How does hospice care differ from palliative care?

Palliative care and hospice care both focus on comfort, quality of life, and relief from symptoms, but they differ in timing and the type of treatment they support. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness and may be offered alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments.

Hospice care is intended for individuals with a prognosis of six months or less who have chosen to shift their focus from cure to comfort. When you elect hospice, the goal becomes managing symptoms, easing stress, and supporting emotional and spiritual needs rather than pursuing curative treatment.

Both hospice and palliative care use an interdisciplinary team to support patients and families, and many people receive palliative care for months or years before transitioning to hospice as their needs change. Understanding the difference helps you choose the level of support that best aligns with your goals.