Palliative Care vs. Hospice

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious or terminal illnesses. The support focuses on holistic care and providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress caused by serious illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family while reducing the emotional effects of illnesses.

Palliative Care

No life expectancy limit

Can begin at prognosis

Provided alongside
curative treatment

No face-to-face
certification requirement

In Common

Comfort Care

Reduce Stress

Symptom relief related
to serious illness

Physical and
psychosocial relief

HOSPICE

Life expectancy of 6 months or less

Begins after treatment has stopped

Not provided alongside
curative treatment

Face-to-face
certification requirement

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