What is HOSPICE CARE?

Hospice is an interdisciplinary program of palliative and supportive services that addresses the physical, spiritual, social and economic needs of terminally ill patients and their families. Hospice empowers the patients who are dying to have peace, comfort and dignity. This program is for patients for whom there is nothing further the provider can do to stop the progression of disease, and the patient is treated only to relieve pain or other discomfort. In addition to medical care, a physician-directed interdisciplinary team provides psychological, sociological and spiritual care. Coverage includes drugs for pain relief and symptom management; medical, nursing, social services; and other covered services as well as services. The goal of Hospice is to control the pain and other symptoms and to live a pain free and comfortable life. Hospice care treats the person and quality rather than length of life.


A hospice patient is expected to live 6 months or less. Hospice care can take place:

• At home
• At a hospice center
• In a hospital
• In a skilled nursing facility

Hospice care at home may include the following:

 Part-time or intermittent nursing care by a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.)
 Medical social services, under the direction of a physician
 Part-time or intermittent home health aide, whose services consist mainly of caring for the family member, and
 Medical supplies, drugs, and medicines prescribed by a physician