Considered the model for quality compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness, hospice provides expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patient’s family as well. Hospice focuses on caring, not curing. In most cases, care is provided in the patient’s home but may also be provided in inpatient hospice facilities, hospitals,  nursing homes, Assisted Living Facilities and Comfort homes. Hospice services are available to patients with any terminal illness or of any age, religion, or race.

Now is the best time to learn more about hospice care and ask questions about what to expect. Although end-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, it is best for loved ones and family members to share their wishes long before it becomes a concern. This can greatly reduce stress when the time for hospice becomes apparent. By having these discussions in advance, uncomfortable situations can be avoided. Instead, educated decisions can be made that include the advice and input of loved ones.
https://www.nhpco.org/patients-and-caregivers/about-hospice-care/how-and-when-does-hospice-start/

The interdisciplinary hospice team:
• Manages the patient’s pain and symptoms;
• Assists the patient and family members with the emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of dying;
• Provides medications and medical equipment;
• Educate the family on how to care for the patient;
• Provides bereavement support and counseling;
• Makes short-term inpatient care available when pain or symptoms become too difficult to manage at home, or the caregiver needs respite time;
• Volunteer services.

The majority of hospice care is provided in the place the patient calls home. In addition to private residences, this includes nursing homes, Assisted Living Facilities and Comfort homes