Comfort Care at Home | Palliative Care Explained

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care focuses on treating the pain, symptoms, and emotional effects of a serious illness at any stage. It’s not the same as hospice care. While palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments, hospice care is reserved for those nearing the end of life.

This type of care is designed to help people:

Feel more comfortable physically and emotionally
Better understand their condition and options
Coordinate treatment among different doctors and specialists

Our approach blends comfort care with skilled medical attention, bringing relief and reassurance to both patients and their families.

Comfort care volunteer helping lady with cane walking outside

Person holding the hands of another in a wheelchair while getting holistic care

Palliative vs Hospice

While palliative care and hospice care share similar goals of improving quality of life and providing comfort, there are some key differences between the two. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, focusing on comfort care and symptom management to improve a patient's overall well-being. Hospice care, on the other hand, is typically reserved for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less. Additionally, palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments with the aim of potentially curing the underlying illness. Hospice care focuses on comfort care and symptom management in the final stages of life, when curative treatments are no longer the primary focus.

What Services Does Palliative Care Include?

Palliative care encompasses a wide range of services aimed at addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. This may include pain and symptom management, assistance with medical decision-making, emotional support and counseling, spiritual care, and coordination of care among healthcare providers. Tender Care Home Health & Hospice is committed to providing personalized palliative care services, including comfort care at home, that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient and their family.

Who Can Benefit from Palliative Care?

Palliative care is appropriate for individuals of any age who are facing serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, and more. It is not limited to patients with terminal diagnoses and can be provided alongside curative treatments. Palliative care can significantly improve a patient's quality of life, even if they are still undergoing treatment for a serious illness. Our compassionate team at Tender Care Home Health & Hospice is here to support patients and their families throughout their healthcare journey, offering comfort, guidance, and compassion every step of the way.

How Can I Access Palliative Care Services?

If you or a loved one could benefit from palliative care, including comfort care at home, please don't hesitate to reach out to Tender Care Home Health & Hospice. Our experienced team will work closely with you to develop a personalized care plan that addresses your unique needs and preferences. Whether you require assistance with pain management, emotional support, or coordination of care, we are here to provide the compassionate care you deserve.

Call one of our locations or schedule a free consultation below to discuss your care options.

Elderly lady kissing the forehead while in comfort care of younger girl

Dr. Martha Manquero-Butler Palliative Care specialist in El Paso and Las Cruces

Meet Dr. Martha Manquero-Butler Your Specialist in Palliative Care

Dr. Martha Manquero-Butler, a respected and board-certified family medicine specialist with over 22 years of experience, leads Tender Care’s palliative care team with a deep commitment to holistic and comfort-focused care. Recognized for her expertise in family medicine, Dr. Manquero-Butler completed her residency at Texas Tech University in El Paso, where she was honored as chief resident. She also serves as an assistant professor at Texas Tech University School of Medicine, bringing her dedication to both clinical excellence and compassionate patient support to each home-based palliative care program.

Dr. Manquero-Butler works closely with each patient’s healthcare team to develop personalized, holistic care plans that honor individual preferences and promote quality of life. With her guidance, Tender Care offers a seamless and supportive experience for those seeking palliative care at home, helping patients and their families navigate complex medical decisions with empathy and understanding.

Are palliative care and hospice the same?

No. While palliative care and hospice care both focus on comfort, they are not the same. Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness and may be provided alongside curative treatments. Hospice care is designed for patients who are nearing the end of life and are no longer pursuing curative treatments.

Can palliative care be done at home?

Yes. Palliative care at home allows patients to receive the same level of support and comfort they would in a clinical setting, while remaining in familiar surroundings. Our team provides medical guidance, emotional support, and holistic care directly in the patient’s home.

What are palliative care services?

Palliative care services are designed to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. These may include:

Pain and symptom management
Emotional and spiritual support
Assistance with medications and treatments
Care coordination with doctors and specialists
Guidance for families in making care decisions

How does palliative care work?

Palliative care works by addressing the whole person and not just their medical needs. Our team takes a holistic care approach, focusing on pain relief, symptom control, emotional well-being, and family support. The goal is to bring comfort, dignity, and peace of mind during the challenges of serious illness.

What conditions are commonly supported with palliative care?

Palliative care is often provided to patients facing cancer, advanced heart failure, COPD or other lung diseases, stroke, dementia, ALS, and other chronic or serious illnesses. The focus is always on managing symptoms and supporting both the patient and family.

Is palliative care considered holistic care?

Yes. Palliative care takes a holistic approach, caring for the whole person physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. The goal is not only to manage symptoms but also to improve overall well-being and support the family.

Does insurance cover palliative care services?

In many cases, yes. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover some or all palliative care services. Our team can help families understand what is included under their coverage.

Can palliative care be provided alongside other treatments?

Yes. Unlike hospice, palliative care can be delivered while patients continue to receive treatments such as chemotherapy, dialysis, or other therapies. It is designed to enhance comfort and quality of life while medical treatments are ongoing.

Palliative Care