Hospice is a wonderful end-of-life service. It’s the difference between your loved one spending their last months on this earth comfortably and joyfully or full of apprehension and discomfort. The reason why some don’t choose hospice is because of the many misconceptions that surround it. Below, we dispel these myths about hospice and provide the facts. Once you learn the truth, you’ll understand why hospice is the right choice for end-of-life care. And when you choose VNA Hospice, you choose the best.
Fact: Hospice care usually takes place in the comfort of your home but can be provided in any environment in which you live, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals and, when care can no longer be manager at home, VNA Hospice House.
Fact: Receiving hospice care does not mean you’re 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. Some patients actually improve and may be discharged from hospice care.
Fact: Hospice is not just for the last few days or weeks of life. The benefit is designed to provide care for six months, or longer. For most people, it is a relief to find that there is another source of help and support. Hospice care, at any stage of illness, but particularly early on, can significantly lighten the burden for both the patient and family.
Fact: Hospice care is a Medicare benefit. Most private insurers also cover hospice care as well. Some hospices have a charity program, which helps to care for all patients, regardless of an individual’s ability to pay.
Fact: Hospice care is for any person with a life-limiting illness. A large number of hospice patients have congestive heart failure, dementia, chronic lung disease or other life-limiting conditions.
Fact: The Medicare benefit, and most private insurance, pays for hospice care as long as the patient continues to meet the criteria necessary. Patients may come on and off hospice care and re-enroll in hospice care as needed.
Fact: Hospice not only focuses on the comfort, dignity and emotional support of the patient, but their family members as well, including anyone the patient identifies as a caregiver. This is a priority of VNA Hospice.