Palliative Care Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness, such as cancer or heart failure. Patients in palliative care may receive medical care for their symptoms, or palliative care, along with treatment intended to cure their serious illness. Palliative care is meant to enhance a person's current care by focusing on quality of life for them and their family. Hospice Care Hospice care focuses on the care, comfort, and quality of life of a person with a serious illness who is approaching the end of life. Like palliative care, hospice provides