It is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness, focusing on relief from symptoms (like pain, anxiety, or fatigue) and stress.

It is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a serious illness.

It is often initiated at the time of diagnosis or during treatment for conditions such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney failure, or Alzheimer's.

Timing:  Palliative care can start at diagnosis, while hospice is generally for the final six months of life.

Treatment:  Palliative care allows patients to receive curative treatments, whereas hospice generally forgoes them.

Pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and shortness of breath.