Understand the basic facts about hospice and palliative care, what they have in common, and what makes them different.
In this “EOL 101” episode I explain the difference between hospice and palliative care. This is an important piece of information for people making choices around end-of-life care and an area where there are many misconceptions. We all need to be well-versed in EOL options for our own needs and also so that we can help educate others. I’ll offer additional “explainer” episodes in the future!
This episode includes:
- Who is on the palliative care (and hospice) team
- Whole-person care is offered by both services
- Who is eligible for palliative care
- How and why to enroll in palliative care
- The criteria for admission to hospice
- Terminal diagnosis
- 6 months from end of life
- Forego curative treatment
- Both hospice and palliative care provide symptom-based, comfort care that focuses on quality of life
- The main differences between hospice and palliative care (including financial considerations)
- Why you should choose both types of care if possible (first palliative then transfer to hospice)
- Why some patients may not choose hospice care but should still opt for palliative care
Links mentioned in this episode:
- www.getpalliativecare.org
- www.caringinfo.org
- Join the team at Patreon.com/eolu and get access to the EOLU mug: “Mind if we talk about death?” (only Patrons can purchase it)
If you enjoy this content please share it with others and consider leaving a review on iTunes! Thanks again to all supporters on my page at Patreon.com/eolu, especially my newest Patrons: Lisa Monroe, Deb Pazderka, Debbie Henkemeyer, and Molly Byock; your contributions make all the difference!