What Families in Need to Know:
When a loved one is facing a serious illness, you may hear two common terms from doctors: palliative care and hospice care. Although they share similarities, these two types of care serve different purposes, and understanding the difference can help your family make the right choice at the right time.
If you live in San Bernardino, Riverside, or Los Angeles County, and you’re unsure which type of care your loved one needs, this guide from Alta Hospice of California will help you understand the differences and when to take the next step.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on relieving symptoms and stress caused by a serious illness. It can be provided at any stage of illness, even while the patient is still receiving curative treatments like chemotherapy, dialysis, or surgery.
Palliative Care Focuses On:
- Pain and symptom management
- Emotional and psychological support
- Improving quality of life during treatment
- Helping patients and families cope with illness
Palliative care can be delivered in hospitals, clinics, or at home, and it is often offered alongside ongoing treatments aimed at curing or managing the disease.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a type of palliative care provided when a cure is no longer the goal, and the patient is in the final stages of a life-limiting illness.
To qualify for hospice, a doctor must certify that the patient likely has six months or less to live if the illness follows its natural course.
Hospice Care Focuses On:
- Comfort rather than cure
- Symptom and pain relief
- Emotional and spiritual support
- In-home care or care in a facility
- Grief and bereavement support for families
At Alta Hospice, our services are covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal, and many private insurance plans, and they are provided at no cost to eligible patients.
Key Differences Between Palliative Care and Hospice
Feature | Palliative Care | Hospice Care |
When It’s Offered | At any stage of a serious illness | When curative treatment is no longer pursued |
Curative Treatment Allowed | Yes | No |
Where It’s Provided | Hospital, clinic, home | Mostly in-home or nursing facilities |
Covered By Medicare | Sometimes (depends on services) | Yes (100% for eligible patients) |
Support for Family | Yes | Yes, including grief counseling |
When Should You Consider Hospice?
If your loved one is experiencing:
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Increasing pain or symptoms
- Declining ability to perform daily tasks
- Weight loss or difficulty eating
- Emotional or spiritual distress
…it may be time to talk with a hospice provider. Many families in San Bernardino County and surrounding areas tell us they wish they had started hospice care sooner—once they see the comfort and support it brings.
Can a Patient Start with Palliative Care and Later Move to Hospice?
Yes. Many patients begin with palliative care while undergoing treatment and later transition to hospice care when they choose to stop aggressive treatment.
Alta Hospice can help you evaluate your options and transition smoothly if your loved one’s condition changes.
Serving Families in San Bernardino, Riverside & Los Angeles
Alta Hospice proudly serves families across San Bernardino County, from Ontario and Redlands to Victorville and Fontana—as well as surrounding areas in Riverside and Los Angeles.
We offer:
- Free consultations
- In-home hospice care
- Bilingual and culturally sensitive services
- Emotional and spiritual support for families
- 24/7 nurse access for emergencies
Need Help Deciding?
Choosing between palliative care and hospice doesn’t have to be confusing. Our team at Alta Hospice is here to answer your questions with compassion and clarity.
📞 Call us at : 866-935-5055
🌐 Or visit www.altahospiceofca.com to request more information.
Let us help you understand your options and give your loved one the comfort and dignity they deserve.
