The medical field is often focused on helping people heal from injuries and illnesses, but more serious cases might require additional services. Sometimes, a patient needs help managing the symptoms of their conditions, treatments, and medications. Palliative and hospice care are two types of medical care that focus on people with serious illnesses or injuries that often are terminal. Here’s a closer look at how each works and might help you or a family member.

Hospice Care Helps With Terminal Conditions

When a medical condition is terminal and the patient needs aid and comfort, hospice care provides it. Hospice care is an end-of-life service that helps those with terminal illnesses or injuries experience less pain and discomfort. When no cure is available for a terminal condition and the condition isn’t slowing down, many patients seek hospice care to help them and their families. According to Home Practices and Future Insights Study, more than three-fourths of hospice care providers admit patients less than four hours after their doctors refer them. The care gives the patient the ability to ease their medical burdens and makes it easier for the family to handle an already stressful situation.

Palliative Care Helps With Healing

Many people live with serious illnesses that are not terminal but might become so over time. For those people, palliative care helps to ensure they get the necessary care that helps ease any pain or discomfort caused by their condition and treatments. Many with serious illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, or dementia, can have a higher quality of life with the help of palliative care, which enables them to continue their medical treatments. If the medical treatments do not work and the condition becomes terminal, the patient can transition to hospice care.

Both Offer Options for Patients

Both types of care may be provided in a medical facility, on an outpatient basis, or at the patient’s home. The flexibility to deliver care services just about anywhere helps to make them more effective. The services also help to ease the emotional strain on the patient’s family as well as the patient.

For more information about palliative care or hospice care in Phoenix, AZ, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Savior Hospice & Palliative Care today. We understand this is a difficult time, and we’re available to answer any questions you may have.

Posted 11/17/23

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