Lack of information, misunderstandings, and fear keep many people from taking advantage of hospice services. The truth is, dying is an uncomfortable subject that most people don\’t what to think about. Thankfully, CHP Hospice offers an incredibly compassionate and loving approach to a terribly unsettling experience.
Here are some common myths, and the facts, about end-of-life care.
Myth: Hospice care is only for people giving up on life.
Fact: Ultimately, hospice is not about dying. It is about helping patients live life to the fullest, with the time they have left.
Myth: Hospice care is only for people with a few days or weeks to live.
Fact: Hospice is appropriate when physicians believe a patient’s life expectancy is six months or less if the illness follows its normal course. However, hospice is not limited to six months or less. In fact, there is no limit to how long a patient can receive hospice care. The earlier someone is referred to hospice the better, because it takes time to implement all the services available to control pain and symptoms as well as support emotional, social, and spiritual support.
Myth: Hospice is only for people with cancer.
Fact: Hospice is for patients of any age with a prognosis of six months to live or less. Diagnoses for hospice admission may include cancer, dementia, heart disease, lung disease, stroke or coma.
Myth: Once you decide on hospice, you can’t go back.
Fact: You have several options while on hospice. Patients can revoke hospice participation at any time. Their medical condition may improve or they may decide to pursue curative treatment again. Likewise, patients can come back on hospice services at a later time.
Myth: Hospice care ends with the passing of the patient.
Fact: Bereavement or grief support is an important part of hospice. CHP offers bereavement support for up to a year after a loved one passes.
Myth: Hospice and palliative care are the same.
Fact: Both provide comfort. Hospice begins after the decision to end curative treatment while palliative care begin at diagnosis and happens at the same time as treatment.
Myth: Hospice care is expensive.
Fact: Hospice is a fully funded Medicare/Medicaid and VA benefit, unlimited in length, and covered by many insurance plans.
For questions or services, please contact the CHP Hospice location closest to you. We\’re happy to help!