10 Myths About Hospice Care

10/11/2016 | By Seniors Guide Staff

1. HOSPICE IS WHERE YOU GO WHEN THERE IS NOTHING MORE A DOCTOR CAN DO.

Hospice is care designed for patients with a life-limiting illness. Hospice is not where you go to die, rather hospice professionals assist patients wherever they reside, to live fully, completely and without pain until the end of their lives.

2. CHOOSING HOSPICE MEANS GIVING UP HOPE.

Hospice provides comfort and quality of life when the hope for cure is no longer possible. The hope for living each day to the fullest becomes the focus.

3. HOSPICE IS ONLY FOR THE LAST DAYS OF LIFE.

Hospice patients and families can receive care for six months or longer, depending on the course of the illness. Hospice care is most beneficial when there is sufficient time to manage symptoms and establish a trusting relationship.

4. CHOOSING HOSPICE MEANS GIVING UP ALL MEDICAL TREATMENT.

The reality is that hospice places the patient and family at the center of the care-planning process and provides high-quality pain management and symptom control.

5. IF I CHOOSE HOSPICE CARE, I HAVE TO LEAVE MY HOME.

Hospice care is provided wherever the patient may be; in their own home or that of a family member, a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Hospice may also be provided in hospitals and in-patient units.

6. FAMILIES ARE NOT ABLE TO CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH LIFE LIMITING ILLNESSES.

Family members are supported and prepared by hospice professionals to care for their loved ones. Staff is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assess needs and help families.

7. QUALITY CARE AT THE END OF LIFE IS VERY EXPENSIVE.

Medicare beneficiaries pay little or nothing for hospice. Most insurance plans, HMOs and managed care plans cover hospice care.

8. HOSPICE CARE IS ONLY FOR CANCER PATIENTS.

About 60% of Hospice patients have other life limiting conditions such as heart, kidney, liver and lung diseases, dementia and neurological diseases.

9. I HAVE TO GIVE UP MY OWN DOCTOR IF I CHOOSE HOSPICE.

Patients receiving hospice services continue to be cared for by their doctor. Hospice physicians work closely with your doctor to determine a plan of care.

10. AFTER THE PATIENT’S DEATH, HOSPICE CARE ENDS.

Bereavement services and grief support are available to family members for at least one year after the death of a patient. Educational and supportive groups are free and open to the community.