If you are caring for a loved one in hospice, you may not know that a benefit exists specifically to give you a break. Bristol Hospice explains what respite care is, how it works under the hospice benefit, and why using it is not something to feel guilty about.
What Is Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized medical support focused on relieving the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness. This page explains what palliative care is, how it differs from hospice care, and how Bristol Hospice supports patients and families at every stage of illness.
Palliative Care Focuses on Quality of Life
Palliative care is a type of specialized medical support designed to relieve the symptoms, pain, and emotional stress caused by a serious illness. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can begin at any stage of illness and can be provided at the same time as curative treatment.
The goal of palliative care is not to treat the illness itself but to improve the overall quality of life for the patient and the entire family. It is appropriate for anyone living with a serious condition, regardless of age, diagnosis, or stage of illness.
What Palliative Care Includes
Palliative care addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of serious illness. At Bristol Hospice, our palliative care team works alongside your existing medical providers to deliver expert symptom management, comfort focused care planning, and emotional support for patients and their loved ones.
Palliative care services may include pain and symptom management, help with difficult medical decisions, coordination with other care providers, emotional and spiritual support, and guidance for family caregivers navigating a complex care journey.
Palliative Care vs Hospice Care
Palliative care and hospice care share the same core values of comfort, dignity, and compassionate support. The key difference is timing and treatment focus. Palliative care can be received at any point during a serious illness, even while pursuing curative treatment. Hospice care is typically chosen when curative treatment is no longer the goal and the focus shifts fully to quality of life.
Many patients transition from palliative care to hospice care as their illness progresses. Bristol Hospice supports families through both, ensuring continuity of compassionate care at every stage.
Who Can Benefit From Palliative Care
Palliative care is appropriate for patients living with any serious illness, including cancer, heart failure, COPD, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney disease, and many other conditions. It is not limited to patients who are at the end of life.
If you or a loved one is experiencing significant pain, difficult symptoms, or emotional distress related to a serious illness, palliative care may help improve comfort and quality of life right now, regardless of where you are in your care journey.
How to Get Started With Palliative Care
Starting palliative care begins with a conversation. You can ask your physician for a palliative care referral or reach out to Bristol Hospice directly. Our team will work alongside your existing care providers to create a plan that addresses your comfort, your goals, and your needs.
There is no pressure and no obligation. We are here to answer your questions and help you understand all of your options so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family.
