Palliative Care and Hospice: What's the Difference?

When you or someone you love is facing a serious illness, it’s natural to want the best possible quality of life. That’s what both palliative care and hospice are all about — helping you live each day as fully and comfortably as possible.

“Palliative care and hospice are really not about death,” says Suzanne Pertsch, M.D., and internal medicine doctor who specializes in palliative care and hospice at Sutter. “They’re about living each day to the best of your ability given the circumstances that confront you.”

Both provide whole-person care to ease symptoms and reduce stress. The difference is when they’re used. Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness, even alongside treatments like chemotherapy or surgery. Hospice focuses on comfort and support when treatments to cure or slow the illness have stopped, usually when life expectancy is six months or less.

You can receive either service at any age. 

Palliative Care: Living Well With Illness

Palliative care begins by focusing on what matters most to you — your wishes, values and goals for care.

“In the purest sense, palliative care means being present, attentive, and emotionally supportive while providing physical comfort,” Dr. Pertsch says.

Your care team may include a doctor, nurse practitioner, social worker, chaplain and others with specialized training. Together, they’ll help manage symptoms, guide pain control and create a plan that lets you focus on what’s meaningful — time with loved ones, favorite activities or simply feeling more like yourself.

“Shifting control back to you alleviates a lot of fear and anxiety,” Dr. Pertsch says.

Palliative care can also help you prepare advance care documents and talk openly about what to expect as your illness progresses.

“These conversations aren’t easy, but they’re important,” Dr. Pertsch says. “Most people know when they’re getting sicker. They want to understand their choices so they can make informed decisions.”

Palliative care supports people with cancer, heart or lung disease, kidney failure, AIDS and many other conditions. You can start it as soon as you’re diagnosed and continue receiving it throughout treatment. 

Hospice: Care and Support at the End of Life

If you decide to stop curative treatments, hospice care helps you and your family focus on comfort and quality of life.

To begin hospice, your doctor must certify that you’re likely to have six months or less to live — but hospice can continue longer if needed. You can also leave hospice at any time if your condition improves or if you choose to resume treatment.

Like palliative care, hospice brings together a team to meet your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It also provides bereavement support for loved ones for up to 13 months after a death.

Most hospice care happens at home, though it’s also available in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Families often take the lead as caregivers, supported by hospice staff who visit regularly and are available by phone 24/7. Sutter Care at Home offers a full range of home care and hospice services across the region.

Many people wait too long to start hospice, sometimes until only a few days or weeks remain.

“I think that happens because most people still think hospice is about dying,” Dr. Pertsch says. “Hospice is about supporting each day with good quality and meaning.” 

Why This Care Matters 

“Studies show that patients and families who receive palliative care or hospice experience better quality of life — and a better quality of death,” Dr. Pertsch says.

Palliative care also gives families confidence and tools to handle challenges at home. “We empower you to feel like you have tools in your toolkit,” Dr. Pertsch says. “When things come up, you have the resources to manage them.” 

Living Fully, Every Day 

Whether you’re managing an illness or caring for someone who is, palliative care and hospice can help you find comfort, connection, and peace of mind. They’re about living well — on your own terms.