Live Comfortably - April 1, 2025

What is the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care?

By Kathie Miller

Understanding the distinction between palliative care and hospice care is essential in making informed decisions about healthcare and ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate support during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. Both types of care prioritize comfort and quality of life, but they differ significantly in terms of when they are provided, who is eligible, and the specific services offered.

This article will clarify these key differences, providing the information you need to determine which type of care may be most suitable for your situation. Whether you’re navigating a serious illness or supporting a loved one, understanding these options can help you access the right care at the right time.

The Basics of Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on improving quality of life for people living with serious illnesses. It addresses physical symptoms, emotional challenges and spiritual concerns while supporting patients and their families. Unlike hospice care, one of the advantages of palliative care is that it can be provided at any stage of illness, even alongside curative treatments. This makes it a flexible option for managing complex medical conditions.

Treatment Goals

The primary goal of palliative care is to alleviate pain, discomfort and other distressing symptoms while helping patients achieve the best possible quality of life. It also focuses on emotional well-being, providing counseling and support to patients and their families.

Eligibility Requirements

Palliative care is available to anyone with a serious or chronic illness, regardless of the prognosis. Conditions such as cancer, heart failure, COPD or kidney disease are common examples of when this care may be recommended.

Scope of Services Provided

Services often include symptom management, emotional and psychological support, assistance with medical decision-making and coordination with other healthcare providers.

Timing and Duration of Care

Palliative care can begin at any point in a serious illness and continue as long as needed, even if the patient is pursuing curative or life-prolonging treatments.

Location of Care

Palliative care is flexible and can be delivered in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes or even at home, depending on the patient’s preferences and needs.

Personnel Involved

A multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains and other specialists collaborate to address the patient’s comprehensive needs and provide the appropriate level of palliative care.

Insurance Coverage and Costs

Palliative care is often covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. However, coverage specifics can vary, so it’s essential to check with your provider to understand any potential out-of-pocket costs.

The Basics of Hospice Care

Hospice care is a type of specialized care for individuals nearing the end of life, focusing on comfort, dignity and quality of life rather than curative treatment. Hospice care is generally recommended for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less and offers comprehensive support to both patients and their families during this difficult transition.

For more details on hospice care and the services it includes, read our blog: What is Hospice Care & How Does it Work?

Treatment Goals

The primary goal of hospice care is to manage pain and symptoms while prioritizing emotional, spiritual and practical support. It aims to enhance the patient’s comfort and well-being in their final stages of life.

Eligibility Requirements

Hospice care is typically reserved for patients who have a terminal diagnosis and a prognosis of six months or less if the illness runs its natural course. Patients must choose to forgo curative treatments to focus solely on comfort care.

For more information on qualifications for hospice care, read our blog: Who is Eligible for Hospice Care?

Scope of Services Provided

Hospice services can include pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, counseling, respite care for families and assistance with end-of-life planning.

For more on the types of services that might be offered by a hospice provider, read our blog: What Services Are Included in Hospice Care?

Timing and Duration of Care

Hospice care begins when a patient’s doctor certifies their eligibility. While it is intended for the last six months of life, care may continue as long as the patient remains eligible based on their condition.

Location of Care

Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including the patient’s home, nursing facilities, hospice centers or hospitals, depending on their preferences and needs.

Personnel Involved

Hospice care teams include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, volunteers and aides, all working together to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Insurance Coverage and Costs

Hospice care is widely covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans, typically including all necessary services, medications and equipment related to the terminal diagnosis.

Key Differences Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care

While both palliative care and hospice care focus on improving quality of life and providing comfort, they differ in several key areas. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for determining which type of care is appropriate based on a patient’s needs and stage of illness. Below are some key points in understanding palliative care vs. hospice.

Treatment Goals

Palliative care focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life at any stage of illness, even alongside curative treatments. Hospice care, on the other hand, focuses solely on comfort, symptom management and end-of-life support when curative treatment is no longer pursued.

Eligibility Requirements

One of the benefits of palliative care is that it’s available to patients at any stage of a serious illness and can be received alongside curative treatment. Hospice care is typically for patients with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less, and who have chosen to forgo curative treatments.

Scope of Services Provided

Palliative care includes symptom management, emotional support and assistance with medical decision-making throughout the course of illness. Hospice care provides a more comprehensive package, including pain relief, emotional support, spiritual care and end-of-life planning for patients nearing the end of life.

Timing and Duration of Care 

Palliative care can begin at any point during an illness and continues as long as necessary. Hospice care begins when a patient’s doctor certifies that they have six months or less to live and continues for the remainder of the patient’s life.

Location of Care 

Palliative care can be provided in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes or at home. Hospice care can also be provided in the home, but is more often delivered in hospice centers or nursing facilities designed for end-of-life care.

Personnel Involved 

Both palliative and hospice care involve teams of healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses and social workers. Palliative care teams also include a broad range of specialists focused on symptom management. Hospice care teams often include chaplains and volunteers to provide additional spiritual and emotional support to patients and families during end-of-life care.

Insurance Coverage and Costs

Palliative care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans, but coverage may vary depending on the stage of illness and treatments involved. Hospice care is widely covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, which generally include all necessary services related to end-of-life care. However, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage.

