More hospices providing alternative therapies

Approximately 42% of U.S. hospices are offering alternative therapies such as massages or pet therapy, which are considered “complementary and alternative” therapies that don't fall under the rubric of standard care.

Almost 72% of American hospices that offer alternative therapies now offer massages, while 69% provide support group therapy and 62% offer music therapy, according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Researchers point out that while these alternative therapies aren't usually covered by insurance, they significantly contribute to the patient's quality of life while calming their anxieties and improving their moods. The CDC study was published in Wednesday's edition of National Health Statistics Report.