How is palliative care different from hospice?

Chronic illness often involves facing many difficult issues and decisions for you and your family. At Nebraska Medicine, we have a palliative care team whose goal is to support you and your family as you make decisions about the kind of care that is best for you during this difficult time.

We also provide medical expertise in managing your symptoms from a holistic viewpoint, meaning that we address your physical, emotional, psychological, social and quality-of-life issues. Palliative care is for anyone with one or more chronic, potentially life-limiting illnesses who has questions about his or her symptoms and care plan.

Palliative care is different from hospice, as it is offered based on need, regardless of how long you may have to live, whereas hospice care is targeted to people with a prognosis that’s limited to six months or less. The palliative care team will meet with you and your family to discuss in detail your illness, care options and what is most important to you when making decisions about your care. We also work with the other doctors who are providing you care to ensure that your wishes are being carried out and that your symptoms are addressed. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance cover the care you receive by the palliative care team, just like any other insurance.