HOSPICE CARE What is a hospice? Hospice care is a type of health care that focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient′s pain and symptoms and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs at the end of life. Hospice care prioritizes comfort and quality of life by reducing pain and suffering. OBJECTIVE To provide compassionate palliative care for people with a life-limiting illness, and for those important to them, through quality medical, emotional, spiritual and social support.