What is hospice care?
ACS Answer
Hospice programs provide supportive care for the patient in the final stages of disease, focusing on the last days, weeks, or months of life. Hospice care can be provided in the home, in hospitals that have hospice units, or in free-standing hospice programs.
Some people prefer to die at home, while others feel more comfortable in a hospital setting. There are no right or wrong choices, only personal ones that are best for you and your family.
Hospice care focuses on working with the family to provide care, and on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. Accepting death is central to the hospice philosophy, yet the emphasis on care reflects the positive aspects of living.
Whatever the setting, hospice care is widely available and is covered by Medicare, Medicaid in many states, and some insurance plans.
What to do
- Ask if your insurance plan covers hospice care.
- Early in your cancer experience, sort through your feelings and your family's feelings about dying at home. Make your decision while you can think objectively about your wishes.
- Ask to speak to someone from your local hospice program and have them discuss the type of care they can offer. Remember, many people are referred too late to hospice programs. If you think hospice might be right for you, try to get an early referral if possible.
Related Resources
Get more information about hospice care.
Recommended Consultation
You should consider discussing this topic with your doctor or health care team.
