Hospice

Hospice, or palliative, care is a philosophy and type of care that focuses on the relief of physical pain and mental stress of an individual who is chronically or terminally ill. When hospice was established in the United States in 1971, an interdisciplinary approach was the hallmark of its philosophy. While most hospice care in the United States is provided in the home, the use of palliative care and hospice in institutions has risen in recent years. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports that more than 1.4 million Americans receive care from the nation’s hospice providers annually. This type of care provides relief from symptoms and supports quality of life for patients with serious advanced illness and provides support to their families. Hospice ...