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A nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering
underserved populations to make informed healthcare
decisions.
Common Myths about Hospice Care
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We’ve all heard the
expression, “A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing.” When we know “a
little bit” about something, we usually find out later that what we thought we
knew was really a myth. Because hospice care is a relatively new part of
patient care in the U.S.,
there are many common myths and misconceptions about it.
Some examples:
MYTH:
Hospice care is about dying.
FACT:
Hospice
care is about living: you or your loved one living in comfort and
dignity, without pain and other physical symptoms, and with the love
and support of family and friends around you. Hospice achieves this with
skilled registered and practical nursing, hospice-trained social workers,
spiritual counselors, home health aides and trained volunteers as requested by
the patient and family.
MYTH:
Hospice care means “there’s nothing else
that can be done.”
FACT:
Hospice care means
there is much that can and should be done for the patient. Relief from
pain and all other discomforts – physical, spiritual and emotional – are the
hallmarks of good hospice care. There are numerous interventions that hospice
can provide, including therapies once available only in hospitals.
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MYTH:
Hospice care starts only a few days before
death.
FACT:
Hospice care is
accessible for six months with proper documentation, because the course of
an illness is unpredictable. And even if the patient lives beyond six
months, he or she can be re-certified for hospice care if they qualify.
There
is no limit to the number of times a patient can qualify for hospice.
MYTH:
Entering hospice care means I have to give
up my primary doctor.
FACT:
The primary
physician is always a vital part of the hospice team. Hospice care is an inclusive
discipline.
MYTH:
Hospice care can only be provided in my
home.
FACT:
Hospice care brings
the very best, most personal kind of care to the patient’s home, nursing
home, hospital, or any other setting where they are comfortable.
MYTH:
Hospice care creates an extra burden for my
family.
FACT:
Hospice care eases
the burden on the family. The patient’s family enjoys peace of mind,
knowing that their loved one is being cared for to the fullest extent of his or
her unique, individual needs. Hospice team members are available
24/7 for education, support and assistance.
MYTH:
Hospice care means I’m no longer in control.
FACT:
Hospice
care opens doors to choices. The patient or the person they designate is
included in all aspects of care, presented with all options, and involved
in all decisions about treatment.
MYTH:
Hospice will cause me to lose some benefits
(such as services from regional agencies on aging, like adult day care and
homemaking).
FACT:
Hospice care
providers tend to every detail that improves comfort and quality of life.
If you previously received services such as housekeeping from other agencies,
you may not still qualify for those services by their standards – but your
hospice care team will make sure that most, if not all, of your “standard of
living” needs are met.
MYTH:
Hospice care will cost me or my family more
money.
FACT:
Hospice care is covered
by most insurance carriers, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private
insurers.
Don’t make a
decision about something as important and precious as your life – or the life
of a loved one – based on myths and misconceptions. Know all the facts!
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