Comfort care and hospice care prioritize enhancing the quality of life for patients. These services are often chosen by individuals facing serious conditions like dementia, cancer, or the aftermath of life-altering accidents for improved well-being during difficult times.
It is common for people to confuse Comfort Care vs Hospice due to how similar they are. While they may sound the same, there are some subtle differences. These give rise to a unique set of benefits for the patient.
Which of them should you go for?
In this article, we will understand what each of these services provides. We will also learn how you can ask the correct questions to make an informed decision. Read on to find out!
What is Comfort Care?
Comfort care is a form of palliative care. It specializes in relieving pain and managing the symptoms. This enhances the quality of life of a terminally ill patient. Meaning, doctors offer it to people who have spent all therapy options. The aim of comfort care is to prepare the individual for the inevitable.
Apart from providing relief and comfort, it also looks after the emotional needs of a patient. People often feel crushed or overwhelmed at this difficult juncture of their life. Thus, it is indispensable for chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The range of symptoms for which comfort care provides relief include:
- Pain
- Breathing problems
- Skin irritation
- Digestive problems
- Temperature sensitivity
- Fatigue etc.
How Long Does Comfort Care Last?
Patients can avail of Comfort Care at any stage of their treatment. It does not have any time limitations on its benefits and does not require any doctor’s certificates. However, Comfort Care is not covered by Medicaid or Medicare and must be paid by either private insurance or out-of-pocket expenses.
What is Hospice Care?
Similar to comfort care, Hospice care mainly focuses on symptom relief. It differs from comfort care in the way it deals with the treatment of the symptoms. The main goal of Hospice Care is not to try to cure the underlying condition. It makes the final stretch of life as comfortable as possible while engaging in activities that the dementia patient enjoys.
It steers clear of delaying the inevitable or causing it to approach faster. Just like comfort care, the emotional and physical needs of the patient are well taken care of. When comparing Comfort Care vs Hospice, Hospice comes out as a more straightforward option.
How Long Does Hospice Care Last?
People qualify for Hospice care when the doctor deems their life expectancy to be six months or less. If the patient outlives this duration, the care can be extended. However, it requires re-certification by the doctor.
In the face of such restrictions, comfort care emerges as a better option. That is when the life expectancy of the afflicted is uncertain. Palliative care can take place alongside treatments to extend life. Also, there is no time restriction on how long it may be available.
Comfort Care vs Hospice Care: Which Should You Choose?
The decision depends on a variety of factors. You should consider each of these to make the correct decision for your loved one. While pondering over Comfort Care vs Hospice, you should consider these differences:
| Hospice Care | Comfort Care |
| Focuses on quality of life and support for the patient and their family. | Tries to improve the quality of life through symptom and pain management. |
| It can only be availed when the prognosis is a life expectancy of six months or less. | It can be availed anytime, even while receiving treatment for the symptoms. |
| It can be available at home, assisted living facilities, facilities for the developmentally disabled, or nursing home facilities. | Comfort care can be available at home and in assisted living facilities. |
| Patients can have visitors once a week and more often if needed. | Patients can have visitors once a month and more often if needed. |
| Medicaid, Medicare, and most other health plans cover it. | Only available through commercial health plans or private pay. |
But what if patients become incapable of making decisions?
In such cases, patients create end-of-life care directions in advance when their decision-making abilities become limited. The advance directive for health plans functions as the definitive decision guide when the patient loses the ability to make choices.
Many people think that choosing hospice care amounts to giving up on the patient’s well-being because this healthcare service limits the use of medications and focuses on comfort.
The essential principle behind hospice care is that it does not represent surrender. Hospice exists to help patients develop acceptance of their current circumstances as they transition through changes. The purpose of care is to enable patients to survive as long as feasible and feel positive throughout their time.
How do Comfort Care and Hospice Care Impact Patients’ Lives?
Both Comfort Care and Hospice Care are crucial in making the closing stages of life as positive as possible. They achieve this by:
- Enhancing the quality of life:
Serious illness doesn’t mean that the patient should lose dignity and grace when dealing with it. With care and comfort, the remaining period becomes easier to go through. - Reducing the suffering:
Treatment of chronic conditions can take a mental and physical toll on the patient. Both of these focus on easing the symptoms of the disease, thus reducing the suffering of the patient. - Supporting the patient emotionally:
Psychological counseling helps the patient and their loved ones emotionally. This allows them to cope with the difficult situation. Trained professionals can help find a glimmer of joy in reflections of life and past events. - Fostering family unity:
The patients’ families can come together and celebrate the life of their loved ones. Terminal illness doesn’t mean closing a chapter; rather, it gives us a chance to open a new one. - Empowering the individual:
With care, comfort, and understanding, the patient is made to feel in charge of their situation. This is a huge psychological boost in times of great uncertainty.
Choosing a Care Provider
Naturally, choosing a care provider for your loved one can affect their quality of life. To choose the correct care provider, the following questions help:
- Does the care provider work on weekends?
- How often do staff visits happen?
- Are you transitioning from a different care provider? If yes, then does the provider offer transition help?
- Are the services offered by the care provider covered under insurance?
- Are the providers prepared for any out-of-pocket expenses?
- Do they provide home medical equipment?
- Are they accredited by a reputable organization or agency?
Conclusion
Deciding between comfort care vs Hospice is a decision that can have a massive impact. In the face of uncertainty, the autonomous decisions should be given preference. Ultimately, the aim of both of these is to make the final moments of life as joyous as possible. Separations may feel unbearable, but the way you decide to give a farewell matters the most.
Sierra Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care commits to bringing the best Hospice Care to people struggling with the impacts of dementia. We provide Memory Care, Respite Care, and Assisted Living. Here, you can find every service you need to give your loved one a happy and fulfilling life. Contact us now to learn more!
FAQs
What are the common goals of Hospice and comfort care?
Both hospice care and comfort care improve the quality of life of the patient, guide them spiritually, and also offer counseling for the loved ones.
When is the time to seek hospice care?
Families seek hospice care when their loved one has six months or less to live, as certified by a doctor. Medicaid, Medicare, and other health plans cover the cost of the service.
When Is the time to seek comfort care?
Patients can choose comfort care at any stage of the treatment. It does not require any certificate from a doctor. However, only commercial health plans and private pay cover the cost of the service.
What are myths and facts about Hospice?
One of the biggest myths surrounding Hospice is that it is only for the elderly. In reality, individuals of all ages can avail of its services.
