Top 10 Myths of Hospice Care

By media17 | Updated: Sept. 29, 2024, 11:30 p.m.

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Learn about 10 Myths of Hospice Care. Brought to you by Hospice of the Pines: We have been supporting the people of Yavapai County since 2005 by providing expert care and guidance so our patients and their families can have peace, comfort, and quality of life. We have cared for thousands of people throughout the Prescott, Chino Valley, Prescott Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Sedona, and surrounding communities of Yavapai county.

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Top 10 Hospice Care Myths
Presented by:
Hospice care is much more than what the dictionary states!

According to Merriam Webster HOSPICE is a program designed to provide palliative care and emotional support to the terminally ill in a home or homelike setting so that quality of life is maintained, and family members may be active participants in care.

BE A 
MYTH BUSTER
Myth #1
Hospice helps people die which means they have given up on life.
Hospice focuses on caring not curing; it is a continuity of care. Hospice patients don’t give up or want to die, but they choose to concentrate on their comfort and quality of life. The two main goals are to meet a person’s needs with respectful dignity and to help his or her loved ones through the process.

To qualify for hospice care a patient needs to be diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less. Patients experiencing recent health decline, frequent emergency room visits, and hospitalizations, or those suspending aggressive treatment may be eligible for hospice care.

We cannot change the outcome, but we can affect the journey.
NO
Myth #2
Hospice is only for a limited time.
Patients can be on hospice for three days, three weeks, three months, or three years. 
 
It depends on the patient; you are never locked into hospice.  Patients can leave hospice care if their health improves, seek additional medical treatment for separate issues unrelated to their terminal diagnosis, and stay on hospice if they need by the recertification process.
NO
Myth #3
Hospice is expensive.
Hospice is covered by Medicare and most insurances.  It is usually FREE for the patient.  Because it is paid mostly with federal dollars, we act very efficient and ethical in all that we do.  It is all about providing comfort care to the patient while using their benefit according to the law.

Hospice usually saves medical dollars vs. aggressive treatments that will not necessarily change the outcome of the terminal diagnosis.  
NO
Myth #4
Hospice has limited resources.
Hospice cannot do everything, but it is one of the only medical disciplines with a holistic approach by treating the patient’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs; a true interdisciplinary team of care.  Once a patient chooses hospice and qualifies per Medicare guidelines, they are eligible for:
NO
Benefits
respite care 
at a facility to help the caregiver/family with burnout
personal care assistance with a certified nursing assistant 
1
2
3
pain and symptom management with a dedicated nurse
spiritual services 
with a 
chaplain
companionship with a 
hospice volunteer
4
5
6
resource assistance 
with a 
social worker
7
durable medical equipment (beds, chairs, etc.) and medical sundries as needed
Myth #5
Hospice is just like Palliative Care.
Hospice is much more than palliative care.  It uses palliative care techniques but enhances services with bonus opportunities of care.  More than half the individuals on palliative care qualify for hospice but are not ready.  It can be difficult for patients, doctors, and family members to have conversations about end-of-life options. Getting hospice early; before crisis time can be very beneficial for everyone involved.   It takes time to process information and grieve.

Did you know hospice patients who use their benefits tend to live longer and report having more peace and less stress interacting with their families?
YES & NO
Myth #6
Hospice is done in a facility.
Hospice is not a place?  A patient is treated where they reside.  It could include their home, a skilled nursing home, assisted living facility, or a group home. 
NO
Myth #7
Hospice is 24/7 care.
Hospice is regular care, but there is not a nurse surrounding the patient 24/7.  A nurse comes in regularly with other members of the team as needed by the patient.  The number of visits fluctuate with the patient’s condition.  Patients and their approved family members have the ability to contact us 24 hours a day with a question or concern.

Hospice becomes your first line of support.  The patient doesn’t have to run to their doctor or the emergency room.  Everyone can focus on healing peace.
YES & NO
Myth #8
Hospice drugs you to death.
Hospice is about comfort care.  A patient’s medications are evaluated and only medications necessary for comfort are given. The goal is to keep the patient medicated, but not overly medicated.

We want the patient to be accomplish what they want for all their remaining days.  Both, the patient, and their family/caregiver help steer the plan of care.  All medications related to the terminal illness are paid for by hospice and overseen by the Clinical Director and Medical Director.
NO
Myth #9
Hospice brings someone to clean your house and cook your meals.
Unfortunately, it is not a covered expense.  Any additional services are the responsibility of the patient and their family.

Our social work team are experts in resources and refer to other agencies when needed like Meals on Wheels or a reputable home care company for custodial care.  In addition, our volunteers can help with a variety of appropriate non-medical tasks.

It is important to communicate expectations.  If we can’t do something, we problem solve alternative methods of assistance.
NO
Myth #10
Hospice care services and agencies are the same.
All hospice agencies should provide the same care, per Medicare (as they all get paid the same).  Unfortunately, not all hospice agencies are the same.  We recommend patients interview hospice agencies by asking questions and clarifying their care requirements.

Each hopsice agency has their own philosophy.  It takes special people to provide great care. As an example members of the Hospice of the Pines team must have “The Hospice Heart.” The Hospice Heart is expressed by sharing Time, Presence, Grace, and Compassionate Confidence.

YES & NO
BONUS #1
Nonprofit hospices are better 
for the patient.
Most hospice agencies are businesses and many of them like Hospice of the Pines has a Foundation 501(c)3 to support innovative services and community. Donations are always appreciated.

Hospice agencies serve your neighbors, family, and friends; our community.
NO
BONUS #2
My doctor will tell me when I should go on hospice care.
All doctors are striving to heal and provide relief to their patients, but sometimes they don’t get the opportunity to talk about hospice care.  d. Discussions with the patient, often times, focus on curative treatments vs. quality-of-life options due to time availability.

Patients should always bring up treatment topics and empower themselves as a health advocate.
YES & NO
For More Information Contact:  
Hospice of the Pines
hospiceofthepines.com
928.632.0111
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Top 10 Myths of Hospice Care

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