Hospice and Palliative Care
VNA Health Group formed the Advanced Care Institute (ACI) in 2015 to help those with late-stage chronic illness. Our services are designed to help patients stay at home comfortably while receiving support from family, a visiting physician, a palliative specialist and our hospice care team.
While hospice and palliative care are often grouped together, they are actually different services that are used separately. By understanding what hospice and palliative care entail, you can make the best decisions for your loved one.
Below are the key differences between our hospice care and palliative care services.
Understanding Hospice and Palliative Care
Hospice care is for patients who are terminally ill and expected to live six months or less. Patients on hospice care no longer receive curative treatment; rather it’s focused on managing symptoms and addressing the person’s physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural needs. Hospice care can be provided in any setting the patient considers ‘home’ and is covered by Medicaid, Medicare and most insurance plans.
Palliative care is an option at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments. The goal of palliative care is to address the patient’s needs and concerns, ease their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Palliative care can be provided in the home, a hospital, long-term care or assisted living facility and is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans.
Below is a quick comparison chart on the key differences between these two types of care.
Hospice Care | Palliative Care |
| Eligibility. For patients facing a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less who are not receiving curative treatment. | Eligibility. For patients at any stage of a serious illness who are also receiving curative treatment. |
| Goal of Care. Patients are not seeking a cure. They plan to manage their symptoms and ease the transition to end-of-life. All physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs are met. | Goal of Care. Palliative care is used to manage symptoms, reduce stress and improve comfort. It can be used alongside other treatments for improved outcomes. |
| Why Choose. Hospice is for patients who can no longer undergo difficult treatments for a terminal illness. They receive supportive services so they can live fully and comfortably in the last phases of their lives. | Why Choose. Patients who need symptom management, including pain relief, related to their illness. Also assists with goals of care conversations and care options. |
Conclusion
The goal of our hospice care and palliative care services is to help patients with serious illnesses live comfortably with an improved quality of life. We address the physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of our patients and families and help them navigate the treatment options. Spiritual support and counseling, music therapy and bereavement support services can also be provided. Contact VNA Health Group at 800-400-0981 to learn more about our hospice and palliative care services.
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