What Is the Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care?

Hospice and palliative care both focus on comfort, symptom management, and improving quality of life, but they serve different purposes. Palliative care is available at any stage of a serious illness, while hospice care is reserved for patients nearing the end of life when curative treatment is no longer an option.

Hospice Care vs. Palliative Care

• Hospice care: For patients with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less, focusing entirely on comfort and support. Hospice can be provided at home, in a facility, or in a hospital setting.
• Palliative care: Available to anyone with a serious or chronic illness, regardless of life expectancy. It works alongside curative treatments and can be offered in hospitals, clinics, or at home.
• Insurance coverage: Medicare fully covers hospice care under Medicare Part A, while palliative care is covered under standard Medicare benefits but may require copays for services.

How Solace can help

A Solace advocate can help you understand hospice and palliative care options, coordinate with providers, and ensure Medicare or insurance covers necessary services. They can also assist in finding additional resources, such as caregiver support and community programs, to ease the transition.

What to do next

Navigating care decisions can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Find a Solace advocate today.