Ten myths about hospice

Myth #1: Patients need to be imminently dying to be admitted to hospice services.

False. Hospice care is most beneficial when there is sufficient time to manage symptoms and establish a trusting relationship.

Myth #2: Hospice only serves patients with cancer.

False. Hospice is also appropriate for patients with end-stage respiratory, cardiac, liver, renal, dementia and neurological diseases.

Myth #3: There is a strict limit on the length of hospice services.

False. Although the physician is asked to certify a prognosis of six months or less, there is, in fact, no limit to the length of hospice services. Should a patient stabilize over many months, or should there be a change in the goals of the plan of care, a patient may be discharged from hospice. A patient may choose to discontinue hospice services at any time for any reason.

Myth #4: Hospice patients are served only in their own homes.

False. While most patients choose to receive services at home, Faith Hospice also cares for patients in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, adult foster care, hospitals, the Faith Hospice residence, and other places of residence.

Myth #5: Hospice patients may not be hospitalized.

False. Patients may be admitted to the hospital or the Faith Hospice residence for symptom control if needed.

Myth #6: Hospice means giving up hope.

False. Hope never goes away. When the hope for a cure is no longer possible, the hope for living each day to the fullest becomes the focus.

Myth #7: Hospice is depressing; I don’t want to talk about death and dying.

False. Faith Hospice staff is friendly, caring, and sensitive to your needs. We emphasize life and living. Our staff does not force any kind of conversation.

Myth #8: Patients must be homebound to qualify for hospice.

False. Many Faith Hospice patients are able to continue an active lifestyle including visiting friends and family and pursuing meaningful interests and activities.

Myth #9: Hospice services are expensive.

False. Medicare and Medicaid offer a Hospice Benefit under which hospice services are covered 100%. Medications, oxygen, and equipment related to the terminal illness are paid for. In addition, many commercial health plans now offer a hospice benefit as well, many with minimal co-pays. Faith Hospice staff can check with your provider.

Myth #10: Patients are required to sign a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ (DNR) order.

False. You are not required to sign a DNR order for admission to hospice services. We appreciate how difficult it is to make the decision about resuscitation. Our staff is available to assist the patient and family with end-of-life decision making and, if desired, preparation of Advanced Directives for Health Care and the DNR declaration.