What is Hospice?

You might be surprised to know that hospice is not a place…it is a philosophy of caring for terminally ill patients, and providing guidance and support to their families and loved ones.

Rather than "curative care," where caregivers and physicians focus on curing a person facing a life limiting illness, hospice offers "palliative care," where the patient, family or loved ones have decided that quality of life for whatever time remains is the primary focus. Palliative care concentrates on managing pain and controlling symptoms for the patient and providing emotional and spiritual guidance for all affected.

This specialized concept of providing comfort and care is offered to patients in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals or their own home . . . anywhere that is most comfortable and appropriate.