Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Hospice care is specifically designed to provide support and comfort for individuals who are facing terminal illnesses and have a prognosis of six months or less to live. The primary focus of hospice care is on quality of life, aiming to alleviate pain and manage symptoms rather than pursue curative treatment. This approach allows patients to spend their remaining days in a compassionate and supportive environment, often in the comfort of their own homes or in specialized hospice facilities.

In contrast, long-term care facilities cater to individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities who require ongoing assistance but are not necessarily at the end of life. Rehabilitation centers are focused on helping patients recover from surgery, injury, or illness with the goal of regaining independence. Outpatient clinics provide medical care for patients who do not need hospitalization—again, not typically related to end-of-life care. Thus, hospice care stands out as the setting specifically catered towards individuals in their final stages of life, emphasizing comfort and support.