HOSPICE CARE
Four Common Myths Myth #1: Hospice is a place. About Hospice Fact: “Hospice is not a place but rather, a philosophy of care,” Dr. Payne said. “Hospice comes to you wherever you call home, surrounding you and your caregivers with the support you need at the end of life.” Myth #2: Hospice is giving up. Fact: “Hospice is not giving up,” Dr. Payne said. “It is enhanced care at the end of life, to maximize quality of life at the end of life.” Myth #3: Hospice is only for those who are actively dying. Fact: “Hospice is for any person with chronic illness whose life expectancy is six months or less,” Dr. Payne said. “The true benefit of electing hospice care is seen when hospice is brought in sooner rather than later.” Myth #4: Can patients actually improve? Fact: This one is actually true! “To remain on hospice, a patient needs to have a life expectancy of six months or less should the disease process run its normal course,” Dr. Payne said. “Many times, we see hospice care come into a patient’s life and wrap their arms around a patient and family, getting them the right care at the right time, and
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the patient actually improves. The disease process may still be there, but perhaps the patient has learned to manage it differently, they now have the resources they need. Some patients do not continue to decline but rather, improve. Big takeaway Hospice care is generally an appropriate option for those who are terminally ill with approximately six months or less to live. While there are generally some misconceptions about hospice care, first and foremost, it is about maximizing a patient’s quality of life at the end of life. In addition, hospice care can provide support, resources and information to you and your family during this difficult time, including bereavement counseling. “Should the patient continue to decline, they have everything they need to do this with comfort and dignity on hospice care. Should the patient improve, they can either choose to revoke their hospice benefit or the hospice may say the patient no longer qualifies for hospice care and they graduate.” ~ Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Banner Health. They can be reached at 970-400-9728 or visit BannerHealth.com. See ad on page 93.
