Palliative care is one of the most misunderstood services in healthcare—and palliative care is also one of the most important tools for improving quality of life for patients and families. In this episode of Who Cares, co-hosts Elyssa Katz and Dr. Steve Landers break down what palliative care really is, who it’s for, and why it matters at every stage of serious illness.

This episode is a long-overdue deep dive into palliative care, led entirely by Elyssa Katz and Dr. Steve Landers. Together, they cut through confusion, address common misconceptions, and explain why palliative care should be a core part of person-centered healthcare in America. With Dr. Landers’ clinical expertise in hospice and palliative medicine and Elyssa’s policy and advocacy perspective, the conversation brings clarity to a topic that is often oversimplified—or avoided altogether.

At its most basic level, palliative care is an extra layer of support. Elyssa and Dr. Landers explain how this model of care focuses on comfort, independence, and the whole person—not just a diagnosis. Palliative care addresses pain and symptom management, helps align care with patient goals, and supports both patients and families as they navigate complex medical decisions.

A major theme of the episode is how palliative care works alongside other medical treatments. Unlike hospice care, palliative care does not require patients to stop curative or life-prolonging treatment. It can be introduced at diagnosis, during aggressive treatment, or at any point when symptoms or care coordination become challenging. Elyssa and Dr. Landers discuss how palliative care teams help ensure providers are communicating effectively and that care plans reflect what matters most to patients.

The hosts also explore where palliative care is delivered. While many people associate it with hospitals, palliative care can be provided in outpatient clinics and increasingly in community-based settings, including the home. Dr. Landers explains why access to palliative care outside the hospital is critical for improving patient experience, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, and supporting families where they want to be.

Eligibility is another key focus. Palliative care is not limited to older adults or those at the end of life. It can support children, working-age adults, and anyone living with a serious or chronic illness. The conversation highlights how palliative clinicians are uniquely trained to manage both disease-related symptoms and the side effects of treatments, while also helping patients navigate uncertainty and changing expectations.

Finally, Elyssa and Dr. Landers address one of the most commonly searched questions online: What’s the difference between hospice and palliative care? While hospice is a form of palliative care for people in the final months of life, palliative care itself is appropriate at any stage. Understanding that distinction can help people access support sooner—rather than struggling without help.

This episode is an essential listen for care leaders, clinicians, policymakers, and families who want a clear, honest explanation of palliative care—and why it plays such a critical role in the future of care at home.