Hospice is primarily a 'concept' of care, not a specific 'place' of care. Care for the terminally ill patient can be given in a hospice facility, hospital, nursing home or a retirement center. However, 80% of hospice care takes place at home. Hospices serve approximately 40,000 patients in Michigan annually.

Hospice cares for patients with a wide variety of illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, emphysema and Alzheimer's disease across all age groups including children. Hospice focuses on not only the physical effects of disease, but also the emotional, social and spiritual aspects. Hospice care always includes support for the grieving family. It is truly a holistic concept of care.

Hospice allows patients to live life fully to the end, on their own terms, in the surroundings of their choice. Families look back upon their hospice experience with gratitude and with the knowledge that everything possible was done towards a peaceful and pain-free death.

For more information on hospice and how to find a hospice contact the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at: www.nhpco.org.