Hospice care involves services to terminally ill patients and their families at the end of life. Hospice is an alternative curative treatments. An unique feature of hospice is that services are provided not only to the patient but the family as well. A hospice patient chooses palliative care in lieu of curative care. The focus is on relief of symptoms, promotion of comfort, and maximizing quality of life at a time when its duration is known to be limited. Hospice services are typically provided in the patient’s home whether that is a private residence, a nursing home, assisted living facility or wherever the patient lives. Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary professional team that coordinates care and services. Medicare is the primary funding source for hospice, paying for over 85% of all hospice care.
