Hospice programs use a multi-dimensional approach which may include any or all of the following services:

• Pain and symptom control. Keeping the mesothelioma patient comfortable and pain-free is the primary goal of hospice care.
• Spiritual care. While not a religious program in itself, hospice offers support for mesothelioma patients and families in meeting their spiritual and religious needs. These needs are often important to people who are facing the end of life.
• Home care or inpatient care. In general, hospice strives to help terminally ill patients remain at home. However, if inpatient care is needed temporarily, hospice staff works with hospital staff to ensure continued care.
• Respite care. Providing constant care for a seriously ill patient can put a tremendous strain on a family. When a break is needed, hospice can provide respite - or "relief" - care in a hospital or other inpatient facility. This allows the family a few days of rest and relaxation.
• Bereavement care. Hospice care is for families as well as patients. After a hospice patient dies, specially trained members of the hospice care team are available for a year or more to help surviving family members through their grief.

Hospice staff and volunteers provide many other services as well, such as education on death and dying or assisting families with daily care of the patient. With great compassion and empathy, these dedicated people help victims of mesothelioma and other terminal illnesses to face death with acceptance and dignity. This is done by helping these individuals focus on living each remaining day as fully as possible.

To learn more about coping with the physical and emotional symptoms of mesothelioma, please visit our Mesothelioma Support Center.