In short
End-of-life care is the support given in the final days, weeks or months: pain and symptom relief, emotional and spiritual comfort, and help for the family. It can be given at home, in a hospital or in a care facility. Hospice is the main Medicare benefit for it, and planning ahead helps match care to the person's wishes.
Written by the Senior Choice Care teamUpdated October 9, 2026. Facts are checked against the sources listed at the end of this page. General information; every family is different.
Where it can happen
- Home, often with hospice
- Nursing home or assisted living, with hospice coming in
- Hospital or hospice inpatient unit, for symptoms that can't be managed elsewhere
Planning
NIA suggests considering the type of care wanted, where it can be given, advance directives, costs and the availability of family and friends to help.
Questions families ask
What is end-of-life care?
Care focused on comfort and support near the end of life.
Is end-of-life care the same as hospice?
Hospice is one way to provide it, with a Medicare benefit.
Where do most people want to die?
It varies. NIA notes home is often the most private setting.
What should we plan first?
The person's wishes, written in advance directives, and who will help.