What does the National Hospice Organization emphasize as a focus of hospice care?

The National Hospice Organization emphasizes symptom management and emotional support as a central focus of hospice care. This approach prioritizes quality of life for patients who are facing terminal illnesses, rather than the pursuit of curative treatments, which may not be effective in the later stages of life. In hospice care, the goal shifts away from solely extending life through aggressive interventions, towards providing comfort, alleviating pain, and offering psychological and emotional support to both patients and their families.

Hospice care is designed to honor the patients' wishes and needs, ensuring they receive compassionate care that addresses their emotional, social, and spiritual concerns, in addition to physical symptoms. This holistic approach is crucial for helping patients and their loved ones navigate the end-of-life journey, making it a key principle that distinguishes hospice care from traditional medical care focused on curative measures.