PALLIATIVE VS.
HOSPICE CARE
FINDING THE RIGHT SUPPORT
Facing a serious illness brings many challenges. Both palliative and hospice care can provide comfort and support. The choice between them depends on your individual needs and the path of your health journey.
Americans receive hospice care each year.
Both services can reduce emergency visits and hospital stays.
of Medicare spending goes toward people with four or more chronic conditions, the typical palliative care patient.
Families report better emotional support and lower stress when these services are used.
of hospice care
happens at home.
PALLIATIVE
Palliative care is for anyone living with a serious or chronic illness. It helps you manage symptoms, pain, and stress while you are still receiving curative treatments. This type of care works with your existing doctors and specialists to support you through every stage of your illness, no matter how long that may be.
VS
HOSPICE CARE
Hospice care is for people in the final stage of a serious illness. It begins when curative treatments are no longer effective or desired and the focus shifts completely to comfort and quality of life. To be eligible for hospice, a doctor must determine that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less.
Click on the plus sign to learn more about the key differences between palliative and hospice care.
TREATMENT APPROACH
PALLIATIVE
Alongside curative treatment.
- Manages pain and symptoms
- Care planning and guidance
- Connects to helpful resources
- Coordinate with specialists and care team
- Office hours
HOSPICE CARE
Comfort at end of life.
- Some treatment may continue
- Manages pain and symptoms
- 24/7 support and visits for patient and family
- Emotional and spiritual care
- Alternative symptom management therapies
LOCATION OF CARE
PALLIATIVE
Provided in any care setting.
- Home or group home
- Assisted living
- Nursing facility
- Hospital or clinic
HOSPICE CARE
Provided in any care setting.
- Home or group home
- Hospice facility
- Assisted living or nursing facility
- Hospital (inpatient only)
TEAM INVOLVED
PALLIATIVE
Works in collaboration with your primary doctor and specialist to support your care.
- Physician
- Nurse practitioners & RNs
- Social workers
- Chaplains
HOSPICE CARE
Alongside your primary care physician, an interdisciplinary team provides whole-person support for the patient and caregivers at end of life.
- Physicians & nurses
- Social workers & chaplains
- Hospice aides & volunteers
- Therapists as needed
COST & COVERAGE
PALLIATIVE
Works in collaboration with your primary doctor and specialist to support you care.
- Usually covered under Medicare Part B and Medicaid (some limits)
- Often covered by private insurance
- Coverage varies by plan
- Some medications or services may have co-pays
HOSPICE CARE
Alongside your primary care physician, an interdisciplinary team provides whole-person support for the patient and caregivers at end of life.
- Fully covered under Medicare Part A and most Medicaid plans
- Most private insurance plans have hospice benefits that cover most related costs
- Some non-terminal-related items may not be covered
LET’S MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU!
CONTACT THE SENIOR ALLIANCE
734.722.2830
info@thesenioralliance.org
