Hospice vs. Palliative Care: What’s the Difference?
People often use the terms "hospice" and "palliative care" interchangeably, but they are actually two different types of care. If you are navigating a serious illness for yourself or a loved one, understanding this difference is crucial.
In this short video, we break down the key differences:
Palliative Care focuses on providing relief from symptoms, pain, and stress, and it is available to anyone with a serious illness. The biggest difference is that you can receive palliative care while still receiving curative treatments.
Hospice Care is a specific type of palliative care designed for patients toward the end of life—typically when a doctor certifies a life expectancy of six months or less. To receive hospice care, a patient must choose comfort care and stop curative or life-prolonging treatments.
The Golden Rule to Remember: All hospice care is palliative, but not all palliative care is hospice.
Both options provide incredible, holistic support for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Talk to your doctor or a local care provider today to find out which option is best for your family's situation.