Debunking common myths about Hospice Care

Hear the word “Hospice” and automatically you may think of the death and dying process for the terminally ill – a topic many avoid rather than confronting head-on. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Surprisingly, the focus is on living as fully as possible during this phase of a person’s life.

It is estimated that nearly half of all Americans die in hospice care each year, with that number increasing yearly. Myths, however, abound profusely about what it is and how it works. Because of these misconceptions, it may keep people from getting the best care possible when they need it most.

Here is a look at common myths surrounding hospice and the true facts debunking those myths:

· Myth: Hospice is only for the last days of a person’s life

Fact: Patients and their families can receive hospice care for six months of 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 with both the patient and family.

· Myth: Hospice means giving up hope

Fact: Hospice is meant to help the patient and their family transition from hope for a cure to hope for living life as fully as possible. Hospice has a philosophy of care providing medical, emotional and spiritual care focusing on comfort and quality of life and being able to set realistic goals for what they wish to do at the end of life.

· Myth: Hospice is only meant for someone with less than 6 months to live

Fact: As long as the condition of a patient warrants continued care, which is evaluated by the hospice team, the patient may receive hospice as long as needed.

· Myth: A patient is unable to keep their own doctor

Fact: Hospice physicians work closely with the patient’s doctor to determine an individualized plan of care.

· Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients

Fact: Hospice care is available to anyone with a serious illness and their families, regardless of diagnosis.

· Myth: Hospice is only for the elderly

Fact: Hospice serves anyone facing a life-limiting illness, regardless of age, including infants and children.

· Myth: Hospice means a patient gives up all medical treatment

Fact: Choosing hospice does not mean you are allowed no medical treatment. High-quality pain management and symptom control is provided when needed. Patients are free to leave the hospice program to seek curative treatments, and may return to hospice care once they have completed these treatments.

· Myth: Hospice only cares for patients in their home

Fact: Wherever the patient and their family prefers whether it be their own home, skilled care, assisted living facilities and group homes, is where hospice can be available to provide services.

· Myth: Hospice does not allow family members to care for their loved ones with life-limiting illnesses

Fact: Hospice involves families and other professional support and training to help them care for their loved ones.

· Myth: Hospice is expensive

Fact: Patients on Medicare pay little or nothing for hospice; those on Medicaid or the uninsured can also be covered through various programs; most insurance plans including active duty and retired military personnel, have managed care plans that include hospice coverage.

For more information on Hospice and Palliative care services, visit the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization to learn more about this end-of-life service.