| Aspect | Palliative Care | Hospice Care |
|---|
| Focus | Relief from symptoms, improving quality of life at any illness stage | Comfort care for terminal patients with a prognosis of 6 months or less |
| Patient Eligibility | Any age or stage of serious illness | End-of-life, terminal patients |
| Care Setting | Hospitals, clinics, home | Hospice facilities, home, nursing homes |
| Team | Multidisciplinary including doctors, nurses, social workers | Specialized hospice team focusing on comfort and support |
While both Palliative Care and Hospice Care aim to improve quality of life, Palliative Care is available at any illness stage and can be provided alongside curative treatments. Hospice Care is specifically for terminal patients nearing end of life. Understanding these differences helps patients and families choose appropriate support based on their needs and prognosis.