What is Hospice?

Hospice care is a person and family-centered approach that includes, at a minimum, a team of doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, counselors, and trained volunteers. They work together focusing on the dying patient’s needs whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. The goal is to help keep the patient as pain-free as possible, with loved ones nearby. The hospice team develops a care plan that meets each person’s individual needs for pain management and symptom control. Hospice care does not end with the patient’s death; it continues with up to 13 months of bereavement counseling for the family and loved ones. Click here to learn more.

What is Palliative Care?

Sometimes referred to as “comfort care,” palliative care is a specialized approach to the treatment of patients with a serious or life-threatening illness. The goal of palliative care is to provide relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of serious illness. It is also designed to improve the quality of life of both the patient and the patient’s family. Palliative care is provided by a team of specialists who are trained in assisting patients and their families through what can be the most difficult time in their lives. Members of the team typically include physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and spiritual care coordinators. Some palliative care teams have physical and speech therapists, pharmacists, dieticians and trained volunteer. Click here to learn more.

Research and Reports

Regulatory Issues
NHPCO Members can also email Regulatory@nhpco.org with any regulatory questions.