Those surveyed said that wanted a comprehensive program of care in which physicians, nurses, counselors, and other professionals keep them pain-free, comfortable, and alert at home, while emotional and other support is given to family members. This service, known as hospice care, was the choice of almost one-half million people in 1997. Hospice is not a place, but a service of caring that bring to the home comfort and support to people in the final stages of terminal illness. Hospice is available when a patient no longer responds to curative treatment. It is most effective when utilized within the last six months of live.
Hospice provides bereavement support of the patient's family before and after the patient's death.