Hospice

Hospice care is a type and philosophy of care that focuses on the palliative care of a terminally ill or seriously ill patient's pain and symptoms, and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs. Within the United States the term is largely defined by the practices of the Medicare system and other health insurance providers, which make hospice care available, either in an inpatient facility or at the patient's home, to patients with a terminal prognosis who are medically certified to have less than six months to live. Outside the United States, the term hospice tends to be primarily associated with the particular buildings or institutions that specialise in such care (although so-called "hospice at home" services may also be available). Outside the United States such institutions may similarly mostly provide care in an end-of-life setting; but they may also be available for patients with other specific palliative care needs.