The hospice program was started in 1974 to help care for terminally ill patients and their families and keep Americans comfortable as they near the end of their lives. Despite the fact that it has been around for almost half a century, there are still a lot of negative misconceptions about hospice that act as barriers to participation. Read on to find out about 10 myths about hospice and learn the truth about what it is and how it works.
Myth #1: Hospice Is a Place to Go to Die
In reality, hospice isn’t a place at all. Caregivers offer Hospice Care services in a variety of locations, including everything from private residences to nursing homes and hospitals.
Myth #2: Loved Ones Must Give Up All Control Over Patients’ Care
Family members and other loved ones form an integral part of hospice patients’ care teams. They work with physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides, and others to come up with a plan that will ensure the patient is receiving all the care he or she needs to remain comfortable and can play as large or small of a role in caregiving as they want.
Myth #3: Hospice Is Only for the Religious
People of all religions or no religion can take advantage of hospice programs. They can get aid and guidance from chaplains or other spiritual counselors if they want it, but there’s nothing inherently religious or spiritual about hospice.
Myth #4: Hospice Is Expensive
The hospice program can actually reduce families’ expenses during the final six months of a terminally ill patient’s life. This benefit is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance so, for many patients, it will cost next to nothing.
Myth #5: Patients Must Forgo All Medications and Treatments
Hospice patients don’t need to stop their treatments or give up their medications. They’re actually encouraged to take advantage of medications and palliative treatments to relieve pain and discomfort.
Myth #6: Hospice Is About Giving Up
Don’t assume that, because hospice enrollment is restricted to those diagnosed with terminal illnesses, it means hospice patients are just giving up on life. What the program is really about is helping patients enjoy the time they have left.
Myth #7: Hospice Patients Die Sooner
The goal of hospice isn’t to prolong life, but it isn’t to hasten death, either. It’s to help patients live in comfort and dignity during the end of their days. Some patients actually live longer with the help of hospice workers.
Myth #8: Hospice Includes Voluntary Euthanasia
Hospice patients are terminally ill, so they eventually pass away from their diseases or their complications. Voluntary euthanasia is not a part of any hospice program.
Myth #9: Hospice Withholds Food and Water
In some cases, a patient’s disease can interfere with his or her body’s natural ability to process foods and water, and terminally ill patients almost always eat and drink less. However, hospice workers will never withhold nutrition or fluids.
Myth #10: Hospice Is Only for Cancer Patients
Although many hospice patients are suffering from terminal cancer, patients with any terminal illness are eligible for enrollment. Other common terminal illnesses whose symptoms can be controlled by hospice include ALS, Alzheimer’s, MS, AIDS, and COPD as well as kidney, liver, and heart disease.
The Bottom Line
Negative stereotypes about hospice can dissuade patients nearing the end of their lives from seeking the care they need. The best way to find out the truth is to speak with a specialist to learn about hospice and palliative care options.
This article was very informative. I too had some negative ideas about hospice care.