This description of the Cedar Valley Hospice program emphasizes palliative and supportive care for terminally ill patients and their families. The history of the hospice movement is outlined along with a description of the Cedar Valley program and the results of a 1980 program evaluation. The appendices contain a statement of the hospice goals and an explanation of standards for a hospice program of care, including: (1) an interpretation of the kinds of care and support available to the patient and the family; (2) the qualifications of the interdisciplinary team; (3) the development of a volunteer staff; and (4) the availability of services regardless of the individual's ability to pay. (JAC)