Learn the key differences between hospice and palliative care in Australia, helping families choose the right support at every stage.
Earlier this year, Australia marked National Palliative Care Week with events across the country highlighting the importance of quality end-of-life care. Health professionals, carers, and advocacy groups came together to raise awareness about the support available for people living with life-limiting illnesses.
The conversation also shed light on a common area of confusion: the difference between hospice care and palliative care. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they provide different types of support for patients and families. Understanding these differences is essential to ensuring Australians receive the right care at the right time.
What Do Hospice and Palliative Care Mean?
Palliative care is specialised medical support for people with serious, life-limiting conditions at any stage of illness. It focuses on improving quality of life, managing symptoms, and providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support alongside ongoing treatment.
Hospice care, on the other hand, is a specific type of palliative care provided when a person is approaching the end of life—usually with a prognosis of six months or less. Hospice care does not aim to cure but ensures dignity, comfort, and compassionate support during the final stages.
Who Can Access Hospice and Palliative Care in Australia?
Access depends on medical needs and the stage of illness. Palliative care is available to anyone with a serious health condition, regardless of age or illness stage. It can be provided at home, in hospitals, residential aged care, or community settings.
Hospice care, however, is typically offered in dedicated hospice facilities or through in-home services once treatment to cure the illness is no longer the focus. Patients and families can access hospice through referrals by doctors, palliative teams, or community health providers.
Key Elements of Care
Both hospice and palliative care share common goals, but their focus differs. The core elements include:
Symptom Management – relief from pain, breathlessness, fatigue, and other distressing symptoms.
Emotional and Spiritual Support – counselling and guidance for patients and families.
Care Coordination – involving doctors, nurses, carers, and allied health professionals.
Family Support – respite services, bereavement care, and practical assistance.
While palliative care can be integrated alongside active treatment, hospice specifically supports comfort and dignity when treatment has stopped.
Why This Distinction Matters for Australians
Australia’s healthcare system provides both hospice and palliative care through hospitals, community programs, and specialised services. Knowing the distinction helps patients and families make informed choices about care planning.
For example:
A person with advanced cancer may receive palliative care for pain management while still undergoing chemotherapy.
When treatments are no longer effective, the same person may transition to hospice care to focus entirely on comfort and quality of life.
This clarity ensures Australians can access the right type of support that aligns with their health journey, values, and family needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is palliative care in Australia?
Palliative care is specialised support for people with serious illness, helping manage symptoms and improve quality of life at any stage.
Q: How is hospice care different from palliative care?
Hospice is a type of palliative care provided in the final months of life when curative treatment is no longer pursued.
Q: Where can Australians access hospice and palliative services?
Services are available at home, in hospitals, aged care facilities, and dedicated hospices through referrals from health professionals.
Q: Does the NDIS cover palliative or hospice care?
The NDIS does not fund medical treatments like palliative or hospice care but may cover disability-related supports alongside these services.
Q: How can families know when it’s time for hospice?
A doctor or care team usually recommends hospice when treatment no longer improves health, and the focus shifts entirely to comfort.
As Australia continues to expand palliative and hospice services, awareness remains key. Families who understand the difference are better equipped to plan care with dignity and choice. Ultimately, both hospice and palliative care share one goal—ensuring every person lives their remaining days with comfort, compassion, and respect.
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