The hospice philosophy makes the family the unit of care. It helps patients to carry on in the most alert, pain-free life possible and to manage other symptoms associated with illness. An interdisciplinary team of caregivers, including doctors, nurses, social workers, clergy and volunteers, assists the patient and family with physical care and provides a support system to improve the quality of life, even in terminal illness. The settings in which hospice care may be given varies from one community to another. Home health agencies, hospital based services, and in-patient hospices all provide service to dying patients and families.
Bereavement support is provided for the family after the death of the patient.
For the family who cannot provide care at home, a hospital or nursing home based unit or in-patient hospice setting may best meet patient and family needs. Hospice units differ from traditional hospital setting in various ways. One way is that certain rules may be more relaxed in hospice settings. Home cooked food may be brought to patients and heated in a kitchen-like area. The focus is on comfort and relief from symptoms, and all activities promote this goal.