What does hospice care encompass?

Hospice care is designed to provide comprehensive support for patients who are facing terminal illnesses as well as their families. This includes not just the medical management of pain and other symptoms, but also emotional, psychological, and spiritual support. The focus is on improving quality of life during the final stages of a patient’s life.

The correct option highlights that hospice care encompasses support for both the patient and their family, addressing their needs during the disease's progression and at the time of death. This holistic approach helps families cope with the emotional burden and prepares them for what is to come, making the process more bearable.

Support during bereavement falls under the broader umbrella of hospice care but emphasizes the importance of helping families deal with their grief after the patient has passed. Therefore, the combination of support both before and at the time of death, along with bereavement support, encapsulates the critical elements of hospice care, making the selection of this option comprehensive and accurate.