Final answer:
The primary purpose of hospice care is to focus on the comfort and quality of life for terminally ill patients, ensuring dignity and comfort in their remaining days.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary purpose of hospice care is C) Focusing on comfort and quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses. Unlike other forms of healthcare, hospice does not aim to provide curative treatments or to maximize the patient's lifespan; rather, its goal is to ensure that patients live out their remaining days with dignity, comfort, and as much peace as possible. This approach to end-of-life care is rooted in the belief that when cure-oriented treatments are no longer an option, care should prioritize the patient's comfort and support the family through the dying process.
Studies support the beneficial impact of hospice and palliative care not only for patients but also for their families, providing emotional support, reducing the burden of care, and enhancing the overall quality of life during this challenging time. Research has shown that hospice patients may even live longer than non-hospice patients, likely due to the comprehensive support and symptom management provided by hospice services. Family members also report feeling more supported and better able to cope when their loved ones are in hospice care.