What to know

Palliative care is a health care approach focused on providing relief of pain, management of symptoms, and improved quality of life for a person with a serious or life-threatening illness. It is distinct from hospice care in that it can be given at any point within an illness, whereas hospice care is only provided as end-of-life care. Either hospice care or palliative care can be given regardless of the age of someone receiving treatment. When a person receives palliative care, it does not mean that they are not also receiving other medical treatments.

Additional resources

• What are palliative care and hospice care? (National Institute on Aging)

Summary

Palliative care is a type of medical treatment focused on relieving symptoms and pain and managing a serious illness. It is distinct from hospice care in that it can be given at any point within an illness, whereas hospice care is only provided as end-of-life care.

Related terms

• patient
• physician-assisted death
• chronic illness
• older adults