Many people think of hospice as a physical building you go to when you are nearing the end of your life. But hospice is not a place, even though there are hospice care centers around the country that specialize in end-of-life care. Hospice care most often takes place in the home or in a place that is currently home, such as an assisted living facility, skilled nursing center or long-term care community. While hospice care is typically reserved for the last six months of life, it can extend beyond that timeframe. Rather than a cure, hospice focuses on comfort and improving the quality of life.

There are likely multiple options available to you when it’s time to choose a hospice provider. It can sometimes be an overwhelming choice to make and one that should not be taken lightly. Doing research beforehand can make the process smoother and less stressful. Here are ten reasons why Hospice of Southwest Ohio should be at the top of your list if you live in Clermont, Butler, Warren and Hamilton counties in the greater Cincinnati area.

When a parent, relative or friend receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, you may quickly find yourself stepping into the role of a hospice caregiver. In recent years, many adults have taken on this role much earlier than anticipated. In some cases, the individual with cancer may not yet be eligible to receive Medicare benefits, potentially putting the caregiver in a difficult place financially as they deal with medical costs. Discover resources to help you prepare and care for your loved one as you step into your new role of caregiver.

It’s not easy taking care of a hospice patient in a home setting. Sometimes, caregivers suffer from physical or emotional exhaustion from taking care of a loved one around the clock. It’s important to maintain a healthy balance between supporting a loved one in hospice and tending to the rest of your life and responsibilities. Don’t give up activities that are important to you, such as your work or your hobbies. To prevent burnout, here are some tips for hospice caregivers.

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be hard to know where to begin. You want to ensure they receive the best care possible and are comfortable during the rest of their life, while also understanding what the options are for care and how everything will be covered financially. First things first, it’s important to define the criteria for who can receive hospice care.

The fear of the unknown is always greater than the fear of the known.

If you qualify for hospice care, you and your family will work with your hospice team to set up a plan of care that meets your needs. For more specific information on a hospice plan of care, call your national or state hospice organization.

A chaplain at a New York hospital has designed a board that lets the critically ill communicate their spiritual pain and needs.

A 90-year-old woman has opted out of cancer treatment to spend her remaining days on a once-in-a-lifetime road-trip with her family. The woman’s name is Norma and she is from Northern Michigan. Just two days after loosing her husband Leo, she found out she had uterine cancer. When her doctor explained that they could operate on the tumor and then put her through radiation and chemotherapy treatments, Norma politely declined. Instead of treatment, Norma decided to spend her last days on the road with her son, Tim, and his wife, Ramie in an RV. Ramie says she hopes the story will encourage other families to discuss end-of-life options.

A community open house on Feb. 13, 2014, celebrated the opening of Hospice of Southwest Ohio's Care Center at 7625 Camargo Road in Madeira. The center's first patient was accepted on February 20.