HOSPICE RN REPLY: CLARIFICATION            You can receive hospice care anywhere--at home, in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), and RCFE (residential care facility), Board & Care etc.              Hospice is NOT a place, but a specialized mode of care aimed at comfort rather than cure & treatment (ex. a deteriorating Alzheimers Patient or a cancer pt who has no further options).  Even hospitals are not particularly skilled on care of chronic pain and other End-Stage problems.        Hospice IS is a free and robust MEDICARE Benefit for those 65 yrs + (& for some younger patients on longterm disability for a required length of time). Many INSURANCE PLANS also cover Hospice (ex, for a 50 yr old with End-Stage liver disease).         No matter where the patient resides, it is HOSPICE that can provide the type of comfort care and support needed. HOSPICE considers the Patient AND family/caregivers as the care-unit. Hospice RNS & MDs are experts in pain control, and other end-stage issues including agitation, confusion, nausea, constipation, rashes, etc.  The LIST of HOSPICE SERVICES includes: equipment (O2, beds, wheelchairs for ex), medications for bowels, pain and other discomforts, social workers, and spiritual support. Patients also receive visits from Home Health Aides for physical care (even in a SNF or RCFE). Hospice also pays for other medications related to the PRIMARY HOSPICE DIAGNOSIS. The list is quite long--so ask your father's MD for a Hospice Referral. It is your right, the patient's right, to use hospice. Even if your MD or the SNF say otherwise, you can still assert your wish for these services (If you are on MEDICARE---you earned it!). HINT: Google "HOSPICE" for your area and options will appear. They vary somewhat, but all have comfort as the goal. GOOD LUCK.  HOSPICE IS A PHILOSOPHY OF CARE---Avail yourself of its many benefits for your loved one. BTW--research has shown that hospice patients survive longer (and better) than without.