The word “palliative” is often confusing, so here is a palliative care definition.
The pronunciation is PA-LEE-UH-TIV.
Many people think palliative care and hospice care are the same thing. In some ways the terms are almost interchangeable, but they are not the same. Hospice is a form of palliative care, but palliative care is not hospice care.
Palliative care can be provided even if the patient is undergoing curative treatment.
You do not have to be terminally ill to receive palliative care.
Hospice is for end of life care when curative treatments are no longer being practiced.
Anyone with a serious, chronic illness can receive palliative care, regardless of life expectancy.
San Diego hospice organizations may provide palliative care in addition to hospice care. The distinction can be confusing.
Palliative care can take place in your own home, in assisted living, in skilled nursing or in a hospital.
An example of palliative care is during cancer treatment when chemotherapy and radiation are still being administered. The hope is to be cured, yet palliative care can still be given.
Should it be determined that the person’s life expectancy is short, the focus will shift to hospice care.
Like hospice care, palliative care in San Diego uses an interdisciplinary team approach to help patients. The team may include medical professionals, a social worker, clergy, and a pharmacist.
Medi-Care, Medi-Cal and private health insurance may pay for some palliative care, although the terms are not well defined.
The goal of palliative care is to:
*Provide relief from pain and suffering
*Improve quality of life
*Enhance the spiritual side of care
*Encourage as much of an active lifestyle as possible
*Provide a support system to patient and family, during and after illness
*Affirm dying as a normal part of living
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