What is Palliative & Hospice Care?

Supporting a loved one in their final days is a meaningful act of care. It involves conversation and companionship.

This experience can be very rewarding but also emotionally difficult. Helping with decisions and caring for their physical, mental, and emotional needs can keep their dignity. This support can also bring a sense of peace during this time.

When aggressive treatment is no longer the best choice, doctors may recommend other types of care that focus on comfort. Both palliative and hospice care aim to alleviate pain and distress, prioritizing comfort over extending life.

Understanding Palliative Care

Palliative care is a medical approach. It aims to improve the quality of life for people with serious illness or injury. While it is sometimes a precursor to hospice care, it is not limited to end-of-life situations. The goal is to treat the "whole person," easing stress and discomfort rather than curing the illness.

Without palliative care, patients might face increased pain, anxiety, depression, difficulty breathing, nausea, and trouble sleeping.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is a special type of palliative care. It starts when doctors stop trying to cure a disease. This usually happens when a person has about six months or less to live.

It supports both the individual and their family, addressing pain management, physical needs, and offering counseling and spiritual guidance. Hospice care can be given in many places. This includes homes, hospice centers, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Eligibility for hospice care generally starts when a doctor determines that the person has six months or less to live.

Resources for End-of-Life Support

As your loved one's care shifts toward end-of-life support, you might feel uncertain about how to assist them both financially and physically. Here are some useful resources:

●      National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: Offers information for caregivers and families navigating end-of-life care.

●      Find a Hospice Provider: Medicare has an online tool to locate and compare hospice services in your area.

●      Paying for Hospice: Find out how Medicare covers hospice services. It usually pays for most care needs for people over 65.

●      "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End" by Dr. Atul Gawande is a well-known book. It offers advice on how to have tough talks. The book also emphasizes the importance of respecting your loved one's wishes at the end of life.

Bottom Line

Caring for a loved one at the end of their life is a deeply personal and impactful experience. By understanding options like palliative and hospice care, you can make informed decisions that prioritize comfort and dignity. While this journey can be challenging, the resources available can provide support for both you and your loved one during this time of transition.

Sources:

https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/life-events/end-of-life-care-options

Disclosures:

This information is an overview and should not be considered as specific guidance or recommendations for any individual or business.

This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only.

These are the views of the author, not the named Representative or Advisory Services Network, LLC, and should not be construed as investment advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information