Hospices and Palliative Care

Hospices help people who are very ill and may not get better. Their care makes life more comfortable. People can get this care in a hospice or at home.

Each year, hospices in the UK care for about 250,000 people.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is the special care that hospices give. It helps with:

• Pain and symptoms

• Feelings and worries

• Spiritual and social needs

• Support for family and friends

Hospice care is not just about medicine. It looks after the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.

What Services Do Hospices Offer?

Hospices may offer:

• Nursing and medical care

• Help with pain and other symptoms

• Support to move and feel stronger

• Talking therapies and emotional support

• Advice about money and practical things

• Help with grief after someone dies

Hospices don’t give the same treatments as hospitals, but they offer care that hospitals often can’t.

Who Can Use Hospice Care?

Hospice care is for everyone. A GP or hospital doctor usually helps with the referral. Some people stay for a short time, others for longer.