Debunking The Top 5 Hospice Care Myths With Facts

In Maryland, there are various institutions offering hospice care facilities, but many people are not aware of them. It is because of the various hospice myths that circulate around the world. People diagnosed with a life-limiting illness or terminal illness take hospice care services but only they come to know about it in the last stage of their illnesses.

Imagine how amazing it would be if they would have got to know about hospice care in the first place.

There are various misconceptions about hospice care services that people often relate to. In this article, we are going to look at various misconceptions that one has, and we will dispel those myths. By debunking the myths of hospice care, one gets a full picture of the benefits of hospice care.

Imagine this: Your loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, like Cancer and has only a month to live. How would you like to spend those last few months? Would you like to spend your time doing their chores and looking after them without having spent any quality time? At times, when your loved one is taking the last breath, what would be the most memorable moment?

Cherished moments bring joy even in the end, so remember to spend those years as much as you can. In the end, we hold on to those cherishing moments shared with our loved ones.

What are hospice care services?

Various terminal illnesses are, unfortunately, not curable. In such a scenario, no amount of medicine can cure the disease. However, there is one solution to this problem, i.e., focusing on the care and comfort of the illness rather than treating the pain.

And this is what hospice care services do!

Hospice care services are the type of home care services that focus on bringing quality of life to the individual diagnosed with a terminal illness. Most people are not aware that hospice care can increase the survival of an individual with compassionate care in the last phase of an illness.

However, the goal of hospice is not to hasten or postpone death. Rather, the focus is on the quality of care and support your loved one has received in the last few years. So, the aim is to treat the symptoms of the disease rather than cure it.

So, a group of healthcare professionals and certified experts work together to create a proper plan for better care. As a result, you can focus on spending quality time with your loved ones and spend the last days in peace. Meanwhile, your loved ones can also spend the last years with dignity and quality care.

Dispelling Hospice Myths with Facts

When it comes to hospice care services, it is important to separate the myths from the facts. By segregating the myths from the facts, you can determine whether hospice care services are ideal for your loved ones or not.

In the following section, you will find the myths and facts to get a crystal clear idea of what hospice care is and is not.

Myth 1: Hospice care services are for people who are going to die

Fact: Hospice care is for loved ones who are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Hospice care services are all about living the best and comfortably rather than treating the disease itself. The main goal is pain management while providing emotional and social support that is tailored to the needs and services.

Ideally, hospice care should be provided to the individual who has 6 months or less to live if the disease runs in the usual course. The loved one and the family must discuss with the healthcare expert to get a complete idea of what should be done. Various studies have shown that people diagnosed with terminal illnesses have lived longer when they get quality care and support.

Myth 2: Hospice Is Pricey

Fact: If you have been wondering about the cost of hospice care, you may have peace of mind knowing that this quality care is affordable. Many hospice care services are partially or fully funded by Medicare, Medicaid, or other forms of insurance. Various private institutions cover the cost of hospice care services in Maryland. Speak to a healthcare expert or seek help from an expert to learn more details about the price of hospice in your area.

The hospice care plan covers visits from the care team, medications, supplies, and equipment from the hospitals. So, there are no additional out-of-pocket expenses for hospice care for your loved ones.

Myth 3: When Opting For Hospice Care, There Is No Turning Back

Fact: Hospice care is comprehensive care offered to loved ones. This is a complete misconception that when a loved one opts for hospice care, there is no turning back. The individual may revoke hospice at any point in time, and there are no penalty charges. The main goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of life and provide support to loved ones.

However, if, at any point in time, the family feels that the loved ones need hospice care, they can reapply to get the services. To decide whether an individual needs hospice care or not, it is better to assess the needs and preferences that may change from time to time. There is a possibility that continued hospice care can improve the chances of survival, but it doesn’t treat the disease per se.

Myth 4: Hospice Care Services Are For Cancer

Fact: There are various life-limiting illnesses, and cancer is just one of them. Various life-limiting diseases include dementia, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, kidney diseases, and so on. So, cancer is not the only terminal illness.

Hospice care is for the individual who has 6 months or less to live; therefore, there could be various reasons for readmission in the hospital. It is indeed true that cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of the disease, yet hospice care providers are trained to offer relief from various symptoms.

Myth 5: Both Hospice Care And Palliative Care Are The Same

Although both hospice care and palliative care have the same objective, there is a subtle difference between the two types of care. Both types of care can be offered either at home or in special settings like hospitals or nursing facilities, but there is a small difference between the two.

In the case of hospice care, the care is highly focused on providing comfort and improving the quality of life rather than treating the illness. So, when an individual has 6 months or less to live, he or she needs hospice care. Palliative care is for someone who has a terminal illness, and the care is provided at any stage of life alongside curative treatment. The goal is to address the symptoms and provide support alongside ongoing curative treatment.

The aforementioned points are some of the hospice myths that people often believe in. As responsible humans, we have to dispel hospice myths and separate the myths from the facts to understand the need for hospice care services for loved ones. Whether one is a family caregiver or caregiver, it is important to know what hospice care is all about to provide the best possible care for loved ones.

I'm Rachel McAdams, committed to debunking misconceptions about hospice care through my articles and blogs. Come along as we explore the facts about this vital service.