Community Hospice & Palliative Care Highlights the Importance of Choice During National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
October 28, 2026 (Jacksonville, Fla.) – November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and Community Hospice & Palliative Care is encouraging individuals and families across Northeast and North Central Florida to learn more about their care options and make informed decisions when facing serious illness.
For more than 47 years, Community Hospice & Palliative Care has helped patients and families navigate serious illness by providing specialized care focused on comfort, symptom management and quality of life. The organization emphasizes the importance of choice and ensuring patients understand that their wishes, values and personal goals should guide their care.
Hospice and palliative care both provide important support for individuals living with serious illnesses, but they serve different needs. Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness and may be provided alongside treatments intended to cure or manage a condition. Hospice care is designed for individuals with a life-limiting illness when the focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort and quality of life.
Despite the benefits of these services, misconceptions remain, particularly the belief that hospice care is only appropriate during the final days of life. Hospice can provide support for months, helping patients manage symptoms while offering emotional, spiritual and practical support to families and caregivers.
“Too often, families don't begin thinking about hospice care until they're facing a medical crisis,” said Phillip Ward, president and CEO of Community Hospice & Palliative Care. “Understanding the options available and having conversations early can make a meaningful difference. Our goal is to help patients and families make informed decisions that reflect what matters most to them.”
Community Hospice & Palliative Care encourages families to start conversations about health care wishes before a medical crisis. Understanding available options and discussing personal preferences early can help patients feel more involved in their care and give loved one’s greater confidence when difficult decisions arise.
Having a choice also means recognizing that quality of life looks different for everyone. For some, it may mean remaining at home surrounded by family. For others, it may mean finding relief from pain, maintaining independence or having additional support to navigate the challenges of serious illness.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Month also recognizes the dedicated professionals and volunteers who provide this care every day. Through a team-based approach, Community Hospice & Palliative Care supports patients and families with medical care, emotional and spiritual guidance, caregiver education and bereavement services.
Throughout November, the organization encourages community members to learn about hospice and palliative care, ask questions and talk openly with loved ones about their wishes.
For more information about hospice and palliative care services, visit www.CommunityHospice.com.