Hospice care is a special way to care for terminally ill patients – and support their families. The primary goal of hospice care is to relieve pain and other symptoms during the last six months, when treatment focuses on comfort rather than treating the underlying disease.
Hospice care is provided by a team of specially trained providers, including doctors, nurses, home health workers, social workers, counselors, clergy, and volunteers. The family is often very involved in treatment.
Examples of nursing teams include:
- Drug treatment for symptom and pain relief (including drugs and medical devices)
- Counseling on the emotional and spiritual effects of the end-of-life Respite care to provide assistance to caregivers.
- Grieving support for the family
Most hospice care is provided at home or in a nursing home. In certain parts of the country, hospitals also have separate hospice services and units.