Myth
#4: Hospice is only for dying people.
As a family-centered concept of care, hospice focuses as
much on the grieving family as on the dying patient.
Myth
#5: Hospice can only help when family
members are available to provide care. Recognizing
that terminally ill people may live alone, or with family
members unable to provide care, many hospices coordinate
community resources to make home care possible.
Myth
#6: Hospice is for people who don't need a high level
of care. Hospice is serious medicine. Most
hospices are Medicare-certified, requiring that they employ
experienced medical and nursing personnel with skills in
symptom control.
The
gift of hospice is its capacity to help families see how
much can be shared at the end of life through personal and
spiritual connections.
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Myth
#1: Hospice is a place.
Hospice care takes place where ever the need exist -- usually
the patient's home. About 80% of hospice care takes place
at home.
Myth
#2: Hospice is only for people with cancer.
More than one-fifth of hospice patients nation-wide have diagnoses
other than cancer.
Myth
#3: Hospice is only for old people.
Although the majority of hospice patients are older, hospices
serve patients of all ages, including pediatric care.
Myth
#7: Hospice is only for people who can accept death.
While those affected by terminal illness struggle to come
to terms with deaths, hospices gently help them find their
way at their own speed.
Myth
#8: Hospice care is expensive. Most people
who use hospice are over 65 and are entitled to the Medicare
Hospice Benefit. This benefit covers virtually all hospice
services and requires little, if any, out-of-pocket costs.
Myth
#9: Hospice is not covered by managed care.
While managed care organizations are not required to include
hospice coverage, Medicare beneficiaries can use their Medicare
hospice benefit anytime, any where they choose.
Myth
#10: Hospice is for when there is no hope.
When death is in sight, there are two options: submit without
hope or live life as fully as ever until the end. |
