What is the primary goal of hospice care?

The primary goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and support to patients with terminal illnesses and their families. Hospice care focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals who are facing end-of-life issues, rather than pursuing curative treatment for their illness. This approach emphasizes pain management, emotional support, and assistance with the psychosocial aspects of dying. By creating a supportive environment, hospice care allows patients to experience dignity and peace during their final days, while also offering resources and guidance to family members coping with grief and caregiving challenges.

The other choices, while relevant to aspects of healthcare, do not align with the specific purpose of hospice care. For example, managing chronic diseases is more aligned with ongoing medical treatment rather than end-of-life care. Promoting independence is essential in various healthcare settings but is not the central focus of hospice care, which prioritizes comfort over maintaining autonomy when living with a terminal condition. Long-term hospital care does not align with the goal of hospice, which seeks to provide care in a more home-like and comfortable environment, often outside of acute hospital settings.