Hospice palliative care is aimed at relieving suffering and improving the quality of life for persons who are living with, or dying from, advanced illness or who are bereaved. Hospice palliative care is a special kind of healthcare for individuals and families who are living with a life- limiting illness that is usually at an advanced stage. The goal of hospice palliative care is to provide comfort and dignity for the person living with the illness as well as the best quality of life for both this person and their family. A “family” is whoever the person says their family is. It may include relatives, partners, and friends.

An important objective of hospice palliative care is relief of pain and other symptoms. Hospice palliative care meets not only physical needs, but also psychological, social, cultural, emotional, and spiritual needs of each person and family. Hospice palliative care may be the main focus of care when a cure for the illness is no longer possible. Hospice palliative care services help people who are ill to live out their remaining time in comfort and dignity.

Quality hospice palliative care neither hastens death nor prolongs life. The goal of hospice palliative care is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families facing problems associated with life-threatening illness. Hospice palliative care services are helpful not only when a person is approaching death but also during the earlier stages of an illness. Hospice palliative care may be combined with other treatments aimed at reducing or curing the illness, such as chemotherapy. Families also benefit from support when their loved one is dying and after their death.