Is Hospice Care Really Worth It or not?

People living with the disease who want curative care even in the last days of their life generally opt for hospice care. Hospice care is a set of treatments specifically designed for people who need mental, emotional, and physical support to have a better living experience. Since life has become relatively expeditious and it becomes tough for individuals to spare time to spend with their parents and elderly people. 

At that moment, hospice care plays an important role in coping with people’s issues who often get neglected by society. Hospice care gives them complete support to boost their hope to live life. In this article, we’ll have a deep insight into hospice care to get educated and utilize this information at some point in life. So, without wasting any time. Let’s get straight into this. 

How does hospice care works?

• Referral: A patient is referred to hospice care by their physician, healthcare provider, or family member when they are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and are expected to live for six months or less.  

• Assessment: A hospice nurse visits the patient to assess their needs and develop a personalized care plan. Hospice care at home and within the institution is also possible. This plan includes medical treatment, symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and assistance with daily activities.  

• Team-based care: Hospice care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers. The team works together to provide holistic care that addresses all aspects of the patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  

• Regular visits: The hospice team visits the patient regularly to provide care, monitor symptoms, and adjust the care plan as needed.  

• Medication management: Hospice care involves medication management to alleviate pain and manage other symptoms associated with the patient’s illness.  

• Bereavement support: Hospice care also provides support to the patient’s family members and loved ones both during the patient’s illness and after their death.  

• End-of-life care: When the patient’s condition worsens, and they are approaching the end of their life, hospice care shifts its focus to end-of-life care. The hospice team provides comfort care to ensure patients’ comfort and dignity in their final days.  

Difference between hospice and palliative care. 

Curative care and palliative care are two different approaches to medical treatment that are provided to patients with varying goals in mind. Curative care, also known as “treatment-oriented” care, is aimed at curing or eradicating a disease or medical condition. 

This type of care is often used for patients who have a specific illness or injury that can be treated or cured, such as surgery to remove a cancerous tumor or medication to treat an infection. The primary goal of curative care is to restore a patient’s health and well-being. 

On the other hand, palliative care is focused on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses or chronic medical conditions. Palliative care is typically provided to patients who are not expected to recover from their illness but still require medical attention and support. The objective of palliative care is to manage the disease’s symptoms and relieve pain, discomfort, and emotional distress. 

This type of care can be provided at any stage of an illness and is often offered in conjunction with curative care. In summary, curative care aims to cure or treat a specific disease or injury, while palliative care is focused on improving the quality of life for patients with serious diseases or chronic medical conditions. 

Is palliative care means the end of life?

No, palliative care does not necessarily mean the end of life. While palliative care is often provided to individuals who have a life-limiting illness or who are nearing the end of their lives, it can also be provided to individuals who have a severe illness but are not in the final stages of their disease. 

The goal of palliative care is to provide relief from pain and other symptoms, improve quality of life, and support patients and their families throughout their illness. In some cases, patients may receive palliative care for an extended period and may continue to receive curative treatment alongside palliative care. 

Main principles of palliative care.

• Holistic approach: Palliative care takes a comprehensive approach that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.  

• Patient-centred care: The care provided in palliative care is based on the patient’s and their family’s preferences, values, and goals.  

• Relief of suffering: Palliative care aims to relieve the suffering caused by symptoms such as pain, nausea, and breathlessness.  

• Team approach: Palliative care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains, who work together to meet the requirements of the patient and their family.  

• Communication: Palliative care involves open and honest communication with patients and their families about their illnesses, treatment options, and prognosis.  

• Continuity of care: Palliative care provides continuous support to patients and their families throughout the illness trajectory, from diagnosis to end-of-life care and bereavement. 

• Ethical decision-making: Palliative care requires careful ethical decision-making, considering the patient’s wishes, values, and beliefs.  

• Support for caregivers: Palliative care recognizes the critical role of caregivers and provides support to help them cope with the challenges of caregiving.

What is a curative disease?

Curative care is a type of medical care focused on treating an illness or disease to achieve a cure or complete resolution of the problem. This type of care is often provided in acute care settings such as hospitals, clinics, or specialized treatment centers.  

Curative care involves medical interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other procedures or medications designed to eliminate or manage the illness. The primary focus is on diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of the illness or disease to restore health and prevent further progression of the condition.  

Curative care is often used for acute or short-term illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions.

It differs from palliative care, which focuses on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses, even if a cure is not possible. Overall, curative care aims to restore a patient’s health and well-being, while palliative care focuses on providing comfort and support to patients and their families.