What Is the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice?

Palliative care, hospice care—it can be quite daunting getting yourself familiar with these terms, especially when you're at a stage of life where a loved one is experiencing an illness or is already on the brink of life. 

However, being knowledgeable about these things proves to be truly useful, especially when you are still confused about which is which and what route you should opt for. You may be quite overwhelmed with all the medical advice given, and that may not necessarily bode well with what you are already facing at hand.

So, what is the difference between palliative care and hospice?

Let's dive right into it.

What Does Hospice Include vs Palliative Care?

Hospice care is primarily geared towards those nearing the end of life, focusing on providing comfort rather than curing the illness. This includes:

• Pain management
• Emotional support
• Spiritual guidance
• Ensuring that patients spend their final days in peace and dignity

This generally involves a team of healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains—who work closely with the patient and their families to address their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Depending on the patient's wishes and needs, this hospice care is usually provided at home, in hospice centers, or in facilities like nursing homes.

Palliative care, on the other hand, aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses, whether or not they are terminal. It focuses on symptom relief, pain management, and emotional support but can be provided alongside curative treatments—and is delivered in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and at home, making it more versatile than hospice care. This type of care can begin at any stage of the illness, from diagnosis onwards, and it doesn’t require patients to stop receiving treatments that might cure their illness. 

Who is Being Treated in Hospice vs Palliative Care?

Hospice care is for individuals who have already received a prognosis of six months or less, given that the disease follows its natural course. Patients under hospice care are well aware that curative treatments are no longer effective for them—hence the choice to not pursue them and instead focus on maximizing comfort and quality of life toward their last days. This is more suitable for those with terminal conditions such as cancer, advanced heart disease, or severe neurological disorders,

Meanwhile, palliative care is available to anyone who has a serious illness—regardless of whether they have been given a prognosis or not. People who suffer from the following benefit from palliative care the most:

• Cancer
• Heart failure
• COPD
• Dementia
• Other chronic diseases

The goal here is to provide patients a comprehensive support for their physical, emotional, and psychological needs while living with a severe illness—a way for them to maintain a higher quality of life all while being under treatment.

Does Medicare Pay for Hospice or Palliative Care?

Medicare covers both hospice and palliative care, but the specifics differ. Hospice care is fully covered under Medicare Part A, as long as the patient meets the eligibility requirements, including having a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of six months or less. This benefit includes:

• Medical services
• Medications for symptom control
• Support from a hospice team
• Necessary medical equipment

Medicare will then continue to cover hospice care if the patient’s condition persists beyond six months, provided a doctor certifies the ongoing need.

Palliative care coverage is more variable, as it depends on the treatment plan and the individual’s Medicare benefits. Some aspects, such as doctor visits and medications for symptom relief, may be covered under Medicare Part B, but additional services like therapy or counseling might not be fully covered.

Can I Still Get Treatment for My Illness When Under Hospice or Palliative Care?

Hospice care shifts the focus entirely away from treatments that aim to cure and instead prioritizes comfort and quality of life during the final months. This doesn’t mean giving up care altogether—it just means stopping aggressive treatments like chemotherapy or dialysis and instead leaning into support that makes each day a bit easier. Pain relief, oxygen therapy, and medications for ongoing conditions like high blood pressure are still on the table, all aimed at keeping the patient as comfortable as possible.

Palliative care, however, offers a more flexible approach. It’s about balancing both worlds—continuing curative treatments while also managing the tough side effects that come with them. For example, someone battling cancer might still receive chemotherapy but also get palliative care to tackle nausea, pain, or fatigue. Simply put, this option allows patients to keep fighting their illness while getting the extra support they need to feel their best along the way.

Where Do I Receive Hospice vs Palliative Care?

Hospice care is highly flexible, typically provided in the patient’s home, nursing shelters, hospice facilities, or hospitals, focusing on comfort in the final stages of life. 

Understanding what is the difference between palliative care and hospice helps clarify that palliative care offers similar flexibility but with broader access to different environments. Palliative care can be administered in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, or directly at home, making it adaptable to patients at various stages of their illness, not just at the end of life.

Is Palliative Care the Same as End-of-Life?

While palliative care includes end-of-life care, it is not limited to it. Palliative care is a broad term encompassing any supportive care provided alongside curative treatments, from early diagnosis through advanced stages of illness. It helps manage symptoms, coordinate care, and support emotional and spiritual needs throughout the patient’s journey, not just at the end of life.

Hospice, on the other hand, is specifically designed for end-of-life care, usually provided when a patient’s illness is no longer curable, and the focus shifts entirely to comfort. The goal is to ensure the patient's remaining time is as fulfilling and peaceful as possible, providing comprehensive support to both the individual and their loved ones during this critical stage.

Palliative Care vs Hospice Care Summary