FAQs

Hospice care focuses on providing comfort, rather than cure, for patients facing a life-limiting illness. It’s a holistic approach that addresses patients’ and their families’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Hospice care can include pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and spiritual care.

Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a severe illness, regardless of the diagnosis or stage of the disease. The goal is to improve the patient’s and family’s quality of life. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment.

Both hospice and palliative care provide comfort, but palliative care can begin at diagnosis and at the same time as treatment. Hospice care begins after treatment of the disease is stopped and when it is clear that the person will not make it through the illness.

Hospice care is for a terminally ill person who’s expected to have six months or less to live. This doesn’t mean hospice care will only be provided for six months, though. Hospice care can be provided as long as the person’s doctor and hospice care team certify that the condition remains life-limiting.

Yes, hospice care is often provided at home but can also be provided in hospice facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities.

No, palliative care is for anyone with a severe illness and can be provided at any stage of the disease. The goal is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families, providing relief from symptoms, pain, and the stress that comes with serious illness, no matter the diagnosis.

No, hospice care doesn’t mean giving up hope. Instead, the focus of hope shifts towards having the best quality of life possible, spending meaningful time with loved ones and feeling comfortable and supported. Hospice care aims to manage symptoms and provide emotional and spiritual support, enhancing the remaining life’s quality.