What Misconceptions Do People Have About Hospice Care

What Misconceptions Do People Have About Hospice Care

From What’s Next? by BTPM NPR

May 20, 2026 · 55 min · Episode 348

About this episode

This episode discusses misconceptions about hospice and palliative care with Kelly Clem, highlighting their differences and the importance of early intervention.

Many people associate hospice care with the final days of life, but healthcare advocates say there are still major misconceptions surrounding both hospice and palliative care. On this episode of What’s Next?, Kelly Clem of Hospice Buffalo and Palliative Care Buffalo explains the differences between the two forms of care and why early intervention can improve quality of life for patients living with chronic illness. She also discusses how palliative care helps manage symptoms at any stage of illness, while hospice focuses on comfort and support during the final months of life, including emotional and spiritual care for families.

People in this episode

Guest: Kelly Clem

Topics covered

  • hospice care
  • palliative care
  • chronic illness
  • quality of life
  • misconceptions

Keywords

  • hospice
  • palliative care
  • chronic illness
  • quality of life
  • symptom management

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hospice Buffalo, Palliative Care Buffalo

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