Palliative care vs Hospice: The Importance of Medical Social Work Episode 279

What’s the difference between palliative care and hospice, and how can families make informed decisions before a crisis? In this episode of The Social Work Rants Podcast, Bas Moreno talks with Noni Ife Taylor, a social worker with experience in hospice and pediatric palliative care, about serious illness, caregiving, and end-of-life planning. Noni explains when palliative care may be available, how hospice supports patients and families, and why the way these services are introduced matters. They discuss medical mistrust in Black and Brown communities, common fears about hospice medications, and the lasting barriers older adults and caregivers face after the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation also covers advance care directives, choosing someone to make medical decisions if you cannot, the financial strain of caregiving, and why social workers need to be prepared for these conversations across practice settings. If you’re a social worker, healthcare professional, caregiver, or someone supporting an aging loved one, this episode offers a starting point for asking questions and planning around what matters most to your family. Follow the podccast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thesocialworkrantspodcast