Hospice providers will assist the patient and the family to develop an individualized care plan. Hospice focuses on the patient as a whole person—not just the part that is sick. They understand that there is not always one right or wrong answer and that the patient’s needs and wishes may change over time.

Based upon individual and family needs and preferences, hospice care can provide the following:

• Medications, medical supplies, and equipment;
• Expertise in pain management and symptom control;
• Help with the patient’s personal care and hygiene;
• Emotional, social, and spiritual support;
• Education for loved ones on how to care for the patient;
• Short-term inpatient care when pain or symptoms become too difficult to manage at home, or the caregiver needs respite time;
• Special services like speech and physical therapy, if needed;
• Respite care for the caregiver,
• Completion of household chores, giving loved ones a chance to run errands, go out to dinner, take a walk, or nap.
• Bereavement support to surviving loved ones and friends for at least a year.