What services does hospice care focus on?

Hospice care specifically focuses on providing health care for persons who are dying. Its primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for individuals who have a terminal illness, ensuring they receive comprehensive support that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs during the final stages of life. This type of care emphasizes comfort rather than curative treatment, enabling patients to spend their remaining time as pain-free and dignified as possible.

In hospice care, a team of healthcare professionals works closely with the patient and their family to manage symptoms, provide supportive services, and facilitate emotional and psychological support. This is significant because hospice care also includes bereavement support for families after the patient's passing. The focus is entirely on making the end-of-life experience as compassionate and fulfilling as possible, which distinguishes hospice from other types of care like long-term rehabilitation or chronic illness management that aim to prolong life or manage ongoing health issues.