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Know Cancer

Hospice

Hospice is a concept entrenched in the age-old idea of providing shelter, food, and "hospitality" for the ill. To treat cancer patients, hospice care addresses the needs of the physical, psychological, and spiritual self, which results in a more comprehensive healing experience. At the core of the hospice philosophy is a desire to improve a patient’s quality of life by controlling and/or reducing the symptoms of their illness.

Hospice programs extend into a variety of environments: hospitals, designated hospice centers, the home, and other healing facilities. Browse through our directory of hospice programs to learn more about this wonderful approach to cancer treatment.

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Choosing hospice: what to know

Hospice provides comfort-focused care for people with a life expectancy of about six months or less who choose to stop treatment aimed at curing their illness. A team of nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers manages pain and symptoms and supports the family, most often at home.

Medicare covers hospice care for eligible patients, as do Medicaid and most private plans. Where we can match a hospice to Medicare records, its listing shows the Hospice Care Index and the family survey star rating from Medicare Care Compare.

Questions to ask

  • How quickly can care start, and who do we call at night or on weekends?
  • How often will nurses and aides visit, especially in the last days of life?
  • Do you offer inpatient or respite care if symptoms can't be managed at home?
  • What bereavement support do you provide for the family?

Where to check

Listings are provided for information only and may be out of date. Know Cancer does not endorse any provider. Please confirm details directly with the provider.