Hospice Care: The Myths and Realities

One of the challenges that all hospice caregivers face is to help dispel common myths and reassure patients and families about the realities of effective end-of-life care.
Consider these mistaken notions about hospice care:
Myth: Hospice is a place.

Reality: Hospice is not a place it is a philosophy of care that focuses on enhancing peoples comfort and quality of life during their final months of life. Hospice care can be administered at the patients home, hospice inpatient units as well as hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities or residential care facilities. It includes expert pain management by treating physical symptoms, while providing emotional and spiritual support.



Myth: Hospice means giving up.

Reality: Hospice care is about life, some of the most important moments of life. Hospice aims to make life as comfortable, enjoyable and meaningful as possible. The care is provided by highly skilled, interdisciplinary teams of palliative care experts, including physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement specialists and volunteers.



Myth: Hospice care is only for the very old.

Reality: People of all ages face death, so age is not a determining factor for hospice care. Hospice care is customized to meet the patients individual needs, focusing on comfort and dignity for the patient and support for loved ones.



Myth: Hospice care is expensive.

Reality: Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. To be eligible for hospice under Medicare, the patient must be entitled to Part A of Medicare and certified as being terminally ill, with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease runs its course, by the patients own physician and a hospice physician.



Myth: Hospice is for religious people.

Reality: Hospice serves patients from all cultural backgrounds and faith traditions as well as those who profess they are not connected with a faith community. Spiritual support offered by chaplains is an essential component of holistic healthcare and invaluable for those dealing with end-of-life needs. However, speaking to a chaplain is a patients choice.

Since 1978, VITAS Healthcare has helped define and continuously elevate the standards of care for hospice and is committed to helping patients stay at home, or in their preferred setting.

Editors Note: Brenda J. Iliff is the executive director ofHazelden in Naples, Florida, a part of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.They can be reached at 866-261-3734.