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
advisors. 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.
