Hospice is a philosophy of care, not a specific place, one that emphasizes palliative rather than curative treatment. The hospice philosophy recognizes death as the final stage of life and seeks to enable patients to continue an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones.

The patient and family are both included in creating a hospice care plan where emotional, spiritual and practical support is given based on the patient's wishes and family's needs. Trained personnel offer respite care for family members as well as meaningful support to the patient. By providing personalized services and a caring community, hospice helps patients and families prepare themselves for the dying process.

Although many hospice patients are cancer patients, hospices accept anyone regardless of age or type of illness who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

For more information, please visit our FAQ page.