness (such as mesothelioma). Decrease or relieve symptoms

of disease or its treatment. Improve quality of life.

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Palliative Care With Mesothelioma Patients

Common symptoms treated: pain, shortness of breath, chemotherapy-

induced neuropathy, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue etc.

Palliative care can be given ALONG SIDE

curative treatments such as surgery, chemo, gene therapy etc.

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Who Provides Palliative Care? Physicians, Registered Nurses, Counselors, Massage

Therapists, Registered Dietitians etc… Increase recently in healthcare teams that

SPECIALIZE in palliative care.

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What is Hospice Care?

Patients cease curative treatment and begin palliative care only to maximize quality of life.

Life expectancy is months vs. years. Hospice organizations provide care to

patients/families in their home or nursing home. Hundreds of hospice organizations in US.

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Who Are Hospice Care Providers?Hospice organizations are only able to provide hospice

care to patients who meet hospice criteria. Physician, nurse, home health aids, counselors/social

workers, chaplains and volunteers routinely make up hospice teams.

Services are routinely provided in the patient’s home which better suits the family and patient.

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Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care

Does insurance pay for palliative care?

Does health insurance pay for hospice care?

Can I stop hospice care and go back to curative treatment if a promising drug comes on the market?

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Palliative Care vs. Hospice CareCont.

Can I keep my physician if I want to add palliative care to my treatment plan?

Can I keep my physician if I want hospice care?

How long can I receive palliative care?

How long can I receive hospice care?

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Conclusions

Many misconceptions about both hospice care and palliative care.

Many similarities between the two types of treatment.

Major difference is that a patient cannot receive curative treatment while receiving hospice care.

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Contact Information

1-800-615-2270

(800) 615-2270