Hospice Myths: Learn the Facts About This Approach to Care

If you knew that a much better quality of life could be achieved for someone you care about, you would not think twice about exploring that option. Yet one of the most beneficial kinds of care – hospice care – is one that family members shy away from, as a result of many different misperceptions and hospice myths. 

Hospice is intended to assist someone with a life-limiting illness find respite from pain as well as other difficult symptoms, while receiving comfort, emotional, and spiritual support. Hospice care is provided 24/7, both for the person in need of care and to help family members. And, for those covered by Medicare, hospice care is available for a really low cost or even at no cost. Many additional insurance policies cover hospice care too.

Here are some of the top hospice myths and the real facts you should know about this important approach to care:

• Hospice is only needed at the very end of life. Many people incorrectly assume that hospice services are for a person’s last couple of days, when in reality, the earlier hospice care is started, the better. The requirements for Medicare-covered hospice services are simply for a doctor to certify that the person could pass away within 6 months. The hospice team and the doctor will continue to monitor and modify this prognosis ongoing, either discharging the individual from hospice if improvement is noted, or recertifying if life extends beyond six months. 
• A person can no longer receive medical treatment while on hospice. While it is true that typically aggressive treatments that will not result in a cure are stopped, the objective of hospice care is always to help a person with pain and symptom management. Treatments intended to improve the person’s comfort are a fundamental element of hospice care.
• Hospice takes place in the hospital or a facility. Hospice care is offered anywhere the person and family members wish. In-home hospice care is readily available for people who elect to remain at home for a lifetime or in a facility setting, if preferred. No matter what living arrangement, hospice care is brought to that individual – bypassing the need to go out to physician’s appointments.

Hospice care is a holistic approach to meeting the needs of the person receiving the care, in addition to his or her loved ones. Beginning care as soon as possible allows maximum time to take advantage of the resources, comfort, and support necessary for the most peaceful transition possible.

For answers to any other questions regarding hospice care, contact CareWorks Health Services at (949) 859-4700. We can share some further helpful information about the benefits associated with hospice care and provide you with a free in-home consultation to speak with you regarding the options for in-home care in Huntington Beach and nearby communities.