If you’re like many people in Philadelphia, your knowledge of hospice care is limited. The topic isn’t one that naturally comes up in conversation, as discussing the end of life can be difficult. And the truth is, hospice services are often misunderstood.
Hospice is immensely beneficial for those with life-limiting illnesses – and for their families as well – but if you turn to the internet for information or ask others about hospice care, you might have a different opinion. Quite a few myths and misconceptions are floating around, many of which seem completely believable. Consequently, it’s very easy to get the wrong idea.
To address this, the team at Suncrest Hospice in Philadelphia is sharing the truth behind several of the most widely spread rumors regarding end-of-life care services.
MYTH: Hospice Care is Too Expensive for Most Families
Reality: Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries actually pay little to nothing for hospice services. Most private insurance plans also fully cover the costs. As such, families typically end up spending far less on hospice care for a loved one than they would have on conventional care.
MYTH: Hospice Services are Only for Cancer Patients
Reality: Although cancer patients are often eligible for hospice care, services are available for those with any life-limiting illness. Philadelphia residents with heart disease, kidney failure, dementia, lung disease and chronic conditions can take advantage of end-of-life care services.
MYTH: Hospice is a Place Where People Go to Die
Reality: Hospice isn’t a special facility – it’s a special philosophy of care, and patients can opt to receive services wherever they prefer. For many people, the right setting is their own home or that of a family member, an assisted living community or a Philadelphia residential care facility.
MYTH: Entering Hospice Means Giving Up Control
Reality: Anyone who is of sound mind can make their own decisions regarding their level of care. Accepting hospice services doesn’t take away that control. Instead, patients and their families are encouraged to point out their needs and wishes, and care providers come up with plans to meet the requirements.
MYTH: Hospice Care Services Makes Death Come Sooner
Reality: The focus of hospice is improve the quality of life in the time leading up to death. Philadelphia patients often receive pain-relieving medication, but only in a sufficient dosage to help them feel more comfortable. In fact, all of the medications used are for relief from troubling symptoms, not to hasten death.
MYTH: Accepting Hospice Care is Giving Up on Life
Reality: When someone enters hospice, it doesn’t mean that they’ve lost hope and are ready to die. It means they’ve realized that fully enjoying the time they have left is what matters most. By accepting care services, people with life-limiting illnesses can live out their final days in comfort and peace.
MYTH: Hospice is for People with Hours or Days Left to Live
Reality: Hospice care is certainly beneficial near the end, but services can be accessed as soon as a patient receives a prognosis of six months or less. And no, this doesn’t mean people are only eligible for six months of care – if that time period passes, services can continue as long as a patient’s condition remains serious.
MYTH: Hospice Patients Must Sign a Do Not Resuscitate Order
Reality: Many Philadelphia residents who are in hospice care have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in place, as resuscitation can lead to further injury and disability. However, this isn’t a requirement – anyone who wishes can receive medical intervention if their breathing or heart stops.
MYTH: Hospice Patients Can’t Keep their Preferred Doctors
Reality: End-of-life services are designed to provide terminally ill patients with additional support and care. To that end, no one is forced to switch from their personal doctor to a different physician. Quite the contrary, actually, as special arrangements are often made to enable a patient’s preferred physician to oversee their plan of care.
MYTH: There’s No Going Back After Entering Hospice Care
Reality: Anyone can leave a hospice program at any time and for any reason. In situations where someone’s health improves, making them ineligible for services, they can be discharged. Some opt to receive palliative care instead. And if necessary, a patient can always re-enter hospice care.
MYTH: All Philadelphia Hospice Care Providers are the Same
Reality: While all Philadelphia hospice programs are required to meet certain requirements and abide by specific regulations determined by the state of Pennsylvania, the range of support services offered can vary. Finding a provider who takes a holistic approach and puts patient care first – like the Suncrest team – is essential.
Do You Want the Facts on Hospice Care in Philadelphia?
Above, we dispelled many of the myths that surround hospice care, but we’re sure there are others – and the best way to get the truth is to speak with someone who really knows what end-of-life services are really like. For the information you need, call Suncrest Hospice.
Every member of the Suncrest Care Team is fully dedicated to providing exceptional support to patients with life-limiting illnesses. We’re here to support families of the terminally ill as well, and we’d be happy to answer your questions. If you have a loved one in Philadelphia who could benefit from hospice care services, contact us online or give our office a call today.
