Explain the concept of hospice care and what other services that hospices offer.

The concept of a hospice developed during the Middle Ages
as a place that cared for the sick, the injured, the dying, and for travelers who needed
a refuge. As the idea evolved, hospice care came to focus on palliative care for those
who were dying - providing support and care that was not aimed at curing the life-ending
diagnosis but that allowed the patient and significant others to die with
dignity.

Hospice services address all the needs that may be
present as an individual approaches death. There may be need for pain management, which
can be given. There also may be need for emotional or spiritual support for the patient
or for family and friends. Hospice can provide assistance with personal cares, with
household chores, with transportation to appointments for services or for final wish
types of outings. Hospice services frequently continue after the death by providing
bereavement support for family members.