Hospice vs. Palliative Care
By Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE president and CEO
Every November, FAIRHOPE emphasizes National Hospice and Palliative Care Month for its significance in the lives of many who use the services for advanced illness and to support the end-of-life journey. It’s a time to pause and reflect on the care and comfort these services bring to patients and their families. While hospice and palliative care often work hand-in-hand, they serve different purposes, and understanding those differences can help you make the best choices for your loved ones.
Hospice care is for individuals who are facing a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less. At FAIRHOPE Hospice, we focus on comfort and quality of life, making sure patients and their families feel supported—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether care is provided at home, in a nursing facility, or at The Pickering House at our FAIRHOPE campus, our team works together to ensure every need is met with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Palliative care, however, can begin at any stage of a serious illness. It focuses on improving quality of life and providing relief from the challenges of a chronic or advanced condition. At FAIRHOPE’s Advanced Illness Management (AIM) Clinic on E. Main St. in Lancaster, our staff provides expert care to manage symptoms, ease pain, and improve overall well-being with the intent of preventing frequent hospitalizations. Palliative care isn’t just about treating the body, it’s about caring for the whole person, including emotional and spiritual needs. We also help families by coordinating care and having open conversations about goals and planning for the future.
The key difference between hospice and palliative care is that hospice focuses solely on comfort when curative treatments are no longer effective, while palliative care works alongside treatments like chemotherapy, dialysis, or rehabilitation. At FAIRHOPE, we’re here to guide you through the process so you can focus on what matters most.
We believe everyone deserves to live with dignity, no matter where they are in life’s journey. If you have questions about hospice or palliative care, or if you’re unsure which is the right fit, please reach out. We’re here to help you make the decision that’s best for your family.