The Difference in Palliative Care and Hospice Care
Many people ask the question, “What is the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care?” Though they are similar, there are some differences that we identify in the topics below.
On Life Expectancy
Palliative Care
Specialty care that focuses on symptom management for patients with serious or life-threatening illness, without regard for life expectancy
Hospice Care
Specialty care that focuses on quality of life and symptom management for patients with terminal illness, with life expectancy less than 6 months.
On Curative Treatment
Palliative Care
May continue to receive curative treatment
Hospice Care
No longer seeking curative treatment
On Symptom Management
Palliative Care
Strong emphasis on symptom management
Symptoms will be managed as much as possible
Hospice Care
Strong emphasis on symptom management at end of life
Symptoms will be managed as much as possible
On Medicare
Palliative Care
Services are not part of a packaged Medicare benefit
Hospice Care
Hospice patients can receive the Medicare hospice benefit, including durable medical equipment, and in-patient hospice services/respite care
On Bereavement Services
Palliative Care
Does not provide bereavement services
Hospice Care
Provides bereavement services for family and caregivers
On Location of Care
Palliative Care
- Home
- Assisted living facility
- Nursing home
- Hospital
Hospice Care
- Home
- Assisted living facility
- Nursing home
- Hospice facility
- Hospital
On Length of Care
Palliative Care
This depends on what care you need and your insurance plan
Hospice Care
As long as you meet the hospice’s criteria of an illness with a life expectancy of months, not years
On Palliative Care and Hospice Care Teams
Palliative Care
Works collaboratively with current healthcare providers, including specialists
Hospice Care
Works collaboratively with current healthcare providers (primarily primary care physician)
Holistic end-of-life care from a multidisciplinary team (including physicians, nurses, social workers, case managers, spiritual counselors, volunteers, bereavement counselors
Learn more about common misunderstandings about hospice
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOSPICE
