Long Term Care Certification Practice Test

What type of care is provided to a terminally ill patient receiving palliative care at home?

1. Respite care

2. Hospice care

3. Rehabilitation care

4. Long-term care

The correct answer is: Hospice care

Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses, emphasizing quality of life for both the patient and their family. When we refer to hospice care within the context of terminally ill patients, it is a specific type of palliative care that is tailored for individuals who are in the final stages of life, typically when a prognosis indicates that they have six months or less to live. Hospice care at home involves a interdisciplinary approach, including medical support to manage pain and other distressing symptoms, emotional and spiritual counseling, and assistance with practical matters, all designed to facilitate comfort and dignity during the dying process. This is distinctly different from respite care, which temporarily relieves primary caregivers, rehabilitation care, aimed at recovering function after illness or injury, and long-term care, which provides assistance with daily living for ongoing, chronic conditions. Therefore, hospice care is the appropriate type of care provided to terminally ill patients in their homes, as it specifically addresses the holistic needs of individuals facing the end of life.