Health & Wellness — Expert Article
Dispelling Hospice Myths While hospice care isn’t new (since the 1970’s in the US), there is still so much that both healthcare personnel and the general population do not yet understand about hospice services. Most people’s understanding regarding hospice is based on myth. This makes it important to first know these myths before we can better understand hospice. Myth #1: Hospice care is for patients who have cancer. Truth: Hospice care is for anyone who has reached the end of life or nearing end of life. The truth is that as of 2020, patients with a cancer diagnosis only made up for 30% of the patients receiving hospice care. There does not necessarily have to be a “terminal” illness or disease either. Myth #2: In order for a person to qualify for hospice care they must be actively dying. Truth: To qualify for hospice people only need to be declining. Signs of decline include, but are not limited to: weight loss, lack of appetite, increased sleeping, frequent falling, decrease in ambulation and getting out of the house, frequent urinary tract infections/other infections, etc. If you have observed some of these things, it never hurts to call a hospice agency and ask for a free in-home assessment. Myth #3: I have to quit my meds if I go on hospice. Truth: When a patient elects hospice care, a
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My Community - Spanish Fork
Community Expert: Hospice Care Carma Karsten nurse will come to the home and review the patient’s medications with the patient and the physician. The nurse will provide education to the patient and their caregiver in regard to each medication, what it does, why they take it, discuss whether it makes sense, and discuss the side effects of taking it versus not taking it, leaving the final decision to you. Myth #4: My doctor will tell me when I am ready for hospice care. Truth: As with anything else, hospice is a specialty, and our staff have been thoroughly trained on determining a patient’s eligibility. This is done by completing both a physical and medical record assessment for the patient. Myth #5: If I choose hospice care I have to agree to a DNR (Do not resuscitate) status. Truth: Not true. With hospice care, it really is all about the patient's desires and wishes. While we will discuss the pros and cons of a DNR status, the patient can remain “full resuscitation” if they choose. Myth #6: Hospice care is expensive. Truth: Hospice care can actually save the patient money. Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private health insurances.
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