What is the primary focus of hospice care?

The primary focus of hospice care is to enhance comfort during end-of-life. This approach prioritizes the quality of life for patients who are facing terminal illnesses, providing comprehensive support that addresses not only physical symptoms but also emotional and spiritual needs. Hospice care emphasizes pain management and symptom relief to ensure patients experience dignity and peace in their final days rather than pursuing aggressive curative treatments that may no longer be beneficial. This holistic perspective fosters an environment where patients can spend their remaining time in comfort, surrounded by loved ones, rather than in a medical setting focused on extending life at all costs.

Other options represent different aspects of healthcare. For example, curing illnesses is the primary goal of most medical interventions and treatments, but it does not align with the objectives of hospice care, which accepts that a cure is no longer possible. Long-term rehabilitation focuses on improving function and independence for patients with chronic conditions but is not suited to the end-of-life context. Facilitating patient independence is crucial in many healthcare scenarios, particularly for those with chronic illnesses, but hospice care specifically shifts the focus away from independence to comfort and support as a patient approaches the end of life.