More Than End of Life Care
October 22, 2025 | Benaroya Community Services, Health & Wellness, Hospice
For many, “hospice and palliative care” mean the last days of life. While the two care options are closely related, hospice and palliative care are not the same. Yes, both focus on relief from pain, stress, and other symptoms. But palliative care can offer comfort and support at any stage of life. This World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on Oct. 11 was an opportunity to celebrate the unique role each service plays to ensure lives can be lived more fully.
Hospice: comfort when time is limited
Hospice care is designed for people who are nearing the end of life, typically within six months as determined by a doctor. It shifts the focus from curing to caring and prioritizes comfort, dignity, and quality of life. The hospice team, which includes doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, and volunteers, works together to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Most hospice care occurs at home or in a home-like setting, where patients and families can be surrounded by familiar faces and memories.
Over 1.5 million individuals receive hospice care every year. The highest percentage of hospice recipients are over 85; still, about 25% are under 65. Around 50% spend 18 days or fewer in hospice care. Research has shown that hospice improves the quality of life at end-of-life through pain management and by reducing anxiety. Hospice also provides bereavement services for loved ones after death.
Palliative care: support throughout life
Nearly three out of four U.S. adults have never heard of palliative care. Even among those who know about it, misconceptions are common. For example, when considering palliative care, over 40% immediately think of death and 38% think it’s the same as hospice. Nearly 20% believe other treatments must be stopped for it while almost 15% see it as “giving up.” In fact, palliative care is almost the exact opposite of these assumptions.
Studies show that people receiving early palliative care report fewer symptoms, better mood, and even longer survival rates in some cases. Palliative care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that coordinates closely with primary care doctors and specialists; care plans reflect personal goals, values, and comfort.
Five quick truths to know about palliative care:
- It’s not just for end-of-life. Palliative care can start from diagnosis onward, helping manage symptoms and stress at any stage.
- It’s available for people of all ages. Children, adults, and older adults can all benefit from symptom- and comfort-focused care.
- It works alongside other treatments. You don’t have to stop medical treatments like chemotherapy, dialysis, or rehab.
- It supports the whole family. Social workers and counselors help caregivers navigate decisions, emotions, and daily challenges.
- It focuses on living well. The goal is to help individuals find comfort, meaning, and joy no matter what tomorrow brings.
At Kline Galland, both hospice and palliative care are part of a continuum of compassionate support that meets people wherever they are in their health journey. Whether at home or in a specialized care unit, our hospice services provide a comfortable and meaningful transition. Our palliative care services ensure individuals have symptom management, emotional support, and coordinated care for dignity, personal preferences, and quality of life.
Reach out to learn more about how we can support you or a loved one.
###
Sources: WHPCA; CDC; NIH; National Alliance for Care at Home; Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing; Get Palliative Care; CAPC; BMC Palliative Care
