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 6 months to live to a hospice care facility is appropriate due to the specific focus of hospice on providing compassionate care geared towards comfort and quality of life in the final stages of terminal illness. Hospice care emphasizes palliative treatment, which manages pain and other distressing symptoms, while also offering emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and their family. This type of care is designed for those who are no longer seeking curative treatment and are instead prioritizing comfort during their remaining time.

In contrast, nursing homes primarily offer long-term care for patients who may have chronic illnesses or need assistance with daily activities but are not necessarily in the final stages of a terminal condition. Rehabilitation centers focus on helping patients recover from specific medical conditions or surgeries, aiming to regain independence, which is not aligned with the terminal status of the patient in question. Urgent care clinics are designed for acute medical issues that require immediate attention but are not meant for managing long-term or terminal care circumstances. Therefore, the hospice care facility is the most suitable option for the patient's needs.