HOSPICE OVERVIEW
Hospice provides palliative medical end-of-life care which provides for the reduction of pain and other troubling symptoms. Palliative care refers to the comprehensive management of the needs of patients.

Hospice and palliative care regards dying as a natural process. The goal of hospice and palliative care is to achieve the best possible quality of life through relief of suffering, control of symptoms, and restoration of functional capacity while remaining sensitive to personal, cultural and religious values, beliefs and practices.

The intensity and range of hospice and palliative interventions may increase as illness progresses and the complexity of care and needs of the patients and their families increase. Care priorities shift to focus on end-of-life decision making and to support physical comfort and a death, consistent with the values and expressed desires of the patient. Hospice and palliative care guides patients and families as they address issues of life completion and closure.

Hospice provides persons with the quality care they want and deserve. Only hospice offers what people say they really want at the end of life:

• A choice about services available.
• Someone to be sure the patient's wishes are enforced.
• Supportive care from the patient's own physician.
• Emotional and spiritual support for patients and families.
• Pain and symptom control tailored to the patient's wishes.
• An opportunity for the patient to put his/her life in order.
• The option to remain in their own home, surrounded by loved ones. Help for the family.