Hospice care generally begins at home. A hospice physician provides medical care, often in conjunction with the patient's family physician. Medical social workers coordinate hospice and community-based services. Home nursing services monitor the clinical disease and offer assistance to caregivers on medical issues. Hospice assistance can help obtain equipment such as hospital beds, oxygen tanks, etcetera.
Some programs also provide bereavement and family counseling.
You may want to meet with several hospice care providers to decide which will mesh best with your family. Short-term hospitalization and nursing home care are available to help a family during a patient's acute episodes. Some hospice programs also provide residential care when needed. Some terminal patients are burdened by continual pain, and hospice care focuses on comfort and symptom relief. Other health problems also may be eased with pharmaceutical and other interventions.