Hospice Care: Myths vs. Facts

Posted in Hospice

When people hear the word “hospice,” it often brings up fear, confusion, or even guilt—but much of that comes from misunderstanding what hospice truly is. In this post, we’re clearing up common myths and sharing the facts about hospice care, so families can make informed, compassionate choices when it matters most.

Myth: Hospice is only provided at an inpatient facility or hospital.
Fact: Hospice is provided anywhere a patient calls home. Often that’s in the patient’s home or the home of a family member, but it could also be a nursing home, assisted living facility, or residential care facility.

Myth: Hospice means giving up hope.
Fact: Hospice does not mean “giving up hope”, but can help people revise what they may hope for. Hospice focuses on maximizing the quality of life based on individual’s choices, so that the person may live life as fully as possible for as long as possible.

Myth: Hospice means that the patient will soon die.
Fact: Receiving hospice care does not mean giving up hope or that death is imminent. The earlier an individual receives hospice care, the more opportunity there is to stabilize the medical condition and address other needs. While hospice care is generally focused on patients where life expectancy is six months or less, some individuals actually improve and may be discharged from hospice care. They can then be re-admitted later when it is necessary.

Myth: Hospice is only for elderly individuals.
Fact: Hospice care is for individuals of all ages facing a life-threatening illness.

Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients.
Fact: Hospice care is available to all terminally ill individuals and their families, regardless of diagnosis. Some of the most common non-cancer diagnosis are congestive heart failure, dementia, chronic lung disease, failure to thrive, or other conditions.

Myth: Individuals can only receive hospice for six months, therefore enrollment should be delayed as long as possible.
Fact: Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance pays for hospice care as long as the individual meets the medical criteria, which may result in receiving hospice care longer than six months. Some individuals actually improve and may be discharged from hospice care. They can re-enroll in hospice care when necessary.

Myth: Choosing comfort care means giving up control.
Fact: You are always in control of your care and may choose to end hospice care or change providers. Patients and families make the final decision about when to choose hospice and who provides care. The best care happens when we listen first and coordinate with you, your family, and your doctor.

Myth: Hospice provides 24 hour care.
Fact: Hospice provides compassionate support 24/7, ensuring that patients and families have access to guidance and assistance whenever needed. While we do not provide continuous bedside care, our team is always available to respond promptly, manage symptoms, and offer the support necessary for comfort and peace of mind. We do provide 24-hour care at the Community Hospice House.

Myth: Families have to pay for hospice care.
Fact: Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances. Home Health & Hospice Care wants all families to have access to hospice care, regardless of their ability to pay. For families uninsured or underinsured, application for subsidized care is available.

Myth: Hospice is just for the patient.
Fact: Hospice provides comfort care to patients, as well as respite and emotional support to family members. The quality of life—not only for the patient, but also for family members and other caregivers—is the highest priority. Bereavement support is offered for at least a year following the death of a loved one.