What does Hospice care primarily focus on?

Hospice care primarily focuses on providing comfort and support to individuals who are nearing the end of life, typically when they have a prognosis of six months or less to live. The main goal of hospice is to enhance the quality of life for patients by managing symptoms, alleviating pain, and addressing emotional and spiritual needs rather than attempting to cure the underlying illness. This patient-centered approach allows individuals to spend their remaining time in a familiar environment, surrounded by loved ones, without the stress of aggressive medical treatments that may not improve their prognosis. Hospice care also offers support for families during this difficult time, ensuring that emotional and practical needs are met as they navigate the complexities of end-of-life care.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the core principles of hospice care. Curative treatment focuses on attempting to eliminate disease, which is contrary to the hospice philosophy of prioritizing comfort over curative efforts. Emergency medical interventions are geared towards immediate life-saving actions rather than end-of-life care. Long-term rehabilitation aims to restore health and function, which conflicts with the focus of hospice on the end-of-life experience.