Hospice provides care for people with terminal illnesses when curative treatment is no longer pursued, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than extending life. Hospice care addresses physical symptoms (pain management), emotional support (counselling for patients and families), spiritual needs, and practical assistance. Care may be provided in dedicated hospice facilities, hospitals, or patients' homes. The hospice philosophy acknowledges death as a natural process, emphasizing living fully until the end rather than aggressive intervention. In Canada, hospice care is generally covered by provincial health insurance, though availability varies by region. Palliative care is the broader term for care focused on comfort and quality of life, which may begin earlier in illness; hospice typically refers to end-of-life care when death is expected within months. Many communities have hospice organizations providing services and supporting families through bereavement.