Hospice and Palliative Care
Our team at Errand Runners is honored to support patients in hospice or palliative care and their families throughout such a difficult time. We're here to provide emotional and physical support to everyone involved and to help make the transition as comfortable as possible.
Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care
While these services are similar, there are a few differences between palliative care and hospice care. Each focus on the patient's quality of life, appropriate medical treatment, and support for family and loved ones, and both types of care begin with a referral from a medical professional. A team of various professionals may be involved in care - including nurses, doctors, social workers, nutritionists, and spiritual or religious advisors. Part of the care team's role includes teaching family how to care for the patient.
Palliative care and hospice care are differentiated by the patient's diagnosis, expected outcome, and life expectancy. Hospice care is reserved for the end of the patient's life and aims to keep them comfortable, both physically and emotionally, while the goal of a palliative patient is for them to receive treatment and eventually leave care. In both cases, the length of care may vary.
Palliative care and hospice care may be provided at home, in a hospital, in an assisted living or nursing facility, or in a specialized in-patient facility. Medicare and private insurance may cover some charges associated with either service, and palliative and hospice care for veterans may be coordinated through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Here is a table with some of the differences between the two types of care:
| Palliative Care | Hospice Care |
|---|---|
| For anyone with a serious illness | For anyone with a serious illness and a short time to live, generally less than six months |
| Can continue to receive treatment to cure an illness, such as chemotherapy for cancer | Care focuses on symptom relief, such as pain management, comfort, and emotional support |
| Length of care varies based on illness | Length of care depends on criteria of illness and life expectancy |
Palliative Care at Home: What to Expect
Palliative care at home allows the patient to receive treatment and spend time with family with the goal of eventually leaving palliative care once treatment is completed or the illness has been resolved. Palliative care professionals can also help a person understand their choices for medical treatment or connect them with relevant organizations. These might be support groups, alternative therapies, non-profits related to the cause, or educational resources like EPEC.
When should someone be offered palliative care?
Patients may utilize palliative care for dementia, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, Parkinson's disease, or other serious illnesses. For example, it may be safer for a patient with dementia to live in a care facility where they can receive the appropriate medications and have their behavior closely monitored. This can, in turn, reduce stress on the patient's family.
Hospice Care at Home: What to Expect
Hospice care at home emphasizes the patient's comfort in a familiar setting as they near the end of their life. In this situation, the majority of care is managed by family and loved ones, but members of the hospice team will visit regularly or be reachable via phone. The patient is kept comfortable and their symptoms managed; for example, if the patient's cancer is no longer responding to chemotherapy, they may be offered pain management medications.
Hospice care may also be called "comfort care," as the patient's comfort is the top priority. Starting hospice as soon as possible following a diagnosis helps ensure that the patient receives the care they need and can spend quality time with loved ones.
Hospice Respite Care
Caring for a loved one at the end of their life is challenging and draining, and it can be hard to entrust that care to anyone else. Errand Runners offers hospice respite care, for caregivers who may need some time away to recharge or practice-self care. This respite care may be for just a few hours to run errands, or even as long as several weeks. The Errand Runners team can administer medications, help the patient practice good hygiene, shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, or care for pets. Most importantly, all of our caregivers are deeply compassionate and are trained to provide empathetic, practical support and guidance for everyone.
Choosing to enter hospice care is a significant decision for both the patient and their family, and the care team plays a significant role in that choice. Patients that receive hospice care are generally more content with their end-of-life care than those who don't, and during this very difficult time, hospice care is a way to ensure that your loved one will be comfortable.
Contact us today to see how we can help you and your loved one with hospice and palliative care near the Bay Area. We are proud to support patients and families with care in Walnut Creek and Contra Costa County.
Join us and start relaxing.
Our team at Errand Runners Unlimited is here to help with whatever you need, from everyday tasks to regular in-home care. We hope to hear from you soon!
Contact us
Sitemap
All Rights Reserved | Errand Runners Unlimited LLC