Hospice is a type of palliative care designed to support a patient through the last stages of a terminal illness, when regular medical treatment is no longer considered beneficial. End-of-life caregivers work closely with the family to minimize pain and suffering. Palliative care works to reduce discomfort associated with incurable illnesses, and the overall goal is to care for and not cure.

Although hospice care is usually administered at the patient's residence, it can also take place in an inpatient hospice facility. When necessary, hospice services can be called into assisted living facilities and nursing homes if the facilities carry a hospice waiver. Most patients enter a hospice program when the prognosis is six months or less.

Enhancing Quality of Life with End-of-Life Care

End-of-life care is designed to enhance quality of life rather than quantity of life, and hospice workers have been trained to let the patient control many aspects of his or her care in the remaining months. Hospice care, which is paid by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance plans, and HMOs, covers medications, medical equipment, and nursing services.

Ideally, you should consult with your loved one's physician to determine the best course of care. Most likely, he or she can make a few recommendations that will make the process of finding a hospice provider much simpler. For more details on selecting end-of-life care or general hospice information, we recommend reading How to Choose Hospice Care or Hospice: Getting Back Control of Your Life. Select a state from the list below or begin searching for hospice providers now.