Hospice Care and Palliative Care Explained: Key Differences You Should Know

Chad Poage
Jan 12
3 min read

When facing serious illness, understanding the types of care available can make a big difference in comfort and quality of life. Two terms often confused are hospice care and palliative care. Both focus on relief from symptoms and stress, but they serve different purposes and apply at different stages of illness. Knowing the key differences helps patients and families make informed decisions about care options.

Eye-level view of a cozy patient room with a hospital bed and soft lighting — A compassionate home hospice nurse shares a warm moment with her patient, providing comfort and care in a sunlit room.

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with serious illnesses. Its main goal is to improve quality of life by managing symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath. This care also addresses emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs.

Who can receive it? Patients at any stage of illness, whether newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or living with chronic conditions.
Where is it provided? Hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, or at home.
What does it include? Symptom management, counseling, coordination of care, and support for families.

For example, a person with advanced heart failure may receive palliative care alongside treatments aimed at improving heart function. The focus is on comfort and helping the patient live as well as possible.

What Is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is a type of palliative care designed specifically for people nearing the end of life. It focuses on comfort rather than curing illness. Hospice care begins when curative treatments are no longer effective or desired, and life expectancy is generally six months or less.

Who can receive it? Patients with terminal illnesses who choose to stop aggressive treatments.
Where is it provided? At home, hospice centers, nursing homes, or hospitals.
What does it include? Pain and symptom control, emotional and spiritual support, assistance with daily activities, and bereavement support for families.

For instance, a patient with late-stage cancer who decides to stop chemotherapy might enter hospice care to focus on comfort and quality of life.

Key Differences Between Hospice and Palliative Care

Understanding the differences helps clarify which care fits a patient’s situation best.

Aspect	Palliative Care	Hospice Care
Timing	Any stage of serious illness	End of life, usually last 6 months
Goal	Improve quality of life alongside treatment	Comfort care when curative treatment stops
Treatment Focus	Can continue curative or life-prolonging treatments	Focus on symptom relief, no curative treatment
Location	Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home	Home, hospice facilities, nursing homes
Eligibility	Anyone with serious illness	Terminal illness with prognosis of 6 months or less

How Families Can Decide Which Care Is Right

Choosing between hospice and palliative care depends on the patient’s health status, goals, and preferences.

If the patient is still receiving treatments aimed at curing or controlling illness but needs help managing symptoms, palliative care is appropriate.
If the patient’s illness is advanced, treatments are no longer effective or desired, and the focus shifts to comfort, hospice care is the better option.

Families should discuss options with healthcare providers to understand prognosis and care goals. Many hospitals have palliative care teams who can guide these conversations.

Benefits of Both Types of Care

Both hospice and palliative care improve quality of life by addressing physical symptoms and emotional needs. They also provide support for families, helping them cope with stress and make informed decisions.

Symptom relief reduces pain, breathlessness, and other distressing symptoms.
Emotional support helps patients and families manage anxiety, depression, and grief.
Care coordination ensures treatments and services align with patient goals.
Spiritual care addresses meaning, purpose, and peace.

These services can be life-changing, making difficult times more manageable.

Common Misconceptions

Many people think hospice means giving up hope or that palliative care is only for cancer patients. Neither is true.

Palliative care is for any serious illness, including heart disease, lung disease, kidney failure, and neurological conditions.
Hospice care focuses on comfort, not abandonment. It supports dignity and quality of life.
Patients can switch between palliative and hospice care depending on their condition.

Understanding these facts helps reduce fear and stigma around these care options.

What to Expect When Receiving Hospice or Palliative Care

Both types of care involve a team approach. The team may include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. They work together to create a care plan tailored to the patient’s needs.