Hospice

3 Big Misconceptions About Hospice

June 14th, 2007
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Elderly Couple

Many people are misinformed about hospice and what it does for a patient. This lack of knowledge contributes to misconceptions. The following are just a few examples of the many misconceptions people have about hospice.


1. The patient must be bedridden in order to be eligible for hospice care.

This is far from the truth. While some home health care agencies require a patient to be bedridden in order to receive care, hospice services are different. Hospice patients are actually encouraged to be active and continue to do things they enjoy. Although they are in the dying process, they are free to enjoy the remaining months of their lives. Our hospice has even had patients go on vacation out of state to visit family. We want our patients to live their lives to the fullest by attending social events, traveling and visiting family and friends. As I mentioned in a previous posting, the control is in the patients’ hands. There are no rules on how they live their lives.

2. The patient must have cancer.

Although many hospice patients do have cancer, it is not a criterion to obtain services. The patient must, however, be diagnosed by a doctor as being terminal, which means they are in the dying process. A variety of diseases besides cancer, like liver disease, heart disease, renal disease and many others can lead to the final stages of life.

3. Being on hospice means giving up hope.

A patient on hospice is not giving up hope but changing what they hope for. Of course everyone hopes for a good life, but they can also hope for a good death. We are all going to die someday and I’m sure we all hope to die without pain or fear. We hope to die with dignity, in our own homes, with family by our side. Once we all come to that realization, we can understand how no one on hospice care is giving up hope.

Spreading the word—

April Smith

Posted in Hospice, Hospice Care, Hospice: April Smith

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3 Responses to “3 Big Misconceptions About Hospice”
  1. clara Says:

    when hospice care was first mentioned for my father i couldn’t stop crying. thanks april. i hadn’t thought of it as changing what we hope for.

  2. Hospice Misconceptions Says:

    […] The always informative Gilbert Guide has an excellent article, 3 Big Misconceptions About Hospice. […]

  3. April Smith Says:

    Dear Clara,

    I know this is a very difficult time but hospice is a wonderful service and can really help your father as well as you and your family. As hard as it may be, I recommend getting him on hospice as soon as you can.
    One regret I’ve heard from family members is that they wish they had gotten hospice sooner. Hospice has so much to offer and the longer someone is on hospice the more they can benefit from the many services.
    I’m glad the information I’ve given has helped. I pray that you find strength to walk with your father on his journey.

    -April

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