A difficult diagnosis affects more than just the one who is dying. Their family, their spouse, their close friends — everyone will process that information differently. The person dying can experience stress, anxiety, depression and isolation, making any pain associated with their diagnosis feel even worse. And loved ones can suffer both emotional and physical pain as they anticipate or process loss, manage their daily stress, or push through burnout associated with caregiving.

A terminal diagnosis kicks off the need for a new framing of health care for everyone involved. This is where hospice plays a significant role, by delivering customized, practical and compassionate health care, ranging from medical needs like pain management, to therapies like grief counselling, and wellness supports like legacy activities. And they’re all offered through hospice at no cost to patients, their loved ones, or caregivers.