Myth: Hospice is a place.
Fact: Hospice is a philosophy of care that provides medical, emotional and spiritual care focused on comfort and quality of life. Hospice care is provided wherever the patient calls home.
Myth: If you go on hospice, you will die soon.
Fact: Studies have shown that patients who elect hospice care earlier often live longer than those who continue to receive curative treatment. Although Hospice care is designed for patients who have a life expectancy of six months or less, as long as the patient continues to meet Hospice requirements, they may continue to receive services – even if this is longer than six months.
Myth: Hospice means giving up hope.
Fact: Hospice redefines hope and helps patients and their families focus on improving the patient’s quality of life allowing them to make the most of the time they have.
Myth: Hospice provides 24-hour care.
Fact: The Hospice team visits on an intermittent basis. This team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, hospice aides, chaplains and others. The frequency of visits is determined by the patient’s needs. A Hospice RN is on call 24 hours a day/7 days a week to answer questions and provide support. After hours visits are made as needed.
Myth: The hospital discharge planner, social worker or my physician selects my hospice agency for me.
Fact: It is the patient’s, or their designated decision maker’s, right to determine when hospice care is right for them and which agency they would like to use. Others may recommend agencies for you to consider, but it is up to you to make the final decision.