What Hospice Does

• The hospice will evaluate the ill person's medical condition, making note of symptoms, pain, and suffering. The person's wishes about death are taken into consideration with a document called an advance directive or living will.

• The hospice also will evaluate the spiritual status of both the ill person and the family, any financial problems that may prevent appropriate treatment, and any other issues the person or the family might have.

• The hospice will care for the whole family as a unit.