What does hospice mean?
A hospice is a place or service that cares for people who are approaching the end of life because of a terminal illness. Its work generally includes relief of pain and other difficult symptoms, as well as emotional, social, and practical support for patients and their families. Hospice care is based on comfort and quality of life rather than attempts to cure the underlying disease, although it can coexist with medical treatment. The word can also refer to the wider hospice movement, a modern approach to end-of-life care developed in the 20th century. Historically, a hospice was a shelter or lodging for travelers, pilgrims, or people in need; the medical sense developed through institutions that provided care for the sick and dying. Today, hospices may operate as residential facilities, home-care programs, or community services, and they work closely with hospitals, doctors, nurses, and family caregivers.
nounAn institution or service that provides palliative care and support for people with terminal illnesses and their families. The term may also refer more broadly to a program or philosophy of caring for people at the end of life.
- An institution or service providing palliative care, symptom management, and emotional support to people with terminal illnesses, often in a residential setting.
- A program or philosophy of providing comprehensive end-of-life care, with an emphasis on comfort, dignity, and support for patients and their families.
"After her surgery, her family arranged for her to receive compassionate care at a hospice."
"The hospice provides nursing care, pain relief, and support for the patient and her family."
"Their approach to hospice care emphasizes comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment."
Used when referring to more than one hospice institution, service, or program.
"The network operates hospices in several rural communities."
The word hospice began as a place of shelter for travelers and the poor before it came to mean compassionate end-of-life care.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hospice
The word comes through French hospice from Latin hospitium, meaning an inn, lodging, or place of refuge. The underlying root, hospes, refers to a host or guest and is also the source of English words such as hospital, host, and hospitality. Earlier European religious institutions provided shelter, nursing, and care for travelers, the poor, and sick people, helping give the word its association with refuge and charitable care. The modern hospice movement adapted this older sense of shelter and compassionate care to the needs of people approaching death.
How hospice is actually used
The term is most commonly used in relation to care for people who are dying. It is sometimes used more broadly to describe coordinated support for people with serious, life-limiting conditions.
Easily confused with hospice
A hospital is a general medical facility that treats illnesses and injuries, whereas a hospice specializes in palliative care and support for people approaching the end of life.