What type of facility provides supportive care to individuals in the final stages of a terminal illness?

The correct answer is hospice. A hospice is specifically designed to provide supportive care for individuals who are in the final stages of a terminal illness. The focus of hospice care is on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment. It typically offers a holistic approach that includes medical care, emotional support, and spiritual counseling for both patients and their families during a profoundly challenging time.

Hospices often provide services in a home setting or specialized hospice facilities and can involve interdisciplinary teams that include physicians, nurses, social workers, and volunteers to address the diverse needs of patients. The goal is to ensure that individuals experience dignity and support as they navigate this stage of life.

In contrast, other facilities like clinics and primary care facilities are generally focused on preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses rather than end-of-life care. Specialists may treat specific health issues but do not provide the comprehensive palliative support characteristic of hospice services.