The typical time frame to start hospice or comfort care is when a doctor determines that a person has less than six months to live. A common hospice care scenario is when a senior has been battling an illness or disease that has stopped responding to medical treatment, and the pain or symptoms become too much to bear. The main function of hospice care is to provide as much dignity and comfort for the individual as possible. Hospice care tries to address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person coming to the end of their life. In short, hospice care focuses on the quality of life instead of the quantity near the end of life. Hospice care can be given at any place, including private homes, nursing homes, residential care homes, assisted living and memory care facilities, and even hospitals. Hospice caregivers are specifically trained in the practices of the end of life and comfort care. Hospice care includes doctors, nurses, social workers, family members, and caregivers all working together to bring comfort and care to the individual who is suffering. Since a patient who transitions to hospice care has usually been undergoing medical treatment for some time, the staff at the nursing home, hospital, doctor’s office, or assisted living or memory care facility can put you in touch with a social worker. You can also use a senior care placement agency to help you find hospice care that can meet the needs of your specific situation. Whether your aging loved one wants to stay at home or needs access to the medical treatment found at a hospital or skilled nursing facility, a senior care coordinator can help to make the process as painless as possible. Not all hospice or comfort care is the same, so it’s important to have a conversation with a care coordinator who can best assess your needs and then offer the best solution.