Palliative care may continue for months or years.

Hospice may continue for weeks, months, or years — timing varies from person to person, but the goal is to provide support leading up to the end of life.

Your palliative care team will work alongside your existing ALS care team (including your neurologist and other doctors).

Hospice provides a primary care team focused on your comfort. You can also keep working with your ALS care team.

Palliative care helps you manage symptoms, relieve stress, and experience the best possible quality of life while you receive ALS treatment.

Hospice shifts the focus from slowing disease progression to helping you live as fully and comfortably as possible in the time you have.

You’ll continue any therapies you are currently receiving, like physical, occupational, or speech therapy.

You may have the option to continue physical, occupational, or speech therapy, depending on the services available through your hospice program. Some hospice programs provide additional therapies, like music, massage, or pet therapy.

Palliative care is provided in some ALS clinics, at outpatient clinics, at home, and online via telehealth.

Hospice is provided at home and in assisted living or nursing facilities.

Palliative care is covered by most health insurance as part of your care plan, just like other types of specialty medical care.

Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance as a separate benefit.