Paramount to the hospice philosophy is the relief of patients from pain and difficult symptoms. Care that provides comfort, eases pain, or lessens the severity of symptoms without curing the underlying disease is called “palliative care.” Hospice of Holland offers a Palliative Care Program for patients suffering from an advanced illness that is serious but not necessarily terminal, or for those not yet ready for hospice care. Upon request from the patient’s physician, our board-certified hospice and palliative care physicians provide a consultation, including evaluation and treatment of difficult-to-control symptoms or discomfort due to the illness or ongoing treatments.

It’s fairly common to confuse palliative care with hospice care, especially in the non-medical community. There are similarities, but there are also important differences. Palliative care is more rehabilitative in nature, and it is not end-of-life care. A patient under palliative care has not reached a stage where his or her disease is considered terminal and, therefore, may elect to continue curative treatments. In addition, palliative care is not dictated by strict definition protocol, as is hospice care.

Palliative Care:

• Centers on patients actively seeking curative treatment
• Focuses on providing relief from physical suffering
• It is appropriate for patients in various disease stages
• Works to take the patient from diagnosis to cure
• Uses a multi-disciplinary approach with numerous trained professionals to provide treatment

Hospice Care:

• Focuses on those who are not seeking curative treatment at the end stages of an incurable illness
• Is available to terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of less than 6 months
• Provides comfort care to guide the patient through the end-of-life stages
• Does not focus on life-prolonging care or medication

Patients receiving palliative care often experience decreased pain, improved appetite, less anxiety, and more strength and guidance to make decisions regarding their quality of life. Specialists and primary care physicians often have a larger role in palliative care based on the patient’s wishes.

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