The aim of hospice care is to make the remainder of the dying person’s life as peaceful, dignified and symptom-free as possible, while providing both the dying person and their loved ones with the support they need. The focus is on attending to the individual needs of both the patient and their loved ones in a comprehensive manner. Hospice care addresses the patient’s psychological, social, existential, spiritual, and belief-based needs.
The patient’s approaching death impacts the patient’s loved ones as well. Offering support for those close to the patient is a part of good hospice care, even after the patient’s passing.
If possible, hospice care takes place in the patient’s preferred environment. Hospice care may be provided at home (with the support of home hospital services), in a service housing unit, in a hospital ward, or at a hospice.