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Hospice Myths & Realities
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| Myth: |
Hospice is where you go when there is "nothing else to be done." |
| Reality: |
Hospice is the "something more" that can be done for the patient and the family when the illness cannot be cured. It is a concept based on comfort-oriented care. Referral into hospice is a movement into another mode of therapy, which may be more appropriate for terminal care. |
| Myth: |
Families should be isolated from a dying patient. |
| Reality: |
Hospice staff believe that when family members (including children) experience the dying process in a caring environment, it helps counteract the fear of their own mortality and the mortality of their loved one. |
| Myth: |
Hospice care is more expensive. |
| Reality: |
Studies have shown hospice care to be no more costly. Frequently it is less expensive than conventional care during the last six months of life. Less high-cost technology is used, and family, friends, and volunteers provide 90% of the day-to-day patient care at home.
Additionally, patients eligible for Medicare or Medicaid will pay few out of pocket expenses related to their hospice care. Most private insurers also cover some or most hospice related expenses.
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| Myth: |
You can't keep your own doctor if you enter hospice. |
| Reality: |
Hospice physicians work closely with your doctor of choice to determine a plan of care. |
Information used with permission from Hospice Foundation of America.
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