Hospice care

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Hospice care

Hospice care provides medical services, emotional support, and spiritual resources for people who are in the late stages of an incurable illness, such as cancer or Alzheimer's disease. Hospice care also helps family members manage the practical details and emotional challenges of caring for a dying loved one.

Hospice services are provided by a team of caregivers that may include health professionals, volunteers, and spiritual advisers. Services generally include:

Basic medical care with a focus on pain and symptom control.
Medical supplies and equipment, as needed.
Counseling and social support. These services are available, as needed, for both the person in hospice care and for anyone in his or her family.
Guidance with the difficult, but normal, issues of life completion and closure.
A break (respite care) for caregivers, family, and others who regularly care for the person.
Volunteer support, such as meal preparation or errand running.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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