Common Myths about Hospice
“Hospice is only used in the very last weeks of life.”
Hospice care can begin when the patient’s physician gives a prognosis of six months or less if the disease follows the expected course. Hospice often provides such comfort and support that many outlive their expected prognosis. The earlier the hospice referral when a patient meets admission criteria, the better it is for the patient and family to receive the full benefit of hospice services.
“Hospice administers morphine to hasten the dying process.”
Morphine and/or other comfort medications may be provided to help patients feel more comfortable. If a patient is in pain or experiencing respiratory distress while transitioning to end of life, morphine and/or any other comfort medication may require titration of dosage to maintain and ensure the patient is restful. The key is understanding the body processes medications differently at end of life.
“Hospice patients are sedated so much that they sleep all the time.”
The reality is that regardless of medications, increased sleeping and fatigue are part of the end of life process. While some medications can cause side effects of drowsiness, they are not used for sedation.
“If the patient doesn’t feel pain, it’s too early for hospice.”
Hospice care can begin based on the patient’s prognosis. They may want the extra comfort and support that hospice can provide as early as possible.
“The cost of hospice is too expensive.”
Hospice care is covered under the Medicare hospice benefit, Medicaid, VA and most private insurance plans.
“Hospice provides 24 hour care.”
While hospice staff members are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they do not necessarily provide round the clock care. For patients who need multiple hours of care, and are not in pain crisis, inpatient or non-medical home care programs providing round the clock care may be best while continuing hospice care.
“Hospice only lasts for six months.”
A patient is referred to hospice care when a doctor determines a patient’s prognosis is six months or less. However, if the patient lives longer, hospice care will continue. Bereavement services are offered for family members for thirteen months after patient death.
“Hospice is only for cancer patients.”
Hospice is appropriate for patients with a terminal diagnosis and a prognosis of six months or less including, but not limited to the following terminal diagnoses: Alzheimer’s/Dementia, Parkinson’s, Chronic Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Stroke, and many others.
“Hospice is giving up.”
Receiving hospice care does not mean giving up hope. When given a terminal diagnosis, patients find that hospice services allow them to live life as fully as possible until the end.