When patients, along with their doctor and family, decide to change from cure goals to comfort goals, it is time for hospice. Therefore, the main medical concern is symptom management, including pain control. Because pain can be experienced on many levels—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—the hospice team may intervene in any of these areas.

Choosing hospice care for oneself or a loved one can be a difficult decision. Months or years may have been spent on curative care—chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy—to halt the disease process. Hospice becomes appropriate when the focus is on supporting quality of life rather than curing the disease.

Hope and healing are always present in hospice care. A person may be seeking a cure for their spirit with the knowledge that they probably will not find a cure for their body. Hospice never takes hope away. Hope is for comfort and peace for the patient, family and loved ones—both physically and spiritually.

The Haven Hospice team is available to assist patients and families in exploring the option of hospice care. For more information please call Hospice Information & Referral at (352) 378-2121 or (800) 727-1889.

When to Choose Hospice

What You Should Know (FAQs)

How to Refer a Patient to Hospice