According to the National Hospice Foundation (2000):

"Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care at the end-of-life, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. Support is extended to the patient' s loved ones, as well.  At the center of hospice is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.  The focus is on caring, not curing and, in most cases, care is provided in the patient's home. Hospice care also is provided in freestanding hospice facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.  Hospice services are available to patients of any age, religion, race, or illness."

According to the Hospice Foundation of America (2000)...

"Hospice is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to cure-oriented treatments. Hospice care neither prolongs life nor hastens death. Hospice staff and volunteers offer a specialized knowledge of medical care, including pain management. The goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of a patient's last days by offering comfort and dignity. Hospice care is provided by a team-oriented group of specially trained professionals, volunteers and family members. Hospice addresses all symptoms of a disease, with a special emphasis on controlling a patient's pain and discomfort. Hospice deals with the emotional,
social and spiritual impact of the disease on the patient and the patient's family and friends. Hospice offers a variety of bereavement and counseling
services to families before and after a patient's death."

Frequently asked Questions about Hospice from Hospice Net

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