When your loved one faces a life-limiting illness or chronic illness, it’s essential to look at all options so they can receive the personalized care they need. Hospice and palliative care are two common care types that focus on comfort and quality of life. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between palliative care and hospice to help you and your loved one make an informed decision about ongoing care.

What is hospice care?

Hospice provides end-of-life care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Through personalized care plans, your loved one’s hospice team will focus on comfort and support for the mind, body, and soul. 

This approach prioritizes improving quality of life rather than curative treatment. With compassionate care, your family members can spend their remaining days on their own terms in a comforting and supportive environment. While hospice is a specialized extension of palliative care, there are some key differences between the two. 

What is palliative care?

Palliative care focuses on pain management for chronic illnesses. The main goal is to improve quality of life and well-being. This specialized care addresses physical discomfort while providing emotional and psychological support tailored to your loved one’s needs. 

With a team of medical professionals, a palliative care team ensures individuals receive compassionate care that enhances their quality of life. 

Key differences

Life expectancy 

One key difference between the two is life expectancy. Hospice provides care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Palliative care is available to anyone with a serious or chronic condition that wants to alleviate pain and manage symptoms. 

Approach to treatment  

Another difference is the approach to treatment. Hospice patients receive continuous care focused solely on comfort and symptom management rather than curative treatments. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments to help manage symptoms and side effects. 

Care setting 

Your loved one can receive hospice care wherever they feel most comfortable. In most cases, care is provided at home, allowing them to remain in a familiar and supportive environment. Hospice services may also be available in nursing homes and hospice facilities.

 While palliative care can be provided at home, patients may also receive care in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or nursing homes.

Key similarities 

Focus on comfort 

Since hospice is a type of palliative care, it shares some similarities. One of the most important is its focus on comfort. Both care teams prioritize personalized support to enhance your loved one’s well-being. This holistic approach ensures that physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met, providing compassionate care for both patients and their families.

Support for the family 

Another key similarity between hospice and palliative care is the support they offer to families. Both provide valuable resources, education, and guidance to help caregivers navigate their loved one’s care. With these tools, families can feel more confident and prepared to provide the support their loved one needs.

Northern Illinois Hospice is here to provide compassionate and personalized care 

As the first hospice provider in the region, Northern Illinois Hospice has been helping people entering hospice for more than 45 years. Our team emphasizes providing compassionate end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

We continue to offer additional therapies to improve your loved one’s quality of life while receiving hospice and palliative care in their final months.

Our experienced team of hospice healthcare professionals, social workers, and volunteers are here to ensure your loved one is comfortable and supported. 

To learn more about our services or how we can help you navigate end-of-life care for your loved ones, call us today at (815) 398-0500.