Final answer:
The statement regarding hospice benefit periods is false; hospice includes two 90-day periods followed by unlimited 60-day periods, focused on providing compassionate and comfortable care.
Step-by-step explanation:
In addressing the question posed regarding hospice benefit periods, the statement is False. Hospice benefit periods as defined by most current hospice programs consist of two initial 90-day benefit periods followed by an unlimited number of subsequent 60-day benefit periods, as long as the patient continues to meet the hospice eligibility criteria. The goal of hospice care is to provide compassionate care to individuals in the final phase of a terminal illness, focusing on comfort and quality of life, rather than cure. Research has shown that hospice care not only helps patients experience a death with dignity but also provides critical support to the family and can potentially lead to extended survival compared to non-hospice patients.