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Palliative Care vs. Hospice: Which One Is Right for Your Loved One?

When a loved one is facing a serious illness, deciding on the right type of care can be overwhelming. Both palliative care and hospice care focus on comfort and improving quality of life of those with life-altering illnesses, but at the core of their care, they serve different purposes. 

Understanding the difference 

Palliative care is available to individuals at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments. It is designed to ease pain, manage symptoms, and maintain quality of life, helping individuals maintain their daily routines and overall well-being. Palliative care can also provide emotional support such as advance care-planning, end-of-life care, hospice care, and bereavement support. This type of care can take place in hospitals, in nursing facilities, or at home and is meant to improve quality of life, whether a person is seeking treatment for their illness or not.  

Hospice care is a type of palliative care intended for individuals who have a life expectancy of six months or less, as confirmed by a doctor, and are no longer pursuing curative treatments. The sole focus of hospice care is comfort—ensuring that individuals receive pain relief, emotional and spiritual support, and assistance with daily tasks in a familiar environment. It also provides bereavement support for family and loved ones. Hospice care is typically provided in a patient’s home, at a hospital or a specialized hospice facility, or within a long-term care setting, prioritizing dignity and peace in the final stages of life.  

To help make things clearer, let’s look at two families facing different situations. 

Mark’s journey with palliative care 

Mark, 72, was recently diagnosed with advanced heart disease. He wants to continue his treatment, but his symptoms—shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain—make daily life difficult. His doctor recommends palliative care to help him feel better while he manages his illness. 

With palliative care, Mark receives: 

• Symptom relief for pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath 

• Emotional and psychological support 

• Help with medications and care coordination 

• Care that works alongside his current treatment plan 

• Assistance understanding diagnosis and making medical decisions 

Palliative care allows Mark to maintain his independence and improve his quality of life while continuing treatment. 

Sarah’s transition to hospice care 

Sarah, 80, has late-stage cancer. Her treatments are no longer effective, and she and her family decide to focus on comfort rather than curative treatments. Her doctor suggests hospice care, which prioritizes pain management and emotional support. 

With hospice care, Sarah receives: 

• 24/7 pain and symptom management 

• Care in her home, surrounded by loved ones 

• Emotional and spiritual support for her and her family 

• Bereavement counseling for her family after her passing 

Hospice care provides Sarah and her family with the guidance and support they need to make the most of their time together. 

Frequently asked palliative and hospice care questions  

Can a patient switch from palliative care to hospice care?

Yes. If a person receiving palliative care decides to stop curative treatments and their doctor determines they have six months or less to live, they can transition to hospice care. Transferring back out of hospice and into palliative care is also possible if a person’s diagnosis changes or they decide to start curative treatments.

How do I know if palliative care is right for me?

Palliative care is right for anyone with a serious illness who needs more help and comfort to maintain quality of life. These illnesses can include cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and many more. 

Who benefits from hospice care?

Hospice care is all about providing comfort for both the person with a life-altering illness and their family and caregivers. Hospice care can include emotional and bereavement support for families to help make the most of your time together. 

How do I know if my loved one is ready for hospice?

If they have a terminal illness with a doctor’s prognosis of six months or less and are no longer seeking curative treatments, hospice care can help provide comfort and support for your loved one.

How do I get started with palliative or hospice care?

Talk to your loved one’s doctor to identify your loved one’s needs. 

At Family Home Health Network, we understand that every family’s needs are unique. Whether your loved one needs palliative care to manage symptoms while continuing treatment or hospice care to provide comfort in their final months, our compassionate team is here to help. 

Have questions? Contact Family Home Health Network today to learn more about the best care option for your loved one.