Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care: What’s the Difference?

When a dear friend or loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness, you want to be sure that they’ll have the best possible quality of life as they navigate their condition. The terms “palliative care” and “hospice” may start to come up, and it’s not at all uncommon to feel confused or overwhelmed. However, it’s crucial to understand their distinct purposes so your family can make informed decisions about your loved one’s future care.

In this article, we’ll delve into the key differences between palliative care and hospice, common misconceptions, and how to determine which option may be the right choice for your family.

Note: While this blog offers general guidance about hospice and palliative care, it does not replace advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations and before starting any new treatment.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and emotional stress that often occur with serious or chronic illnesses. Its goal is not to cure the underlying condition, but to improve quality of life for both the patient and their loved ones, no matter the illness or prognosis. Taking a holistic approach, palliative care helps people make informed choices about treatment and live as fully as possible as they navigate their condition.

What is hospice care?

Similar to palliative care, hospice doesn’t focus on curing an illness but instead emphasizes comfort and quality of life. A primary difference is that hospice is reserved for individuals facing the final stages of their life, typically those who have a life expectancy of six months or less. By addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, hospice helps ensure that both the care recipient and their family receive the compassion and understanding they deserve during what is often an uncertain, frightening time.

Common misconceptions

Misconceptions about care create unnecessary confusion for patients and even cause families to miss out on valuable symptom relief and support. By understanding these—and doing your own due diligence in researching the care types—families can make more informed decisions and access the right care at the right time.

Below are a few of the most common misunderstandings about palliative and hospice care.

Misconception 1: Palliative care and hospice care are only for people at the very end of life.

This isn’t necessarily true. While hospice is specifically designed for those with a limited life expectancy, a person can receive palliative care at any stage of life, even alongside treatments aimed at curing the disease.

Misconception 2: Accepting hospice or palliative care means “giving up” on treatment.

Actually, both approaches are about enhancing quality of life and providing additional layers of support, not replacing existing care unless curative treatment is no longer desirable or feasible. Hospice focuses on offering comfort without taking away the person’s dignity or personal choice, and care recipients of palliative care can still receive treatments to manage their condition.

Misconception 3: Hospice care is only available in a facility or is limited to medical support.

Both hospice and palliative care can be highly flexible as to where the care is provided. While the care setting can depend on what local resources are available, both care types are often available at home or wherever the care recipient feels most comfortable.

Key differences and shared philosophies

Palliative care and hospice care share many similarities, but the key differentiator lies in timing, treatment goals, and qualification requirements. Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you better understand the differences between palliative care and hospice and what your family may expect from each care type.

Primary goal

• Hospice care: To provide symptom management and support that addresses a person’s physical, spiritual, and emotional needs as they near the end of their life, as well as bereavement care for family and loved ones.¹
• Palliative care: To provide comfort, symptom relief, education, and emotional support to a care recipient and their family at any stage of illness.²

Qualification requirements

• Hospice care: To receive hospice care, a physician must certify that the person in need of care meets certain medical eligibility criteria, which can vary by illness and condition. Generally, hospice requires a six-month life expectancy.¹
• Palliative care: A referral from a care provider is typically required, but there are no restrictions on age, prognosis, or whether they’re receiving curative treatments.²

Care setting

• Hospice care: Hospice services may be provided in a nursing home, hospital, assisted living community, or a dedicated hospice center. In many cases, individuals may choose to receive their hospice care at home.¹
• Palliative care: Palliative care can be provided in a variety of settings, including in a clinic, hospital, assisted living community, or in the care recipient’s home.²

Care team

• Hospice care: Hospice care is typically provided by an interdisciplinary team of care professionals, often including a registered nurse, nursing aide, social worker, chaplain, and a bereavement support person.¹
• Palliative care: Palliative care teams can vary case by case, but may include doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, and chaplains.²

Hospice vs. palliative care: Pros and cons

As with any type of care, it’s important to understand both the benefits and limitations of hospice and palliative care. Take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of each, and keep them in mind as you consider your loved one’s needs.

Remember, families should always discuss with the care recipient’s doctor or care team to determine which approach best aligns with their goals, comfort needs, and stage of illness.

Advantages of palliative care:

• Can be used at any stage of an illness, alongside treatments aimed at curing or managing the condition
• Focuses on symptoms relief, comfort, and emotional support for both the care recipient and their family
• Helps with care coordination and decision-making

Considerations of palliative care:

• May require visits to clinics or hospitals, depending on services
• Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance coverage typically depends on the care recipient’s benefits and treatment plan³

Advantages of hospice care:

• Designed specifically for those approaching end of life
• Provides comprehensive support for patients and families, often at home
• Offers emotional, spiritual, and practical support, including bereavement services for families, loved ones, and caregivers

Considerations of hospice care:

• Typically requires forgoing curative treatment
• Only available when life expectancy is six months or less
• May be covered by Medicare and other insurance depending on the care recipient’s particular situation³

How HomeWell supports palliative and hospice care

At HomeWell, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate care for a loved one. Although our focus is non-medical support services, we can play a vital role in assisting individuals receiving palliative or hospice care.

Our caregivers can help with practical tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, mobility support, and personal care, like bathing or dressing. Beyond physical assistance, we can also offer emotional support, companionship, and social engagement to help reduce any feelings of isolation or stress.

Give us a call today or visit us online to learn more about how our palliative support and hospice support services may play a role in a loved one’s care plan.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Sources

1. Hospice Foundation of America. (2024, September 24). “What is hospice?” https://hospicefoundation.org/what-is-hospice/
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, January 17). “Palliative Care.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22850-palliative-care
3. National Institute on Aging. (2021, May 14). “What Are Palliative Care and Hospice Care?” https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hospice-and-palliative-care/what-are-palliative-care-and-hospice-care