The idea behind hospice at home is that specially trained nurses and doctors visit people regularly in their own homes, to provide most, if not all, of the medical and nursing care that they would get if they were an in-patient in the hospice.  This makes it possible for people to spend the last weeks or months of their illness in familiar surroundings, with their family and friends around them. 

Hospices offer support in the form of control of distressing symptoms, psychological support, attention to diet and nutrition, and many other services to improve quality of life. They do not usually give treatment for the underlying illness (this treatment may be continuing at a nearby hospital, or it may be that the patient’s illness is too far advanced for any active treatment to be helpful).

Your local hospice should be able to give you details about what they can  offer in the way of hospice at home services.  There is also a website, www.hospiceathome.org.uk, that can give you details of your nearest hospice at home service.