Palliative care and hospice care are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Both types of specialized medical care aim to enhance comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients facing serious illness. However, they differ in timing, treatment goals, and where care is provided.
Knowing the difference between the two can help you make confident decisions for yourself or your loved one.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is a comprehensive approach to care that can begin at any stage of a serious illness, from the time of diagnosis through treatment and recovery. The goal is to relieve pain, manage symptoms, and provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support.
Also known as supportive care, palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment. It’s not limited to end-of-life care and is appropriate for conditions such as cancer, heart disease, COPD, kidney disease, dementia, or other long-term illnesses.
Where and How Palliative Care Is Provided
Palliative care can be offered in:
Hospitals
Outpatient clinics
Nursing homes
The patient’s home
Eligibility varies by insurance coverage, but most people with a serious or life-limiting illness qualify.
A Team-Based Approach to Support
Palliative care brings together a multidisciplinary team that may include:
Physicians and nurse practitioners
Social workers and chaplains
Counselors and therapists
This team works closely with patients and families to align care with personal values and goals. In addition to symptom relief, palliative care provides:
Emotional and mental health support
Guidance for family caregivers
Assistance with care planning and decision-making
If a patient’s condition progresses and curative treatment is no longer effective, palliative care can transition seamlessly into hospice care.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a specialized type of palliative care focused on comfort during the final months of life—typically when a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less.
At this stage, the goal shifts from curing the illness to managing pain and enhancing quality of life for both patients and their families. Hospice emphasizes compassion, dignity, and peace, ensuring individuals can spend their remaining time surrounded by care and support.
Where Hospice Care Happens
Hospice care can be provided in:
The patient’s home
Nursing homes or assisted-living facilities
Hospitals
Dedicated hospice centers
It involves a caring team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. Family members are supported through education, counseling, and respite care—short-term relief that gives caregivers time to rest. Hospice providers are available 24/7 for guidance and assistance.
Key Differences Between Palliative and Hospice Care
| Feature | Palliative Care | Hospice Care |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Available at any stage of illness | Provided when life expectancy is six months or less |
| Treatment Focus | Can be given alongside curative treatments | Focuses solely on comfort and quality of life |
| Goal | Manage symptoms and support recovery or comfort | Provide dignity, peace, and family support at end of life |
| Location | Hospital, clinic, nursing home, or home | Home, hospice center, hospital, or nursing facility |
Conclusion
Both hospice and palliative care are designed to help patients live with comfort, dignity, and support. The best option depends on your loved one’s diagnosis, treatment goals, and overall health.
Your healthcare provider can guide you in determining which type of care aligns best with your family’s needs and wishes.
You do NOT need a doctor to make a referral. Anyone can make a referral for a friend or loved one in need of hospice care. Reach out to us at Hospice of West Tennessee or by calling 731.664.4220.
Updated: October 26, 2025
