Hospice Care provides comfort-focused support to individuals with terminal illnesses (and their families), typically when curative treatments are no longer pursued. It addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs during end-of-life stages.
Key Points:
- Philosophy: Emphasizes quality of life rather than extending life at all costs.
- Services: Pain management, emotional and psychological support, respite care for family caregivers, and grief/bereavement counseling.
- Settings: Often provided at home, in dedicated hospice facilities, or within hospitals.
- Mental Health Aspect: Patients and families may experience anticipatory grief, anxiety, and depression, requiring counseling or therapeutic interventions.
