Hospice provides comfort, dignity, choice, and control at end-of-life for both patients and their families.

Hospice care puts patients and families in control. It prioritizes quality of life and brings a full team of nurses, physicians, social workers, and chaplains to support everyone involved, not just the patient.

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Hear from Dr. Ira Byock

With more than four decades of experience in hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Ira Byock is one of the most trusted and influential voices in end-of-life care in the United States. In this five-part video series, Dr. Byock speaks directly to patients, families, and caregivers about what hospice care truly offers, how to access it, and why it so often transforms the final chapter of a person's life into something meaningful, dignified, and deeply human.

Ira Byock, MD, FAAHPM is a palliative care physician, author, and public advocate for improving care for people living with serious medical conditions. He has been involved in hospice and palliative care since 1978. His research has contributed to conceptual frameworks for the lived experience of illness; measures for subjective quality of life; and counseling methods for life completion and wellbeing. He is a past president of the Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

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What is hospice?

Hospice is an end-of-life service provided wherever you call home — whether that’s your house, assisted living, or a nursing home. Hospice is a form of palliative care designed for end-of-life comfort. Rather than focusing on a cure, hospice centers the quality of life for both you and/or the person you care for. 

How can hospice help?

Hospice can help navigate care options.

An interdisciplinary hospice team works with patients and their families to address physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs. Hospice provides clarity when families need it most. You deserve to understand your care choices.

Hospice can help sooner than you think.

Choosing hospice earlier can make a meaningful difference. While many families begin hospice in the final days or hours of life, hospice care can be provided for extended periods of time, supporting comfort and quality of life for both patients and their families.

Hospice can help improve quality of life.

Hospice does not shorten or hasten end-of-life. Hospice prioritizes quality of life through comfort, dignity, and holistic care. Individualized care plans center on the patient’s wishes, values, and goals, allowing them to live as fully as possible.

Hospice can help families care for their loved one.

We often hear families say “If we had known all the ways you could help, we would have called sooner.” Families have access to guidance and support 24/7 for questions or concerns. Hospice provides comfort, attention, and support - not just for the patient, but for everyone involved.

Hospice can help throughout the end-of-life journey.

Hospice is a support system that surrounds patients and families with expert care, symptom relief, emotional support, and spiritual peace. Comprehensive services include medication management, providing equipment, hands on care, and caregivers support. The sooner hospice is involved, the more it can help.

Hospice can help beyond end-of-life.

Hospice services do not stop when your loved one dies. Families receive emotional support, bereavement care such as counseling and support groups, and guidance on practical arrangements such as funeral arrangements and paperwork. Hospice teams stay in touch with regular connections and check-ins.

How can I find a hospice care provider?

When choosing a hospice care provider, it’s important to select one that is licensed, experienced, and able to meet the patient’s medical and personal needs. You can begin your search and compare providers using the Find a Hospice or Palliative Care Provider tool.

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