Hospice Myths and Facts

If you are unfamiliar with hospice or palliative care, you may have heard a variety of ideas, experiences, and guesswork that taints your opinion of these services. Far too many myths surround the practice of hospice care. We at LifeChoice in Wheeling, IL want to help you understand what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can benefit you or your loved ones as they near the end of their journey through life.

Hospice Myths and the Facts That Prove Them Wrong

Conversations and choices pertaining to end of life care are understandably fraught with high emotion, concern, and doubt. Since hospice and palliative care exists for these times specifically, these feelings can easily latch onto myths and untruths spread around by people who do not have the experience necessary to make accurate claims. When you understand the truth about hospice care, you will be better able to make a conscientious and comforting decision.

Myth – Hospice is a Care Facility

In truth, people entering the hospice process do not go to a nursing home or special hospice house. Hospice is a system of care and not a place. The nurses and other professionals make up the team can provide services in a residential facility, hospital, or at home.

Myth – Hospice Will Take Over Everything

The hospice team works closely with existing physicians and caregivers to develop a best strategy for the individual patient. The goal focuses on the person with the diagnosis, not power or control.

Myth – Hospice Focuses on Death

While most people entering hospice have a shorter life expectancy, the focus remains on comfort, care, communication, and quality of life rather than the end of it. While one of the guiding philosophies involves an acceptance of mortality as a fact of life, that is not the focus of anyone on the care team.

Myth – Hospice Requires a Doctor Referral

Anyone integrally involved with the medical care of the patient, including the patient themselves, can request hospice care or refer themselves. A doctor’s order is usually given without much difficulty. This can help with insurance and an integrated treatment and care plan.

Myth – Hospice Costs a Lot of Money

Most hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. This includes necessary supplies, prescription medications, equipment like hospital beds or commodes, and the nurses, therapists, counselors, and more necessary to maintain the highest quality of life possible throughout the process.

Myth – Hospice Requires an End to Medical Treatment

People entering hospice are not giving up on life or all medical treatments or medications. Everyone involved with the decision-making processes will receive proper information and guidance, as necessary. The nurses and other caregivers associated with hospice frequently use the latest technologies and treatments to maintain comfort.

Myth – Hospice is Affiliated With a Specific Religion or is 100% Secular

Hospice operates to provide support and care for the patient’s needs, which often includes spiritual or religious support. Chaplains, priests, and other religious leaders or counselors are available if requested or appropriate for the individual. However, these things are never suggested or pushed upon any patient, caregiver, family member, or loved one if not appropriate to their belief system or culture. Hospice workers must respect individuality and offer spiritual or secular support in equal measure.

Myth – Hospice Hastens Death

The natural progression toward death is an accepted part of the hospice process. Nothing is done to speed it up, and euthanasia is never a part of hospice care. Instead, the caregivers involve work hard to minimize pain, stress, and indignities during the natural mortal decline. The goal with painkillers like morphine or other options is to alleviate discomfort and suffering and not and it prematurely.