ABSTRACT
The majority of terminally ill people want to die at home. A poll taken in 2006 of people with long-term health conditions and disabilities showed that this was the wish of 90% of the respondents. The strength of the hospices is their focus on symptom control and their expertise in this area. Day care is now a major part of the hospice service. Depending on the patient's fitness, arrangements may be made for attendance once or more each week. Care centres are less busy than acute settings, and more priority is given to palliative care. Residents have their own rooms, thus allowing private time with family and friends. Provision of care at home is what most patients would like, but many do not receive it. Since it is the most challenging option, it will be dealt with in more detail. Carers should be reassured that some help and support is available for the patient and the family at home.
