Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care
Understanding the Difference. Palliative care and hospice care both focus on comfort and quality of life, but they are not the same. Understanding the difference helps patients and families make informed care decisions.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on relieving symptoms, pain, and stress
caused by a serious illness—at any stage of the disease.
It can be provided:
Alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments
At any point after diagnosis
In hospitals, outpatient clinics, or at home
The goal is to support the whole person—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—so patients can live as fully and comfortably as possible.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a form of palliative care designed for individuals who are facing
a life-limiting illness and are no longer pursuing curative treatment.
Hospice focuses on:
Comfort rather than cure
Symptom management and pain relief
Emotional, spiritual, and family support
Honoring how a person wishes to live at the end of life
Hospice care surrounds patients and families with an interdisciplinary team — nurses, physicians, aides, social workers, spiritual counselors, and volunteers — so no one has to walk this alone.
The Key Differences at a Glance
Palliative Care
Available at any stage of illness
Can be provided with curative treatment
Often provided in hospitals or clinics
Symptom relief and quality of life
Hospice Care
Typically begins when life expectancy is six months or less
Focuses on comfort rather than cure
Most often provided in the home or place of choice
Comfort, dignity, and peaceful support
Choosing What’s Right for You
There is no single “right” time to seek support—only the time that feels right for you and your loved ones.
Some people begin with palliative care to manage symptoms and later transition to hospice care when the focus shifts fully to comfort. Others come to hospice when they are ready for care centered on peace, presence, and meaningful moments.
At Aria, we believe care should honor each person’s voice, values, and wishes — just as an orchestra supports a soloist. Whatever stage you are in, you deserve to feel heard, held, and supported.
We’re Here to Help
If you have questions about palliative care, hospice care, or which option may be right for you or your loved one, our team is here to listen and guide you with compassion and clarity
Aria Hospice Comfort Care is dedicated to ensuring that veterans with a life-limiting illness have access to high-quality hospice care.
Veterans often have unique medical, social, spiritual and emotional needs. Our care focuses on understanding the difficult circumstances faced by many Veterans near the end of life, such as: war-related medical diseases, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, unresolved issues associated with the stresses of military service, and financial and benefit concerns.
