Patient Resources
The Truth About HospiceChoosing hospice care can be a difficult decision for patients and their families and there are a lot of misconceptions about the service. As a result, many who need quality pain and symptom control, along with social and emotional care, do not take advantage of hospice. Here are some myths and facts to consider when thinking about using hospice:
Myth: Hospice is a place.
Fact: Hospice provides services wherever a patient needs care. This can be in a facility, nursing home or in the privacy of the patient’s home. Around 70 percent of all hospice care is done in the comfort of the home.
Myth: Hospice is for those who are close to death or actively dying.
Fact: The earlier hospice is used, the more benefit patients can receive from the care. Pain and symptom management is more effective when delivered earlier in the disease process. This leads to a higher quality of life for patients with life-limiting conditions.
Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients.
Fact: Any patient with an end stage diagnosis can benefit from hospice. Examples include HIV, kidney disease, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
Myth: A patient must sign a DNR to use hospice.
Fact: You do not have to have a Do Not Resuscitate order (DNR) to receive hospice care. While many hospice patients sign a DNR, this choice is not right for everyone. Patients and their families are involved in all decisions and their wishes are always honored.
Myth: Hospice is only for the dying patient.
Fact: Hospice focuses on the grieving family as much as the patient. Our services involve a team of professionals who help with grief management, financial planning and a variety of other services that benefit the patient’s loved ones before and after loss.
Myth: Patients have to give up their doctor.
Fact: Patients keep their own physician, who works closely with our interdisciplinary team and medical director to determine the best plan of care.
Myth: Hospice is expensive.
Fact: Hospice is a Medicare benefit and most private insurance as well as Medicaid will also cover services. In addition, medical equipment and prescriptions related to the life-limiting condition are covered under these benefits. This often eases the financial burden on patients and their families. We also admit patients regardless of ability to pay.
Myth: Hospice only helps when family members are providing care.
Fact: Hospice patients often live alone or with family members who cannot provide care. We have the ability to coordinate community resources so that the patient can stay in the home. Hospice can also be provided in a facility or other location of the patient’s choosing.
Myth: Hospice is about dying.
Fact: Hospice is about living. When pain and symptoms are managed properly, patients make the most of the time they have left. They are able to spend time with friends and family in the comfort of their home while being in control of the care they are receiving. Choosing hospice does not mean the patient is giving up hope or that death is coming soon. Patients often improve and are discharged from hospice.
Myth: All hospice agencies are the same.
Fact: While the federal regulations governing hospice programs require the same standard services, that does not mean they are all the same. Customer service, admission processes and patient response times all vary. Community Hospice constantly strives to exceed standards when possible and our customer satisfaction rates are among the best in healthcare.