Palliative care vs. hospice care

“Hospice and palliative care are really two different worlds,” says Dr. John Hausdorff, Community Hospital’s Supportive and Palliative Care Medical Director. “The hospice world is where you are done with the medical system. Palliative care is this whole other world before hospice, usually years before.”

While hospice care focuses on end-of-life support, palliative care can be provided with medical treatment to:

• Relieve symptoms like pain or discomfort

• Manage depression or anxiety caused by an illness

• Provide connection to social support and resources

Is palliative care right for me?

Those suffering from a chronic or life-limiting illness like cancer, lung disease, dementia, or heart failure can significantly benefit from palliative care. “We like to call it an additional layer of support,” Hausdorff says.

Learn more about Community Hospital’s Supportive and Palliative Care services.