How to Choose Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care

Choosing between palliative care and hospice care depends on your current health status, treatment goals and the stage of your illness. Both types of care focus on comfort, but palliative care is more appropriate for patients seeking support alongside curative treatment, while hospice care is suited for those nearing the end of life. Here are some key factors to help you determine which care option is best for you or your loved one.

Evaluating Your Current Health Status

The first step in choosing the right care is assessing your health. If you are living with a serious illness but are still receiving curative treatments, palliative care may be the best option. However, if your health is declining and curative treatments are no longer an option, hospice care may be more appropriate.

Understanding Your Goals for Care

Consider your goals for care. If your primary focus is on improving quality of life while still pursuing treatments to extend life, palliative care is ideal. If your goal is to ensure comfort and dignity during the final stages of life, hospice care may be more suitable.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Consulting your healthcare provider is essential. Ask whether curative treatments are still effective or if they’ve become less beneficial. Inquire about the benefits of symptom management versus aggressive treatments and discuss your options for transitioning to hospice care when appropriate.

Discussing Options with Family Members

It’s crucial to have open discussions with family members about your preferences. They can offer support in making these decisions, and ensuring everyone is on the same page will help ease the decision-making process and provide a sense of shared understanding.

Can You Receive Both Types of Care at the Same Time?

You cannot receive both palliative care and hospice care simultaneously. Palliative care is designed to be provided alongside curative treatments at any stage of illness, while hospice care is specifically for patients who are no longer pursuing curative treatment and are nearing the end of life.

Can You Switch Back and Forth Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care?

It’s possible to switch between palliative care and hospice care, but it depends on the patient’s condition and the stage of illness. If a patient’s health improves and they begin pursuing curative treatments again, they can transition from hospice care back to palliative care. 

Conversely, if their condition worsens and curative treatments are no longer effective, they may transition from palliative care to hospice care. This flexibility allows patients to receive the appropriate level of care as their needs change. It’s important to work closely with healthcare providers to determine the right timing for these transitions.

When Should Someone Switch from Palliative Care to Hospice Care?

Switching from palliative care to hospice care typically occurs when a patient’s illness has reached a point where curative treatments are no longer effective and the focus shifts to comfort and end-of-life care. 

This decision is typically made when a doctor determines that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less. Signs that it may be time to transition include a decline in health despite ongoing treatments, a shift in treatment goals toward symptom management and a desire to focus on quality of life rather than curative treatments. It’s important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider and loved ones to make the transition at the right time for the patient’s needs.

Does Choosing Palliative Care or Hospice Care Mean Giving Up?

No, choosing palliative care or hospice care does not mean giving up. It means shifting the focus to comfort, quality of life and dignity during a challenging time. Palliative care is about managing symptoms and improving well-being, even while continuing curative treatments. Hospice care is about ensuring comfort and support when curative treatments are no longer effective, focusing on making the patient’s remaining time as peaceful as possible. Both choices reflect a compassionate and thoughtful approach to care, focusing on what matters most during the final stages of life, rather than surrendering or giving up.

What If I’m Not Sure Which Type of Care I Need?

If you’re unsure which type of care is best for you or a loved one, seek guidance from healthcare professionals. Start by discussing your concerns with your doctor, who can provide insights into your condition and recommend the most appropriate care based on your health status.

Talking to family members and loved ones can also help clarify your priorities and ensure everyone is aligned. Reaching out to hospice or palliative care providers for more information can help you understand how each type of care fits your needs. Making an informed decision is essential, and seeking support from multiple sources is always beneficial.

Why You Should Consider Goodwin Hospice

At Goodwin Hospice, our mission is simple: provide the highest-quality, patient-centered care to our hospice patients and their loved ones. We’re proud to offer this level of end-of-life care. We’ve provided it to our residents for more than two decades, and we have offered it to our community, including Alexandria, Arlington and Falls Church, since 2016. Another advantage for patients in Northern Virginia is that we do not turn away patients who lack financial resources, one of many benefits to our non-profit hospice care model.

Goodwin Hospice is able to deliver the most compassionate care available because of our top-ranked team of Medicare-certified hospice care providers with more than 50 years of experience. From physicians, nurse practitioners and registered nurses to licensed clinical social workers, spiritual counselors and bereavement counselors, our team delivers comprehensive care where and when you need it most. And we couldn’t do it without our expansive network of dedicated hospice aides and volunteers to aid the rest of the team. Patients can feel confident knowing they’re receiving exceptional care from a truly outstanding team.

Because we believe everyone has the right to die with dignity and comfort, we go above and beyond to deliver exceptional end-of-life care. In addition to pain management and symptom control, personal care, social work services, counseling, spiritual support and 24/7 on-call nursing support, Goodwin Hospice offers a bundle of complimentary compassionate services. These include our friendly visitor volunteers, pet companionship, end-of-life doulas, end-of-life massage therapy and visits from Threshold Choir singers. We also offer bereavement support for the family after their loss.

Contact Goodwin Hospice

We know that was a lot of information. If you have any questions or would like more details about Goodwin Hospice, you can reach our team at 703-578-7108 or HospiceReferrals@GoodwinLiving.org.