Hospice care is considered to be quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury. Hospice and palliative care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patient’s loved ones as well. At the center of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.
Hospice focuses on caring, not curing, and in most cases, care is provided in the patient’s home. Hospice care is also provided in hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities. Hospice services are available to patients of any age, religion, race, or illness and is covered under Medicare, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations.
