Research has shown that people would prefer to die in comfortable or familiar surroundings rather than in an institutional setting. Hospice will come to the patient wherever he or she calls home.

Most hospice care is provided at home — with a family member typically serving as the primary caregiver. However, hospice care is also available at hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and dedicated hospice facilities.

No matter where hospice care is provided, sometimes it's necessary for the patient to be admitted to a hospital. For instance, if a symptom can't be managed by the hospice care team in a home setting, a hospital stay might be needed.