General Information Hospice isn't a place. It is a way of caring for people who are nearing the end of their lives. Dying is a normal part of life, and it does not have to be painful or lonely. Hospice provides services that keep patients comfortable and help meet their emotional and spiritual needs at the end of life. Hospice patients live their final days with peace and dignity. Hospice of Michigan began in August, 1994 in a merger of 10 previously independent hospice programs. By 1996, Hospice of Michigan's community-based staff was providing care to more than 1,000 patients every day throughout the lower peninsula of Michigan. Hospice is different from other types of health care. Use of the interdisciplinary care team Emphasis on patients' emotional and spiritual health as well as their physical condition. Recognition that other family members also need attention during a loved one's illness.  Patients are cared for by a team of professionals from the local community, assisted by volunteers. Every patient has a physician, nurse and social worker. The team may also include aides, counselors and clergy. Team members do everything they can to make it easier for the patient and family to live with terminal illness. Most hospice care is provided where people want to be: at home. When patients have problems that can't be handled at home, they can be admitted to a HOM-managed residential facility or to a hospital or nursing home affiliated with Hospice of Michigan. Patients who choose to live in an affiliated nursing home continue under the care of the HOM team. HOM staff are on call 24 hours a day to handle problems that need immediate attention.