Hospice vs. Palliative Care

Navigating healthcare decisions during a serious illness can be challenging, especially when it comes to choosing the right type of care. While both hospice and palliative care focus on providing comfort and improving quality of life, they are designed for different stages and needs. Understanding these differences can help you or your loved one find the appropriate care, whether you’re managing symptoms alongside ongoing treatments or seeking support during the final stages of life.

Eligibility

Palliative Care

Chronic Pain that is difficult to manage or control
Nausea or Vomiting related to illness or treatment
Shortness of Breath or difficulty breathing
Frequent Hospitalizations due to a chronic or serious illness
Fatigue or Weakness that interferes with daily activities
Anxiety or Depression related to a serious diagnosis
Difficulty Sleeping due to discomfort or stress
Loss of Appetite or significant weight loss
Complex Medical Needs requiring multiple treatments or medications
Challenges with Mobility or performing daily activities
Cognitive Decline or confusion due to illness or medication
Frequent Infections or complications from a chronic illness
Serious Illness Diagnoses such as cancer, heart disease, COPD, kidney failure, or neurological disorders
Advanced Stages of Chronic Illness where symptoms are affecting quality of life
Emotional or Spiritual Distress experienced by patients or family members

Hospice Care

Life-Limiting Illness with prognosis of 6 mo. or less
Discontinuation of Curative Treatment i
Rapid or Significant Decline in health, weight, or ability to perform daily activities
Frequent Hospitalizations or ER Visits
Uncontrolled Pain that is difficult to manage through standard treatments
Severe Shortness of Breath or respiratory distress
Recurrent Infections or complications
Increased Weakness or Fatigue leading to limited mobility and reduced daily functioning
Difficulty Swallowing or eating, leading to significant weight loss or dehydration
Increased Sleeping or spending most of the day in bed
Severe Cognitive Impairment due to advanced dementia or neurological disorders
Significant Physical Decline despite treatment, such as in late-stage cancer, heart failure, COPD, or liver disease
Worsening Symptoms that impact quality of life
Family Caregiver Exhaustion
Frequent or Uncontrolled Symptoms such as pain, nausea, agitation, or anxiety

Timing

Palliative Care

Can begin at any stage of a serious illness – Palliative care can be introduced as soon as a diagnosis is made, even while curative treatments are ongoing. It is designed to provide relief from symptoms and improve quality of life, regardless of the stage of the illness.

Hospice Care

Appropriate for the final stages of a terminal illness – Hospice care is intended for patients who have a prognosis of six months or less to live, and who are no longer pursuing curative treatments. It focuses on comfort and support during the end-of-life stage.

Care Focus

Palliative Care

Symptom relief and quality of life alongside curative treatments – Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and anxiety, while allowing patients to continue with treatments aimed at curing or controlling their illness. The goal is to improve comfort and overall quality of life at any stage of a serious illness.

Hospice Care

Comfort care without curative treatments – Hospice care is centered on providing comfort, dignity, and peace for patients who are no longer seeking curative treatments. The focus is on managing pain and other symptoms, offering emotional and spiritual support, and helping patients make the most of their remaining time with loved ones.