Comfort Care FAQs

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about comfort care and palliative care. Learn what comfort care is, who it's for, how much it costs, and how to access services.

What is comfort care?

Comfort care, also known as palliative care, is specialized medical care focused on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both patients and their families, regardless of diagnosis or stage of disease. It can be provided alongside curative treatment.

Is comfort care the same as hospice?

No, comfort care and hospice are different. Comfort care (palliative care) can be provided at any stage of serious illness alongside curative treatment. Hospice is a type of comfort care provided when life expectancy is six months or less and the focus shifts entirely to comfort rather than cure.

Who can receive comfort care?

Anyone with a serious illness can receive comfort care, including:

• Cancer patients at any stage
• People with heart disease, COPD, or other chronic conditions
• Patients with advanced dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• Individuals with kidney or liver failure
• Anyone experiencing pain or symptoms that affect quality of life

You don't have to be dying or stop curative treatment to receive comfort care.

Does insurance cover comfort care?

Yes, Medicare Part B covers palliative care services including doctor visits, nursing care, and medical equipment. Most private insurance plans also cover palliative care. You'll pay standard copays and deductibles similar to other medical care.

Can I receive comfort care at home?

Yes, comfort care can be provided at home by trained healthcare professionals. Home-based comfort care includes pain management, symptom relief, emotional support, and coordination with your medical team, allowing patients to remain in familiar surroundings.

Do I have to stop curative treatment to receive comfort care?

No, you can receive comfort care while continuing curative treatment. Comfort care is an extra layer of support that works alongside your other medical treatments. Many patients receive both simultaneously.

What services are included in comfort care?

Comfort care services include:

• Pain management
• Symptom relief (nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue)
• Emotional and spiritual support
• Care coordination between healthcare providers
• Family caregiver support and education
• Medication management
• Assistance with advance care planning

Who provides comfort care?

Comfort care is provided by an interdisciplinary team including:

• Palliative care doctors
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Chaplains
• Pharmacists
• Physical therapists
• Other specialists as needed

The team works together to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

When should someone start comfort care?

Comfort care can begin at any time after diagnosis of a serious illness. You don't have to wait until treatments stop working. Research shows that patients who receive comfort care early often experience:

• Better quality of life
• Fewer hospitalizations
• May live longer
• Greater satisfaction with care

How much does comfort care cost?

Comfort care costs vary by services and insurance coverage. Medicare and most insurance plans cover palliative care services similar to other medical care. Out-of-pocket costs typically include copays and deductibles, ranging from $100 to $600 per month depending on your insurance plan.

How do I find a comfort care provider?

Start by asking your primary care doctor or specialist for a referral. Other ways to find providers:

• Contact local hospitals for palliative care consultation services
• Search the Center to Advance Palliative Care directory at getpalliativecare.org
• Contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers
• Ask friends, family, or support groups for recommendations

Can comfort care help with cancer treatment side effects?

Yes, comfort care is especially helpful for managing cancer treatment side effects including:

• Pain from cancer or treatment
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Emotional distress

Studies show that cancer patients who receive palliative care early often have better quality of life and may complete treatment more successfully.

Where is comfort care provided?

Comfort care can be provided in multiple settings:

• At home: The most common setting
• In hospitals: Available as a consultation service
• In nursing homes: Provided alongside regular care
• In outpatient clinics: Through scheduled appointments
• Via telehealth: Remote consultations

Key Takeaways

• Comfort care improves quality of life for people with serious illness
• It can be provided alongside curative treatment
• Medicare and most insurance plans cover palliative care
• Services can be provided at home, in hospitals, or outpatient settings
• Early comfort care often leads to better outcomes
• An interdisciplinary team provides comprehensive support

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