Common Myths and Misconceptions About Hospice
September 1, 2020
Myth: Hospice care is only for people giving up on life.
Fact: Ultimately, hospice is not about dying. It is about helping patients live life to the fullest, with the time they have left. Multiple research studies show those with a terminal illness who choose hospice often live longer and have a better quality of life than those who choose aggressive end-of-life medical care.
Myth: Hospice happens at a hospital or hospice facility.
Fact: Hospice is provided anywhere a patient calls home. Often that’s in the patient’s home or the home of a family member, but it could also be a nursing home, assisted living facility or hospital.
Myth: Once you decide on hospice, you can’t go back.
Fact: Patients can revoke hospice participation at any time. Their medical condition may improve or a patient may decide to pursue curative treatment again. Patients can choose to use their hospice benefits at a later time, if they wish.
Myth: Hospice care is ONLY for people with a few days or weeks to live.
Fact: Hospice is “end of life” care as opposed to just “end of days” care. While hospice certainly helps patients and families during a medical crisis, the fullest benefit occurs when pain and symptoms are managed and patients have time to make personal and spiritual connections.
Myth: Hospice care ends with the passing of the patient.
Fact: Bereavement or grief support is an important part of hospice. At Cypress Basin, we offer families 13 months of bereavement support after the death of a family member. We also offer a bereavement camp in the summer for school aged children dealing with the loss of a loved one, whether the loved one was on our service or not.