Hospice is a special type of care that is intended for people who have been diagnosed with a life- limiting illness (i.e., six months or less to live).  It's based on a concept called palliative care, which means that the primary objectives are to keep the patient comfortable and dignified.  Comfort is achieved via the aggressive treatment of symptoms related to the terminal diagnosis whether that be pain, respiratory distress, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, etc.  Dignity is achieved thanks to the extra help that is available to whoever the patient's primary caregiver is in the form of the hospice patient care team.

Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary group of people consisting of doctors, nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, volunteers and bereavement coordinators.  At the center of this team's focus is the patient and his/her family.  Their approach is holistic in nature - meaning that they treat the whole person (body, mind, soul, spirit and relationships).

It is important to understand that the emphasis in hospice is placed on caring, not curing and, in most cases, care is provided in the patient's home.  That being said, hospice care is also provided in freestanding hospice centers, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. 

Finally, hospice care is a treatment option for patients of any age, gender, religion, race, sexual orientation or illness.  It is also an entitlement for Medicare beneficiaries.