Introduction 

Receiving a diagnosis of a serious or chronic illness can leave individuals and families feeling overwhelmed. Questions about treatment options, symptom management, quality of life, and future planning often arise long before end-of-life care becomes a consideration. 

One healthcare service that is frequently misunderstood is palliative care. 

Many people mistakenly believe palliative care and hospice are the same thing. While both focus on improving quality of life and relieving suffering, they serve different purposes and can be introduced at different stages of an illness. 

In this episode of The Voice of Aging, Brynne Malone sat down with a palliative care expert to explain how palliative care supports individuals living with serious illnesses, complements medical treatment, and helps families navigate complex healthcare decisions with greater confidence. 

Understanding palliative care early can help patients receive additional support long before a healthcare crisis develops. 

What Is Palliative Care? 

Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on improving quality of life for people living with serious or chronic illnesses. 

Unlike hospice, palliative care does not require a terminal diagnosis, nor does it mean curative treatment has ended. 

Instead, it works alongside a patient’s existing medical providers to manage symptoms, improve comfort, and provide emotional support throughout the course of an illness. 

The goal is simple: 

Help people live as well as possible while receiving treatment for a serious illness. 

Who Can Benefit from Palliative Care? 

Palliative care is appropriate for individuals living with many different serious or chronic medical conditions. 

Common diagnoses include: 

• Cancer 

• Congestive heart failure 

• COPD 

• Parkinson’s disease 

• ALS 

• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias 

• Chronic kidney disease 

• Liver disease 

• Stroke recovery 

• Multiple sclerosis 

It can also benefit individuals experiencing recurring hospitalizations, uncontrolled symptoms, or complex medical conditions requiring multiple specialists. 

Receiving palliative care does not mean someone is nearing the end of life. In fact, many patients receive palliative care for months or even years while continuing active treatment. 

The Goals of Palliative Care 

Palliative care extends beyond medical treatment by helping individuals maintain the highest possible quality of life. 

Symptom Management 

A palliative care team helps reduce symptoms that interfere with daily living, including: 

• Pain 

• Nausea 

• Fatigue 

• Shortness of breath 

• Anxiety 

• Depression 

• Sleep disturbances 

• Loss of appetite 

Managing symptoms often allows patients to remain more active and engaged with family and friends. 

Emotional and Psychological Support 

Serious illnesses affect far more than physical health. 

Patients and families often experience: 

• Fear 

• Uncertainty 

• Caregiver stress 

• Grief 

• Depression 

• Anxiety about the future 

Palliative care teams provide counseling, education, and emotional support throughout the healthcare journey. 

As we discussed in our article Financial Self-Care for Caregivers, caring for someone with a chronic illness can affect every aspect of a caregiver’s life. Having an additional layer of professional support can reduce caregiver burnout and help families feel less alone as they navigate difficult decisions. 

Care Coordination 

Many individuals living with chronic illnesses see numerous specialists. 

Palliative care practitioners help coordinate communication between: 

• Primary care physicians 

• Specialists 

• Hospitals 

• Home health agencies 

• Therapists 

• Family caregivers 

Improved communication often leads to more coordinated, patient-centered care. 

Palliative Care vs. Hospice 

One of the biggest misconceptions is that palliative care and hospice are interchangeable. 

While both focus on comfort and quality of life, there are important differences. 

Palliative Care 

Palliative care: 

• Can begin at any stage of a serious illness 

• Continues alongside curative treatment 

• Focuses on symptom relief and quality of life 

• Supports patients and families through complex medical decisions 

• Does not require a terminal prognosis 

Hospice Care 

Hospice care: 

• Is intended for individuals with a life expectancy generally measured in months rather than years 

• Focuses on comfort rather than curative treatment 

• Provides interdisciplinary support, including nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers 

• Supports both patients and families through the end-of-life journey 

For a more detailed look at hospice services, myths, and benefits, read our companion article, Embracing the Journey: Understanding Hospice Care, where we explore how hospice provides compassionate support during the final stages of life. 

The Role of a Palliative Care Practitioner 

Palliative care practitioners become valuable partners in helping patients navigate serious illnesses. 

Their responsibilities often include: 

• Assessing symptoms 

• Adjusting medications 

• Improving pain management 

• Coordinating healthcare providers 

• Helping establish treatment goals 

• Educating patients and families 

• Preparing for future healthcare decisions 

They also help families understand when it may be appropriate to begin conversations about hospice or other supportive services if a condition progresses. 

The Importance of Family Involvement 

Palliative care recognizes that serious illness affects the entire family. 

Loved ones are encouraged to participate in: 

• Care planning 

• Medical appointments 

• Goal-setting conversations 

• Advance care planning 

• Healthcare decision-making 

Open communication helps ensure that treatment decisions reflect the patient’s wishes while reducing confusion during future healthcare transitions. 

Understanding the Financial Side of Palliative Care 

Families often worry about the cost of additional healthcare services. 

Fortunately, palliative care is commonly covered by Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans, though specific coverage varies depending on the provider and insurance policy. 

Patients may still have deductibles or co-payments for certain visits or services. 

As we discussed in our article Understanding Medicare vs. Long-Term Care Coverage, understanding what Medicare does—and does not—cover is an important part of long-term healthcare planning. While Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care, it often covers medically necessary palliative care services that help individuals manage serious illnesses while continuing treatment. 

Families should always verify coverage with both their healthcare provider and insurance company. 

When Should Someone Consider Palliative Care? 

One of the greatest misconceptions is that palliative care should only begin when a condition becomes severe. 

In reality, earlier involvement often leads to better outcomes. 

Consider asking about palliative care if: 

• Symptoms are becoming difficult to manage. 

• Multiple specialists are involved in treatment. 

• Hospitalizations are becoming more frequent. 

• Healthcare decisions feel overwhelming. 

• Quality of life has noticeably declined. 

• Family caregivers need additional support. 

Early intervention allows patients to benefit from symptom management and coordinated care while continuing treatment. 

How Aging Solutions Can Help 

Healthcare decisions often become increasingly complex as illnesses progress. Knowing which services are available—and when to access them—can feel overwhelming. 

At Aging Solutions, our Aging Advisors help families understand care options, coordinate resources, organize important healthcare documentation, prepare for future transitions, and develop personalized aging plans that align with each individual’s goals and values. 

Whether you’re exploring palliative care, planning for future healthcare needs, or preparing for eventual hospice services, our team is here to help you navigate the journey with confidence and compassion. 

Conclusion 

Palliative care is about living well while managing a serious illness. 

By addressing physical symptoms, emotional wellbeing, family support, and care coordination, palliative care helps individuals experience greater comfort and quality of life throughout every stage of treatment. 

Understanding the difference between palliative care and hospice empowers families to make informed healthcare decisions earlier—often leading to better outcomes for both patients and caregivers. 

For more educational resources on aging, caregiving, healthcare navigation, and end-of-life planning, subscribe to the Aging Solutions newsletter and listen to The Voice of Aging, where Brynne Malone brings together healthcare professionals and aging experts to help families make informed, compassionate decisions throughout the aging journey.