What is hospice care? Hospice is a type of palliative care that
provides services to improve the quality of life for the family
and child. The word "hospice" literally means "a place of
shelter." Hospice settings and home-hospice care provide
extensive services to terminally ill children. Care usually
involves relieving symptoms and providing psychological and
social support for the patient and family. To qualify for
hospice care, a patient usually has a life expectancy of less
than six months. The decision to pursue hospice care is a
decision not to pursue aggressive treatment. In addition,
hospice philosophy provides for the spiritual and cultural needs
of the child and family. The goal of hospice care is to provide
the terminally ill patient peace, comfort, and dignity. 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. Hospice often in