title: The hospice concept. Comfort care for dying patients.
abstract: The hospice movement is a relatively new but fast-growing approach to caring for the terminally ill. Central to the hospice concept is a team of care-givers who provide care at all levels, not only to the patient but to the family as well. Although the physician serves as adviser, the patient or family makes the final decisions regarding care. The patient is permitted to maintain control as long as possible, thus preserving the right to die with dignity. Home care is a goal of the hospice concept, but in some situations hospital or nursing home care is required. Hospice care does not end with the death of the patient but extends to helping the family during the bereavement period.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Carlson
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Martinson
mesh_terms: D005190:Family; D006701:Home Nursing; D006738:Hospices; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D013727:Terminal Care