Hospice Care

What is hospice care
Hospice or palliative care is a special type of care for people whose illness may no longer be curable. It strives to enable them to achieve the best possible quality of life during the final stages of their illness. Hospice care also embraces families and friends by supporting them through the illness and into bereavement.

Where is hospice care provided and who provides it
Palliative care is provided by all doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. However, when more specialised care is required, doctors, nurses, and other specially trained healthcare professionals can be called upon to provide treatment options, guidance, care, and decision-making support.

There are different types of palliative care available, depending on your needs. You may be given palliative care in:

  • Your own home, by home-care nurses working with your family doctor and a specialist palliative care team if needed.
  • A hospice, which is a specialist palliative care unit.
  • A general hospital by a specialist palliative care team.
  • A community hospital or nursing home, by home-care nurses working with your family doctor and specialist palliative care teams if needed.