What is the difference between hospice services and palliative care?

Hospice is a program of care and support for individuals when a cure is no longer likely or the patient has chosen not to pursue aggressive curative treatment. The focus is on the patient’s quality of life and comfort. Hospice care is for the patient as well as the family and caregivers. Palliative care is a medical specialty focused on the needs of people who are living with serious, often life-threatening illness. The focus is on treating uncontrollable symptoms.