Many people think hospice and palliative care are the same. Although they both manage symptoms and provide relief from serious illness, there are definite differences between the two.

Aultman provides both hospice and palliative care. Hospice involves end-of-life care to patients who have a terminal diagnosis and no longer wish to pursue curative treatment. With palliative care, patients can continue seeking curative treatment, do not have to have a terminal diagnosis and may be expected to fully recover from their illness. Both kinds of care aim to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors and nurses who work with the patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.

When curative treatment is no longer helpful, hospice care focuses on the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of patients and their loved ones. Hospice care includes visits from nurses, social workers and home health aides.

Hospice patients’ care is managed by physicians who have specialty training in hospice care and are experts in managing pain and other symptoms that may be associated with the end of life. An on-call hospice nurse is available to assist with needs that arise after hours or on weekends. Hospice also covers costs of medications and medical equipment related to the terminal diagnosis.

There are many other benefits to hospice. So often, patients and family members say, “I wish I would have contacted you sooner!” because they did not know about the support offered through hospice care.

Aultman Hospice has the only free-standing, inpatient hospice facility in Stark County, the Compassionate Care Center, which provides 24-hour care when symptoms become unmanageable for patients at home. Respite stay is also available for Aultman Hospice patients at the Compassionate Care Center.

Whether you think hospice or palliative care may be appropriate for you or a loved one, Aultman Hospice and Palliative Care is here for you. For questions concerning hospice, please call Canton at 330-479-2378 or Alliance at 330-596-7480. For palliative care, call 330-479-2375.