Hospice care is an enormously beneficial and helpful service for many people and families, but sadly, pieces of misinformation about this world may cause some individuals or families to misunderstand the possible benefits of these programs. These myths all started in various ways, but what’s important is ensuring that anyone considering hospice care has the proper information about every area they might be inquiring about.
At Suncrest Home Health and Hospice, we’re proud to not only offer the very best hospice services in Austin and nearby areas, but also to provide our clients with all the correct information about these programs and how they may benefit individuals and families alike. What are some of the most common myths out there about hospice care in general? Here are several, plus the proper information in each of these areas.
Myth #1: Hospice Is Too Expensive
Perhaps the single most common myth out there about hospice care is that it’s prohibitively expensive due to the costs involved in hiring staff for this kind of program. While it’s true that hiring hospice care providers is expensive, with most services estimated to cost around $100 an hour or more, there’s a simple offset here: Hospice is fully funded by Medicare and Medicaid benefits, with no length or other limits that could affect spending.
In fact, the only cost to the patient is a small co-pay of around five dollars per prescription, as well as for outpatient services like nursing or therapy treatment. In reality, most people spend far less on their hospice care than they would have had they not been part of this program from the start.
Even if a given patient isn’t covered under Medicare or Medicaid, private insurance will almost always cover hospice care in its entirety.
Myth #2: Hospice Care Is Only for People Who Have “Given Up”
We’re not sure where this particular myth comes from, but it bothers us deeply. Hospice is designed for people who have life-limiting conditions, helping live their final months, weeks, or days as fully and comfortably as possible. It is not a place for people who have “given up” on life, but rather for those who are ready to make the most of their remaining time.
In fact, research has shown that people who receive hospice care often live longer than those who don’t, due to the comprehensive and compassionate approach to care that’s available under this program. Not only this, but quality of life is often improved for hospice patients, who often report feeling more relaxed and at peace knowing that their needs will be taken care of.
Myth #3: There’s No Turning Back After Hospice
Once again, this simply isn’t true. There are numerous cases where patients in our hospice communities see improvements to their health conditions and can come off of hospice care to live a healthier, happier daily life.
And in situations where a patient has left our hospice care, re-entering is very easy if this becomes necessary down the line. When people choose our hospice care, they’re able to focus on their quality of life without worrying about the financial burden that would come with traditional in-home nursing visits.
Myth #4: You Must Sign a DNR (Do-Not-Resuscitate) to Receive Hospice Care
Some of our readers are likely familiar with DNRs, which allow individuals to state their wishes in regards to resuscitation in the event that they experience a cardiac or respiratory arrest. DNRs are an important part of end-of-life care, but they are not required for hospice enrollment.
Now, many of the patients in hospice care may have some kind of DNR in place, and we’re happy to work with this to provide comfort and peace of mind. However, not having one will never preclude an individual from receiving hospice care and services.
Myth #5: Hospices Take Advantage of the Elderly
We understand why some people might think this is true; seeing a loved one pass away can be incredibly painful and emotionally draining, so it’s important to be aware of any organizations that might take advantage of you during this difficult time.
But the fact is, no reputable hospice provider will ever make financial or medical decisions for a patient or their family members. It’s always up to the patient and/or their primary caregiver(s) to decide what types of care are right for them.
And in terms of healthcare, Medicare has strict regulations surrounding the hiring practices of hospice agencies to ensure that these programs are providing care without bias or complete control over individual medical decisions.
Myth #6: Hospice Must be A Specific Physical Place
There’s a common misconception out there that hospice care takes place in dedicated facilities, much like a hospital or nursing home. However, hospice care can actually take place in any setting that the patient prefers — their home, a family member’s home, or a dedicated hospice facility.
Furthermore, hospice care is not just for the elderly; it’s for anyone with a life-limiting illness or condition, regardless of their age. It’s important to never let misconceptions or myths get in the way of helping you or a loved one receive the best possible care.
Myth #7: Hospice and Palliative Care Are Identical
While palliative and hospice care share some definite similarities, they are not identical at all. Palliative care refers to a type that’s offered as soon as a patient is diagnosed, and will often be ongoing alongside other treatments. Hospice care, on the other hand, is typically reserved for those patients who have a life-limiting illness and are typically past the major treatment phase of the condition.
There are also typically differences in the kinds of conditions that patients are dealing with. While palliative care often focuses on chronic conditions such as heart failure or cancer, hospice can be used in any situation when a patient is facing the end of their life.
Myth #8: Hospice is Only for Cancer Patients
While cancer patients are indeed among those who often utilize hospice care services, we’re not sure where the idea sprung up that hospice care is only for those battling the disease. In fact, hospice care can be used for anyone with a life-limiting illness or condition, regardless of the stage of their disease.
This also includes patients with chronic conditions such as heart failure or Alzheimer’s disease, as well as those who are nearing the end of their life due to old age. So if you’re unsure about whether hospice is the right choice for you or a loved one, be sure to talk with your doctor about all of your options.
Myth #9: You Can’t Keep Your Own Doctor During Hospice Care
For some, there’s a mistaken assumption that hospice care means a complete stoppage of all previous treatments and that you must switch to a new doctor who will be in charge of your care. However, this is absolutely not the case.
Hospice care is meant to provide additional support and care, but patients are always free to continue seeing their own doctor if they choose. In fact, many hospices have close relationships with local doctors and can work with them to ensure that all of the patient’s needs are being met. In many cases, specific arrangements will be made to allow previous doctors to continue providing care even after the patient has enrolled in hospice.
Myth #10: There’s No Point in Hospice Care
Perhaps the single myth out there regarding hospice care that bothers us the most is the idea that for those who are candidates for this sort of care, there’s “no point” in pursuing it. If the person is already dying, this line of strange thinking goes, why would you want to pay for them to receive additional care?
The truth, of course, is that hospice care provides countless benefits, including pain relief, support for family members and loved ones, and even continued counseling. The only downside is the myth itself — because far too many people believe it!
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting yourself or your loved one to feel comfortable and happy as they go through the end stages of a terminal illness. And that’s exactly what hospice care can provide.
In fact, it’s common to keep the same team in place throughout your hospice care experience, meaning you get to know and love your nurse and doctor immediately, without having to start from scratch later on down the road. This can be an enormous comfort to those who are nearing the end of their life.
At the end of life, there’s no wrong choice. If you or a loved one is considering hospice care, be sure to talk to your doctor and learn more about what this type of service can offer. The myths above are based on misunderstandings and misconceptions, but with the right information in hand, you can make the best decision for you or your loved one.
For more on debunking the common myths surrounding hospice care, or to learn about any of our hospice care or home care services in Austin or any nearby area, speak to the caring staff at Suncrest Home Health and Hospice today.
