Making Informed Decisions About Hospice

Understanding the realities of hospice care can help patients and their loved ones make informed, compassionate decisions. Despite its importance, many misconceptions surround hospice care.

Humanitas Hospice aims to clear up these myths and provide accurate information to help families make informed decisions.

Myth #1: Hospice care is only for those who have given up on life.

FACT: Hospice care is as much about how you want to live as it is about how you want to die. Instead of focusing on curing an illness or prolonging death, the goal of care becomes to relieve symptoms and give patients the best quality of life they can have for the remainder of their life.

Myth #2: Hospice care is only for terminal cancer patients.

FACT: When it was first created, hospice care was primarily for cancer patients at the ends of their lives. But today, while many hospice patients do have cancer, the majority have other life-limiting diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementias, and other conditions. It is not limited to cancer patients.

Myth #3: Hospice care is expensive.

FACT: Hospice care is often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. This coverage includes medical equipment, medications related to the terminal illness, and support services.

Myth #4: Hospice is a place.

FACT: Hospice is rarely an actual location that people go to. The care almost always is provided where a person lives. We go wherever the patient is – whether it’s a nursing home, an ALF, a private residence, a homeless shelter, or any other environment the patient calls home.

Myth #5: Hospice care is only for the last few days of life.

FACT: Hospice care can be provided for months, not just days. It is most beneficial when started early, allowing patients and families to receive comprehensive support throughout the end-of-life journey.

Myth #6: Hospice means loss of control.

FACT: Hospice care is centered around the patient’s wishes and goals. Patients and families are involved in care decisions, ensuring that care plans align with their preferences and values. Patients and caregivers are in control of their care and can choose who provides it.

Myth #7: Once you are admitted to hospice, you must stay on services.

FACT: People can leave (or revoke) hospice whenever they want and there’s always the option to be readmitted to services, if you choose to do so.

Myth #8: Hospice Care is only for the patient.

FACT: Hospice care also provides support for the family. Services include counseling, respite care, and bereavement support, helping families cope with their loved one’s illness and their own emotional needs.

Myth #9: It’s always the doctor’s responsibility to bring up hospice.

FACT: If a patient is receiving treatments they don’t want anymore, they or a caregiver can initiate hospice by starting the conversation with their doctor or by contacting a local hospice provider directly to ask for an evaluation and determine qualification. Patients and their family or caregivers can initiate hospice care on their own.

Myth #10: Hospice care is only for the elderly.

FACT: Although most people cared for by hospices providers in the U.S. are over the age of 65, the care is available for anyone with a life-limiting condition who meets eligibility.

Get in touch with us today to explore how our compassionate team can deliver the dignified and personalized support you and your loved one deserves. Together, we can ensure you receive the highest quality of care.  We are available 24/7.

Call Us Now