Hospice is a philosophy of care that focuses on comfort and symptom management of people with terminal illness. Hospice offers a holistic treatment approach, caring for the mental, physical and spiritual needs of patients.The goal of hospice is to help terminally-ill patients remain comfortable and live as well as possible until death occurs naturally and peacefully. Hospice care can take place in many settings, but is usually offered at home or in a home-like setting.
Hospice also refers to a Medicare-supported program that offers palliative care for the terminally ill and their families. Primarily home-based, care is also provided in hospitals, nursing homes, and two-bed hospice homes in the community.