HOSPICE CARE: A Better Alternative to Nursing Homes?

      While most Americans want to die at home, the overwhelming majority die in hospitals or nursing homes -- often enduring great pain and heroic but futile attempts at prolonging their lives. Supporters of hospice care say this patient-centered, at-home alternative to inpatient death is a better way to end life -- but a combination of regulatory burdens and public skepticism make hospice care a tough decision to make. California Healthline's Stephen Robitaille takes a look at the issues surrounding this kinder, gentler way to die.

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      California Healthline Features is a regular Monday column in California Healthline. Columnists Jeff Stryker and Stephen Robitaille take readers behind the headlines, with in-depth articles, guest editorials and interviews with California newsmakers. Click here for more on the column.

Editor's Note
      The views represented in this column are those of the columnist or guest editorialist and not of California Healthline or the National Journal Group.