Hospice tries to make patients as comfortable as possible by easing their pain and meeting their other physical needs.

Many people opt for hospice to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations or maintain their independence for as long as possible. Also, many individuals choose to spend their final days at home, surrounded by their family and friends.

There are some steps you must take to ensure safe and high-quality hospice care at home:

Also, if you are a caregiver, ask the hospice care team to assist you with respite care.

Respite care involves giving caregivers a short break while the person they are caring for is cared for by someone else.

For example, your terminally ill loved one may be able to stay at an approved hospice facility, allowing you to take a break and relax for an afternoon, a day, or a couple of days. Medicare will fund respite care for up to five days if you require respite care.