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*Although some information is specific to Colorado, this chapter contains helpful information about hospice and palliative care in general, eligibility and service options, picking a provider, and paying for care. 

Palliative Care

Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. 

Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.

Palliative care is available as a bedside consultation in the hospital or as a limited outpatient service provided by independent practitioners in a clinic or by special teams from a hospice agency. Palliative care does not require a terminal diagnosis and can be provided along with curative treatments. Clinic-based palliative care is paid for on a fee-for-service basis and may be covered by insurance. Community-based palliative care may be paid for privately, although many hospice agencies offer the service at no or low cost, supported by charity.

NEW! Primary Palliative Care Guideline page 1; page 2. Teaches basic PC skills to use in any setting.

Here's a brief video describing hospital-based palliative care:

Hospice Care

​Hospice care is palliative care provided to patients who, in the judgement of their doctors, may die of their disease within six months. To enroll in hospice care, patients must stop any treatment intended for cure. Hospice treats pain and symptoms as well as emotional, psychological, and spiritual concerns of the patient. Family members also receive practical and personal support from hospice.

Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team including a doctor, nurse, nurse's aid, social worker, chaplain, and -- if needed -- volunteer. Most hospice care is delivered to patients in their own homes, including nursing homes and assisted living. Some hospices have their own special inpatient facilities,

​For Medicare beneficiaries, hospice is a fully covered benefit. Most state Medicaid programs and private insurance plans cover hospice care, too.

Some hospices are very large, serving several hundred patients at a time; others are small, serving a few dozen or fewer. Each hospice has its own "flavor" and twist on the basic services. Use the link above to the National Hospice Locator to learn more and to search a database of hospice providers.

For the touching story of one hospice patient, watch the video below: