Final answer:
Hospice care is the special support focused on comfort and dignity for those nearing the end of life, offering pain management and emotional support primarily in home settings to enhance the final days for patients and their families.
Step-by-step explanation:
The special care that focuses on the dignity and comfort of a dying person is called hospice care. Hospice care is designed to provide compassionate care to individuals as they approach the end of their lives. This type of care is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves to pass away peacefully and with dignity. Rather than seeking to cure an illness, hospice care prioritizes the quality of life by managing pain and providing emotional, psychological, and spiritual support. It often takes place outside of hospital settings, with many services administered at home, which allows patients to be surrounded by their loved ones in a familiar environment. The essence of hospice care is to ensure that the person's final days are as comfortable and meaningful as possible, while also providing support to the family.
The development of hospice care reflects a shift in the way society views death. Cicely Saunders initiated the modern hospice movement in the 1960s, emphasizing that death should be dignified and free from unnecessary pain. This care gives patients the ability to have a sense of control and personal fulfillment even in their last moments. Studies have shown numerous benefits of hospice care for both patients and their families, including emotional support, reduced burdens, and, in some cases, even prolongation of life.