When we first talk to families coming onto hospice care, they begin the conversation with a handful of questions and misconceptions. They’re not sure what to expect and don’t quite understand the level of care hospice can provide. At Ardent Hospice & Palliative Care, our families are always pleasantly surprised after we quell their fears and concerns and explain the kind of care they should expect with hospice.
At Ardent, we often become a part of our patients’ families, and part of that responsibility is dispelling any myths they might have about hospice care to make them feel more at ease during the process. Here are 10 myths we often encounter and the truth behind each one.
Myth: I’ll be starting a whole new care plan.
We realize that some patients feel very close to their primary care provider and don’t want to give up seeing them or deviate from their original care plan. It’s a common myth that we’re going to change their whole care plan that their doctor has in place for them, but that’s typically not the case. There might be some changes we make, for instance discontinuing medication, but we talk to our patient’s doctor first, and it’s usually a smooth process that is always based on the patient’s medical necessity at that time.
Myth: The only care I’ll receive is being given endless morphine.
Sometimes, patients believe that once they come onto hospice, they’ll be given a tremendous amount of morphine. The truth is, while pain management is an important part of hospice care, there are multiple ways we work with patients to reduce any pain or discomfort they feel. Our care plan isn’t set to one drug—in fact, some patients never receive morphine—it’s heavily dependent on the patient’s and family’s wishes.
Myth: Hospice care is one size fits all—so there’s no point.
With Ardent, one size fits all is never the case. We always take time to learn a patient’s medical history and understand their emotional status and family background before creating a personalized care plan.
Our care plan is also constantly updated; on visits, our nurses fully evaluate each patient—reviewing vital signs, checking in on the patient’s emotional state, and completing a full body assessment—and use that information to update our plan to reflect all aspects that may make them feel comfortable.
Myth: Hospice care is only for cancer patients.
Many patients believe they can’t receive hospice care unless they have cancer, but there are actually multiple diagnoses that can make someone eligible for the hospice program, such as Chediak Higashi Syndrome or (CHS), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), kidney disease, or liver disease. When a doctor recommends hospice, they do so with the understanding that a patient’s terminal diagnosis does not have a set cure, and there is the possibility that they could pass within six months.
Myth: Hospice is a death sentence.
Hospice is never about hastening death; in reality, it’s a chance for patients to comfortably live out their last days. Hospice requires a terminal diagnosis (of six months or less), but we often have patients who are with us beyond six months, and some even improve enough to come off of care completely.
Myth: I’ll have to leave my home to receive hospice care.
Part of the benefit of hospice care is that we go to our patients. Once someone comes onto hospice care, they no longer have to worry about making it out to their doctor’s office for appointments.
Sometimes, this confusion occurs because we often visit skilled nursing facilities to deliver care. While we are authorized to go to a facility to give care, we will go wherever our patients need us—whether that be a live-in center or their homes.
Myth: Hospice care is only for physical needs.
Hospice care has evolved to be more about a patient’s emotional state. It’s more than just a nurse who comes to visit; patients can benefit from licensed vocational nurses, nurse practitioners, medical doctors, care aides, social workers, spiritual counselors, and caring volunteers as well.
We stress the importance of caring for the patient as a whole, prioritizing their emotional and spiritual wellbeing as much as their physical comfort.
Myth: Hospice care is solely about the patient.
The care doesn’t stop after a patient has passed; hospice care is about bringing hope to a patient and their families as well. Our social workers and spiritual counselors stay heavily involved with our families, offering grief and emotional support, following the death of their loved one.
Myth: Hospice care is expensive.
Another common misconception is that patients and their families will have to pay expensive out-of-pocket costs. When we accept a patient into our hospice program, they never have to worry about a bill at the end of service. Often, Medicare covers the entire cost of their care, including medication and medical equipment. And in the very rare circumstance a patient’s insurance doesn’t cover hospice care, we’ll work with the provider to adjust benefits or utilize our No One Should Die Alone Foundation to make sure the patient gets the care they need.
Myth: I can only receive specialized care if I’m about to die.
Recently, a patient was surprised to know Ardent provides a palliative program. While this is separate from hospice, we do offer specialized care that is available to patients who are still seeking curative treatments.
For more information on the hospice care Ardent provides, click here.
Share +