The goals of hospice care are to control pain, provide high-quality palliative care, and preserve the highest possible quality of life for as long as life remains. Discussing palliative and hospice care as well as other end of life issues is never easy. Most people have not learned how to talk realistically and comfortably about dying. American society is just starting to learn that the dying phase can still be an important, valuable time in a person's life. The result is fear and misinformation that leads us to believe that pain and misery at death is unavoidable.
Research demonstrates that it is possible to reduce suffering at the end of life.
Many patients and families simply do not know that there are options to relieve end of life pain and suffering and what those options are. Being aware of services such as hospice and palliative care, and asking for these kinds of services may help patients and caregivers. To read more about exploring medical care options at the end of life, Visit Exploring Medical Care Options at The End of Life for more information. This can make talking about these issues difficult and complicate decision making. A social worker or other health care professional can help sort through the different issues, emotions and choices that patients and caregivers may have.