Hospice care is a service for people with serious illnesses who choose not to get (or continue) treatment to cure or control their illness. People may choose to enroll in hospice care if treatment is unlikely to cure or control their illness or if continuing treatment has become too difficult. It often includes emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and their loved ones. To learn more about hospice care, check out these frequently asked questions:
- What are the benefits of using hospice care? Studies have shown that when a person enrolls in hospice care, they are more likely to have better symptom and pain management. In addition, families of people who received care through a hospice program are more satisfied with end-of-life care than families who did not receive hospice services.
- Who is eligible for hospice care? Anyone with a serious illness who doctors think has a short time to live — generally six months or less — usually qualifies for hospice care.
- What services does hospice care provide? Hospice care can provide a range of services that include, but are not limited to, emotional and spiritual support for the person and their family, relief for symptoms and pain, help with advance care planning, and physical or occupational therapy.
- Where does hospice take place? Hospice can be provided in many settings — a private home, nursing home, assisted living facility, or in a hospital.
Visit NIA’s website to find answers to additional frequently asked questions about hospice care.
You may also be interested in:
- Reading or ordering a free print copy of the “End of Life: Helping With Comfort and Care” booklet
- Exploring more about end-of-life care for people with dementia
- Learning about providing care and comfort at the end of life
