Hospice Myths & Facts
Help with Understanding
Although Hospice care has been around for several years, many do not fully understand exactly what hospice is, and how it can benefit those that you care about. We hope that the information provided will help in your understanding and ease the decision making process. And as always, if you or your family member has any questions, please call anytime at 580-332-8009.
The Truth about Hospice
MYTH: Choosing Hospice means giving up
TRUTH: Hospice provides specialized medical care with a team of professionals that understand that we all want to continue living, even though we understand that life may soon be coming to a close. Hospice encourages living life to the fullest while preparing to die with dignity. Hospice can actually be the something more for someone that has been told there is nothing more that can be done.
MYTH: Hospice is a place to go for care
TRUTH: Although there are specialized Hospice facilities, there are many more choices including being at home with loved ones. Hospice provides care in specialized facilities, hospitals, nursing facilities, and individual homes.
MYTH: Hospice is only for cancer patients or those extremely ill.
TRUTH: Not anymore. When Hospice began, it is true that most patients had cancer, but Hospice has expanded to provide care for many conditions. Hospice care is available for those that have been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition with a prognosis of six months or less if their disease runs its normal course. Many diseases that are designated as end-stage qualify the patient for Hospice care.
MYTH: You have to give up your primary doctor to be on hospice.
TRUTH: Although many people choose to have the Hospice designated physician manage their care, the choice of which doctor to use as primary remains with the patient. Halo Hospice prefers that the primary care doctor remain involved as much as desired. The hospice team is eager to collaborate and work in conjunction with physicians, and other medical staff as needed.
MYTH: Hospice means giving up the choice to seek medical care
TRUTH: While the hospice team will provide all aspects of care for the illness that qualifies you for hospice services, you are still free to seek treatment for unrelated illnesses or conditions. For example, if you are receiving hospice care for end stage renal disease, you can still get treatment for an injury such as a broken bone. If you decide to seek treatment for the hospice related illness, services can be stopped by you at any time and resumed when you again meet hospice qualifications.