Care usually involves relieving symptoms and providing psychological and social support for the patient and family. The goal of hospice care is to provide the terminally ill patient peace, comfort, and dignity. To qualify for hospice care, a patient usually has a life expectancy of less than six months. Research has shown that hospice care at home helps a family as a whole. In addition to being in the comfort of the home, family members can also take an active role in providing supplemental, supportive care to the patient.
Some hospitals even have a special hospice unit.
The inpatient facilities offer patients hospice services when a primary caregiver is not available at home, or the patient requires medical services not suitable for a home setting.