The main difference between palliative care and hospice care lies in the patient’s current stage of illness and the goals of the care received.

Palliative care is a holistic approach aimed at providing patients relief from the symptoms and stress associated with serious illnesses at any stage of the disease. It can be provided alongside curative treatments and is focused on improving the patient's quality of life by addressing physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs. It aims to enhance comfort, alleviate symptoms, and support patients and their families in making informed decisions about their care.

Hospice care is specifically designed for individuals who have a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to live. Hospice care prioritizes comfort and quality of life in the final stages of life, emphasizing symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and assistance with end-of-life decision-making. Another key difference between palliative and hospice care is that hospice care is not intended to cure the underlying illness but rather to provide compassionate care and support during the dying process.

Note.
In some countries, hospices (hospicios) are establishments where poor people without resources are received and where they are maintained at the expense of charity, whether public or private, the donations of some fellow citizens; in some cases, the inmates received in the hospice, perform work or trades compatible with their health and disposition.

See reference for more information.

Adapted from Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care. Is there a main difference between palliative care and hospice care? Internet. Available at
https://www.crossroadshospice.com/hospice-palliative-care-blog/2020/april/29/saying-goodbye-to-a-dying-loved-one-by-phone/ Accessed on May 15, 2024.

Translated from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Internet. Accessed on May 4, 2024. Available at https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospicio