Final answer:
Hospice care is typically initiated when a doctor determines that a patient has six months or less to live and that cure-oriented treatments are no longer viable. It focuses on comfort and dignity in the final stages of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hospice care is usually ordered by a doctor when a person has six months or less to live, and it is evident that cure-oriented treatments are no longer an effective option. Hospice providers specialize in ensuring that individuals who are terminally ill can experience their final days with dignity, comfort, and peace, often in their own homes, surrounded by family. Moreover, research has shown that hospice care not only benefits the patient by allowing them to remain at home but also extends emotional support to the family, alleviating the burden associated with care.