We aim to use the simplest possible terms in our strategy and to avoid jargon and clichés. We believe that this aim echoes one of the first principles of hospice care – to make it as easy as possible to listen to and talk with the patient.
We use the terms hospices, hospice care and palliative care – and in some cases we use them together.
Hospices
‘Hospices’ describes the organisations delivering care in any setting – not
just the building the organisation is based in.
Hospice care
‘Hospice care’ refers to the philosophy and range of services hospices provide.
Dying people
We use the words ‘dying people’ to refer to hospice patients. However, we recognise that hospices also help to care for people before they reach a terminal stage of their illness.
Palliative care
We use the World Health Organization’s definition of palliative care to reflect the care provided by other people and organisations, as well as by hospices.
