Living with advanced, serious illness presents many challenges. And there are many resources available to help you in your healthcare journey. Navigating can be overwhelming. It’s important to know the differences between palliative and hospice care services. And the benefits of each program.
Palliative care services, like Sincera™ Supportive Care and Symptom Relief, can be provided at any time during a serious illness, whether you are expecting a full recovery or continue to decline. It includes pain and symptom relief, supportive care, and in-depth conversations about your disease progression, treatment options and personal goals of care. It is especially beneficial for people who have debilitating side effects from their treatment, or for those who have multiple health conditions that are challenging to manage. Contrary to what many people think, you do not have to be dying to receive palliative care.
In addition to providing specialized physicians and nurses who are experts at managing physical pain and symptoms, Sincera works with an entire team to help manage emotional pain and spiritual pain, as well. Equally important, we take the time to help you better understand your condition and treatment options so you can determine your goals of care with confidence.
In comparison, hospice care is beneficial for anyone of any age, with any life-limiting disease. It is appropriate when it is believed patients have six months, or less, to live and are no longer pursuing curative care. Hospice care can also be beneficial for people who are in a severe state of decline due to frailty or other disorders associated with aging.
The specialized team at Hospice of Northwest Ohio is comprised of physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, aides, clergy and volunteers. Together, we help patients and families live life to the fullest extent possible and help them address the wide array of issues that arise at the end of life. In addition, we provide bereavement support for family members of all ages following the death of their loved ones.
The experts at Sincera and Hospice of Northwest Ohio can help you decide which is the best option for you, or your loved one.