What type of health care program serves terminally ill patients during their final days?

Hospice is a specialized health care program designed to provide compassionate care for terminally ill patients and their families during the final days of life. The primary focus of hospice care is to enhance the quality of life for patients who are facing life-limiting illnesses, rather than attempting to cure the disease. This care typically emphasizes pain management, emotional support, and helping patients and their loved ones navigate the dying process with dignity and respect.

Hospice services often include a team approach, involving doctors, nurses, social workers, and trained volunteers who work collaboratively to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients. By providing a supportive environment and addressing various aspects of patient care, hospice aims to make the last days of a person’s life as comfortable and meaningful as possible.

In contrast, rehabilitation programs focus on helping patients regain skills and functionality after illness or injury, while palliative care, although similar in intent to hospice, can be provided alongside curative treatments and is not limited to end-of-life care. Long-term care involves supportive services for individuals who cannot care for themselves due to chronic illness or disability, often in a residential setting. Each of these options has different goals and patient populations, making hospice distinct in its mission to serve those at the end