Patients facing a serious illness may seek to explore specialized medical attention in the form of hospice or palliative care. Both types of care aim to improve quality of life, but they differ in important ways. Understanding the difference between hospice and palliative care can help families choose the form of care most appropriate for their needs.
Definitions
Palliative Care: Palliative care addresses a patient’s physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, and social needs. It helps patients understand treatment options and ensures care is coordinated.
Hospice Care: Hospice is a specialized type of palliative care for patients at the end of life. It provides compassionate comfort care, symptom management, and is family-centered, involving loved ones in decision-making and care planning.
Eligibility
- Hospice Care requires two physicians to certify that a patient has less than 6 months to live, and that the patient or family has chosen to stop curative treatment.
- Palliative Care may begin at any stage of disease, terminal or not, and can be provided alongside curative treatments.
Care Teams
Hospice Care: An interdisciplinary team ensures patients live their final months in comfort and dignity. The team often includes:
- Physicians and nurses
- Hospice aides
- Social workers
- Chaplains
- Volunteers
- Bereavement specialists
Hospice can be provided at home, in assisted living, or in skilled nursing facilities. Nurses are available 24/7, and medical supplies, equipment, and medications are covered.
Palliative Care: Provided by a team similar to hospice, palliative care may include:
- Physicians
- Nurse practitioners or registered nurses
- Social workers and chaplains (in some cases)
It is typically offered in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, or at home.
Covered Items
- Hospice Care is the single source of all healthcare related to a patient’s terminal illness. It covers nurses, 24/7 support, prescription medications, equipment, supplies, and aide services.
- Palliative Care works alongside other medical treatments, so items like medications, supplies, and aides are not fully covered.
Duration
- Hospice Care: Provided when prognosis is 6 months or less. Can continue if the patient still qualifies.
- Palliative Care: Can begin at diagnosis and continue indefinitely alongside treatment.
Forms of Payment
- Hospice Care: Fully covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal, VA Health Care, and most private insurances.
- Palliative Care: May involve copays for physician visits. Coverage varies by insurance.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | Hospice Care | Palliative Care |
| Main Goal | Comfort & quality of life when an illness can no longer be cured | Extra layer of support while receiving treatments |
| Medical Approach | Focusing only on comfort care | Works alongside curative care |
| Duration | For patients with 6 months or less (may extend if needed) | At any stage of a serious illness |
| Eligibility | Requires a terminal diagnosis | Anyone with a serious illness |
| What’s Included | 24/7 nurses, meds, supplies, equipment, aides | Does not include these items |
| Care Team | Full interdisciplinary team | Physicians, nurses, sometimes social workers & chaplains |
| Scope of Care | Includes emotional, spiritual, and grief support for family | Focuses mainly on patient’s comfort |
| Cost | Usually covered 100% | Insurance copays may apply |
FAQs About Hospice vs Palliative Care
- Is palliative care the same as hospice?
- No. Palliative care can begin at diagnosis and continue alongside treatments. Hospice begins when treatment is no longer pursued, and prognosis is 6 months or less.
- Does hospice mean giving up?
- Not at all. Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than continuing curative treatments.
- Can palliative care lead to hospice?
- Yes. Many patients receiving palliative care transition to hospice as their illness progresses.
Choosing the Right Care for Your Loved One
Both hospice and palliative care are designed to bring relief and comfort, but they serve patients at different stages of illness. Choosing the right path ensures your loved one receives the support they need.
We’re Here for You
If you’re unsure whether hospice or palliative care is right for your family, call Orange Hospice at (714) 790-0594. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide guidance.
