End-of-Life Care Options

Upon receiving a terminal diagnosis, there are likely a lot of things that go through your head - from treatment plans to “what if” to what now. That is understandable and expected. It is important to know that quality of life and the moments that remain are important, to you and your family, and to educate yourself and others on what care options are available.

There are two main types of care related to life-limiting illnesses: palliative care and hospice care. Here we explain some of these differences.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative Care is specialized medical care for individuals living with a serious illness. Patients may receive care for their symptoms along with treatment intended to cure their serious illness. Palliative Care is provided along with curative treatment and may begin at the time of diagnosis. With time, if the doctor or palliative care team believes ongoing treatment for the serious illness is no longer helping, the palliative care team will discuss future care options.

Future care options may include:

• Palliative Care could transition to Hospice care if the doctor believes the person is likely to die within six months

• Palliative Care team could continue to help with increasing emphasis on comfort care alongside treatment

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice Care is individualized care for individuals living with a terminal illness who, with the normal progression of the diagnosis, is likely to die within six months. Instead of a focus on curative treatment, hospice care focuses on care, comfort and quality of life. Hospice is designed for those patients that choose not to continue to undergo certain treatments.

Hospice care includes care provided by a team of professionals trained in end-of-life care, medicine and equipment related to care for the hospice diagnosis, symptom management, and support for both patient and family.

It is important to discuss disease care options sooner than later, with both palliative and hospice care. To take full advantage of either comprehensive care option, it is good to know all the information when making your choice for care. It is important to note that your care can change from palliative care to hospice care, or vice versa, if or when that decision is made based on the patient’s goals of care.