Quick Answer
Hospice is short-term, supportive care for the terminally ill which focuses on pain management, emotional, physical, and spiritual support for the patient and family. It can be provided at home, in a hospital, nursing home, or a hospice facility.
This is a philosophy of care which focuses on the palliation (meaning it makes the individual feel better, despite the fact the care will not cure the person). Those individuals who are chronically ill, terminally ill or seriously ill patient's pain and symptoms are very difficult on them and their families.