Understanding Hospice: Breaking Myths and Embracing Supportive End-of-Life Care
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “hospice?” Many of us associate terms such as terminal, old, hopelessness, and withdrawn when the topic of hospice care arises. However, at its core, hospice is truly a wonderful approach to care. Each November, we recognize National Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Month, taking time to educate seniors and their families about the tremendous difference hospice makes when a loved one is facing a terminal illness or nearing the end of life. Below are the top four myths about hospice care to help seniors and their families better understand and embrace this supportive end-of-life care.
Hospice Care Means Giving Up
One of the biggest myths about hospice care that many people believe is that it means you’re giving up on the patient and abandoning all hope. The truth is that hospice care focuses on improving the quality of life of the person facing a terminal illness or nearing the end of life. Instead of continuing to pursue aggressive treatments, the patient is choosing to receive comfort care.
Hospice Care is Only for the Final Days
Another misconception about hospice care is that it’s only for the last few days or very end stages of life. Although many patients choose to receive hospice care closer to the end of life, hospice care can begin at any point after a patient receives a prognosis of six months or less. In some cases, a patient outlives that initial six-month prognosis. Hospice care might be terminated or downgraded to palliative care, or your doctor might recertify the terminal illness, allowing hospice care to continue.
Hospice Care is Only Provided in a Facility
Yet another myth about hospice care is that it’s only offered in a facility setting, such as a hospital or nursing home. In reality, there are many home-based hospice care providers that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, this allows the patient to maintain a sense of familiarity and peace, keeps them more connected with family, and can be less stressful compared to a hospital setting.
Hospice Care is Expensive
Lastly, many people have the false notion that hospice care is expensive, so they don’t explore it. However, most hospice care services are covered by health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. Although how much insurance covers depends on your plan, the focus of hospice care is to provide support and comfort without adding financial burden to the patient and their family. Seniors and their families should at least explore hospice services if needed instead of ruling it out altogether because they think it’s too expensive.
Where to Find Help
If you are facing a terminal illness or perhaps beginning to think about end-of-life care and what you want that to look like, here are a few local organizations that can help:
Senior Connections – Offers services, including care coordination, caregiver support, and access to many senior resources to help manage end-of-life needs.
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services – Provides information and resources for seniors, including options for long-term care and end-of-life planning.
Hospice of Virginia – Provides compassionate end-of-life care that focuses on dignity, choice, and comfort. The website also offers several resources for family members and caregivers, including end-of-life care, advanced directives, and paying for hospice.
Visiting Angels Richmond is here to support seniors at all stages, including end-of-life. Our elderly care services complement the hospice care provided by hospice teams. Our professional caregivers can help with daily living activities, personal care, companionship, and emotional support, ensuring comfort and quality of life for seniors in hospice care. While we assist with non-medical care, your hospice care team can manage your medical needs. We also work closely with the hospice care team, ensuring your loved one and family are supported during the final days. To learn more, please contact us by calling 804-353-0000.