Myths About Hospice
What is hospice care, what are the myths about hospice care, what is provided, and why do people wait too long to take advantage of this valuable resource?
You may have heard that former President Jimmy Carter recently entered hospice care. What does this mean?
What is Hospice Care
Let’s start with the basics. Hospice care is for people who are not expected to recover from their medical condition and are approaching the end of their life. Rather than attempting to treat, delay, or halt the disease or condition inflicting the patient, hospice care instead focuses on treating the symptoms of disease progression to bring greater comfort.
Hospice Care vs. Palliative Care
The distinction between hospice care and palliative care can be confusing. This is because hospice care is a type of palliative care. From the National Institute on Aging:
Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness, such as cancer or heart failure. Patients in palliative care may receive medical care for their symptoms along with treatment intended to cure their serious illness. Palliative care is meant to enhance a person’s current care by focusing on quality of life for them and their family.
Hospice Care
At some point, it may not be possible to cure a serious illness. The patient beginning hospice care understands that their illness is not responding to medical attempts to cure or to slow the disease’s progress and has decided to stop these attempts. Hospice care is provided for a person with a terminal illness whose doctor believes they have six months or less to live if the illness runs its natural course.
Myths About Hospice
I am a Community Liaison at Suncrest Hospice and have been working in the senior healthcare industry for 18 years. Often families and patients steer away from hospice services because of preconceived ideas. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths that cause some patients and families to miss out on the benefits that are available. Often when hospice services do begin, families wonder why they waited.
Myth #1: Hospice is a permanent and irrevocable decision until the end
People can go “on and off” of Hospice as many times as they choose to pursue aggressive treatment as long as they qualify. Some people may even “graduate” off hospice because to the pleasant surprise of their medical team their condition becomes less acute or goes into remission.
Myth #2: Hospice Care is expensive
Medicare and most insurances pay 100% of the cost.
Myth #3: Hospice is for those who have given up all hope
Hospice services manage symptoms so one can comfortably stay home with quality of life which can often extend one’s prognosis. Despite the definition of hospice care being for those expected to live less than 6 months, one can receive hospice care for more than 6 months. If a patient has been in hospice for six months but a doctor believes they are unlikely to live another six months, they may renew their stay in hospice.
Myth #4: Hospice is only for people that are bed-bound or expected to die imminently
People can still live the life they chose including traveling while on hospice. The sooner hospice gets involved the better chance the person will be comfortable and be able to manage care at home.
Myth #5: You must stop seeing your doctor and only use the hospice doctor
In some cases one’s PCP will agree to follow the patient and then the hospice doctor operates in a supportive role. This mostly happens when one’s doctor is a concierge doctor that does house calls and is available 24/7 to the patient.
Myth #6: Hospice services end once the patient passes
Bereavement services are available to support the family for up to 12 months following death.
What Does Hospice Care Include?
Hospice is available 24/7/365 to families and patients. Families find comfort knowing the patient can remain at home with loved ones and will be comfortable, safe and pain free. The benefits of hospice are greatly appreciated and are generously covered by insurance. Often with no out of pocket expenses.
The clinical team including:
- The clinical team including:
- Hospice MD
- Nurse case manager
- Regular nursing care visits by a RN or LVN
- Medical social worker
- Spiritual counseling by a chaplain or other spiritual counseling
- Hospice aide for intermittent bathing and personal care
- Family grief counseling
Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies including:
- Hospital bed
- Wheelchair
- Walker
- Oxygen
- Incontinence supplies
Medications:
- to manage pain and symptoms
Resources
- Medicare hospice checklist: Suggested questions to ask when choosing a hospice
- Suncrest Hospice: Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
- 5 Reasons to start hospice sooner than you think
Questions?
Please contact Kim Sechler with Suncrest Hospice
415-420-4456/ ksechler@suncrestcare.com
Guest blogger: Kim Sechler has been working in the Senior Healthcare Industry for the past 18 years, predominantly in hospice care and home health. She has strong relationships with senior healthcare professionals ( primary care physicians, specialists, geriatric care managers) and senior facilities ( Hospitals, medical clinics and senior living buildings) all over the Peninsula. Kim has a strong work ethic and strives to seamlessly bridge the gap between medical professionals and providing families’ with support they need at home.
Kim lives in Redwood City with her husband and son. She enjoys travel, golf, and attending her sons baseball games. She also has a special place in her heart for the Hawaiian Islands
DISCLAIMER: This article contains information that is intended to help the readers be better informed regarding health care. It is presented as general advice on health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs. This article is not intended to be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed physician.
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