Palliative vs. hospice care: What’s the difference?

Dear Doris,

My wife and I are caring for our son who has a life-threatening chronic condition. It's becoming more and more difficult to manage his doctor's appointments, medications, and all of the services that he utilizes. Recently, a dear friend suggested I consider palliative care through our local Hospice organization. I'm really not sure what that involves. Is palliative care similar to hospice care?

Caregivers,

Jose and Maria R.

Dear Jose and Maria,

Thank you for reaching out. You both have a great deal to manage, and from one caregiver to another, I encourage you to get all supports available to you. Your friend makes an exceptionally good suggestion, reaching out for palliative care.

“Palliative care is focused on improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses and their care partners. It is available to people of any age who need it, not just older adults. The major elements of palliative care include managing a person’s symptoms effectively and ensuring that their care is coordinated.” - National Institute on Aging

Here is a great resource: I am in New York, How Can I Get Palliative Care?

In addition, this simple video illustrates the difference between hospice and palliative care.

JUST ASK! Anyone can ask for palliative care. This includes you (the patient), your health care provider, friends, a family member, or a social service agency.

Palliative care services add an extra layer of care and support that may be combined with the care you are already getting. Your palliative care professionals or team will work to make you comfortable by relieving your symptoms, pain, and side effects of your treatment for the entire length of your illness. The team will also work with you to make sure you understand your treatment choices.

An additional benefit of Palliative Care is the inclusion of care for the caregiver. You are the essential member of the care team, and your palliative care team will work with you to coordinate with other doctors and specialists.

Thank you for writing. This question is one that many wonder about but often assume that palliative care is the same as hospice care.