5 Myths About Hospice & Palliative Care

There are a few misconceptions about hospice and palliative care. We break down these 5 myths about hospice and palliative care.

There is a time limit on Hospice care.
Many people believe that in order to receive hospice care a patient must be expected to live less than six months.  This is not true. There is no rule determined by life expectancy.

Hospice hastens death.
Palliative care is not designed to shorten or lengthen life but rather to relieve emotional and physical pain while managing symptoms.  It’s goal is to make the patient as comfortable as possible.

You can only receive hospice care at hospice centers.
People are able to receive hospice care wherever they feel most at home and comfortable. They can receive care at home or at a licensed facility.  Care is never denied or reduced even if a patient’s funds have been depleted. 

Hospice depends on sedation as the main way to manage pain.
Many people with a terminal illness do not fear death the most, but the process and pains of dying. With pain comes pain management. Pain management starts at low doses and if that dosage doesn’t work, only then is it increased. Hospice can be comfortable and on individual terms.

Patients can also take advantage of spiritual counseling. In addition to physical pain there is emotional and psychological pain. Hospice helps the patient and their families and also provides bereavement assistance.

Once you’re under hospice care there’s no turning back.
This is not true. Patients can stop hospice treatment at any time and return to a curative based approach. If the patient shows signs of improvement they may be returned to a curative treatment. 

Hospice is not about giving up. It is about making passing as painless and comfortable as possible. Death is not easy to deal with but patients can have a choice on where to pass with dignity and comfort.