Even though hospice care is one of highest rated forms of medical care, every day we encounter misconceptions about what it is…and what it isn’t. Here are some common hospice myths:
Myth 1: Hospice is a place.
Truth: Hospice is a philosophy of care — not a place — with a goal of providing holistic care in a non-hospital setting where patients can be surrounded by the people and things they love most. Patients can receive hospice care in their own homes, as well as in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or—when symptoms are severe—in one of our home-like inpatient hospice centers.
Myth 2: Hospice is for people who have no hope.
Truth: When you forgo aggressive treatment and choose hospice care, you’re not giving up…you are taking charge of how you wish to spend the rest of your life. Because patients get substantial relief from pain and other symptoms – and their families are supported by a caring hospice team – they can share quality family time and have a meaningful, dignified and peaceful end-of-life experience. And this is what most people hope for.
Myth 3: Hospice is for people who only have a few days to live.
Truth: It is important to understand that hospice care can be provided when it is believed a patient has six months or less to live. Unfortunately, many people enter the program too late to fully benefit from the many services available to them and their families. In fact many say that their only regret about hospice care is that they did not access it sooner!
Myth 4: Once I am on hospice, I can never go off.
Truth: Patients may discontinue the services of hospice – to pursue other treatment or for any other reason – and can reinstate traditional medical care at any time. The hospice team will work with them to assure a smooth transition to their new medical provider. And, if they choose to be readmitted to hospice care at a later date, they may do so.
Myth 5: Hospice care is a simple form of medicine.
Truth: End-of-life care is extremely complex, but it sometimes appears to be “simple” because it does not involve invasive technology and equipment. Hospice is a medical specialty whose physicians, nurses, hospice aides and therapists are specially trained to provide comprehensive medical care, as well as state-of-the-art pain and symptom control, without the use of “high-tech” interventions. Their efforts are further enhanced by a team of other professionals and volunteers who provide a full range of support services for the entire family.
Myth 6: You need a physician referral before you can talk to Hospice.
Truth: Hospice recognizes that end-of-life issues are complex and will take the time necessary to discuss them with you. Patients and families are encouraged to consult with hospice earlier, as opposed to later, so they are aware of the various options available to them during the final weeks and months of life. While Hospice will obtain records from physicians who have been treating you, an actual physician referral is not required to start the process.
Myth 7: Hospice just dopes people up until they die.
Truth: The goal of hospice care is to control symptoms so patients can enjoy quality of life for as long as possible. While some medications do initially cause drowsiness, most patients become more alert as their bodies get used to them. As their condition changes, medications are adjusted to maintain optimal symptom control without sedation. However, the closer patients get to the end of life, the more weak and sleepy they become as a natural part of the dying process. Hospice physicians and staff are very knowledgeable about medications and the effects they have on patients. They are always willing to discuss the benefits and side effects of medications.
Myth 8: All Hospices are alike.
Truth: Though the Hospice Medicare Benefit sets guidelines which must be met by all hospices, the degree to which they provide the required services can vary greatly. The level of specialized expertise, the ratio of staff to patients, the depth of services provided and the availability of inpatient care differ from hospice to hospice. Many people are also surprised to learn that more than 60% of hospices nationwide are now for-profit corporations, as opposed to local, not-for-profit agencies, such as Hospice of Northwest Ohio.