What is the primary goal of hospice care?

• A. To cure terminal illnesses whenever possible.
• B. To delay death using aggressive treatment.
• C. To primarily manage childhood illnesses.
• D. To provide quality, palliative care to patients during the final phase of life.

Answer: (D)

Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life for patients in the final phase of a life-limiting illness. The aim is to relieve symptoms like pain and shortness of breath, address emotional and spiritual concerns, and provide support to the patient and family. Care is centered on comfort and dignity rather than curing the disease or pursuing aggressive treatments. It also involves coordinating care across settings and offering counseling, social work, and bereavement support. This approach fits situations where curative treatment is no longer beneficial or desired. The other options describe pursuing cures, delaying death with aggressive therapy, or focusing on childhood illnesses, which don’t reflect hospice’s purpose.