A medical assistant is processing a referral to transition the care of a patient who has less than 6 months to live. To which of the following care facilities will the medical assistant refer the patient?

Referring a patient who has less than six months to live to a hospice care facility is appropriate because hospice care is specifically designed to provide comfort and support to patients facing terminal illnesses. The primary focus of hospice is to enhance the quality of life for patients by managing pain and other symptoms, rather than pursuing curative treatments.

Hospice care also supports not only the patients but their families, providing emotional and spiritual assistance through this challenging time. This specialized care ensures that the patient can spend their remaining time in a compassionate environment that prioritizes dignity and peace.

In contrast, other types of care facilities, such as rehabilitation hospitals, long-term care facilities, and assisted living facilities, focus on different aspects of care that may not align with the patient's end-of-life needs. Rehabilitation hospitals are aimed at recovery and rehabilitation from acute illnesses or surgeries, long-term care facilities serve individuals who require assistance with daily activities and may be for individuals with chronic conditions rather than terminal diagnoses, and assisted living facilities provide support for daily living but do not specialize in end-of-life care like hospice does.