For some people, the word “Hospice” evokes fear and the notion that death is imminent. But Hospice is not about death; it is about choosing to live life to the fullest, without pain, for as long as possible. It is not about giving up; it is about letting go. Hospice services are available to patients when a cure is no longer possible and it is believed that a patient has six months or less to live. Unfortunately, many people enter the program too late to fully benefit from the many services available to them and their families. When a person chooses hospice, a team of caring professionals assist the family in a number of ways to prepare for the end of life and to ease the pain so that the patient may maximize his or her final time. Hospice services include:
- Palliative Care physician consultation
- RN visits (as needed) and 24-hour access
- Meetings with social workers
- Home health aides to assist with personal care
- Medication to control distressing symptoms
- Durable medical equipment
- Expressive arts therapy
- Medical massage therapy
- Chaplain services
- Bereavement support services for up to 13 months
Since the founding of the first American Hospice in 1974, over 3,300 hospice organizations have been established. Yet many misconceptions still exist. Too often our patients and families tell us that they wish they had contacted HospiceCare earlier. We hope this list of the top ten myths* about hospice will clarify what hospice can do to help improve the end-of-life experience. Myth 1: Hospice is for people who have “no hope.”
With hospice, the miracle isn’t in the cure, it’s in the caring. Because patients get substantial relief from pain and other symptoms, and their families are supported by a caring hospice team, they can choose exactly how they will spend their final weeks or months of life. This means they can share quality family time and a have a meaningful, dignified, peaceful end-of-life experience. Myth 2: Hospice is a place.
Hospice is a philosophy of care, not a place. Patients can receive hospice care wherever they live — usually in their own homes, but also in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities or at hospitals. Myth 3: Hospice is only for people with cancer.
Though the first hospice in the US was originally funded by the National Cancer Institute, hospice serves all terminally ill patients, regardless of the disease. These include heart, lung, kidney, vascular and neurological diseases as well as AIDS and Alzheimer’s. Myth 4: Hospice is for people who have only a few days to live.
Hospice services are available to patients when a cure is no longer possible and it is believed that a patient has six months or less to live. Myth 5: Hospice care is expensive.
Hospice care is considerably less costly than care provided in other medical settings. It is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most other types of insurance. Furthermore, because HospiceCare in the Berkshires receives generous support from the community, no one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay. Myth 6:: Hospice is for patients who don’t need high-tech care.
End-of-life care is extremely complex and requires serious medicine. HospiceCare in the Berkshires has specially trained physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and therapists who provide comprehensive medical care, as well as state-of-the-art pain and symptom control, without the use of invasive technology. Their efforts are further enhanced by a team of other professionals and volunteers who provide a full range of support services for the entire family. Myth 7: Hospice “dopes people up” so they become addicted or sleep all the time.
When patients have a legitimate need for pain medication, they do not become addicted to it. HospiceCare in the Berkshires has the expertise to manage pain so that patients are comfortable yet alert and are able to enjoy each day to the fullest extent possible, given the circumstances of their medical condition. Myth 8: Hospice requires family members to be available to provide care.
While family members are usually trained to care for their loved ones at home — with the support of their Hospice team and the 24-hour, on-call availability of a hospice nurse — in many cases, this is not possible. A care plan can be arranged for people who live alone or whose caregivers can no longer provide the bulk of caregiving. Myth 9: Hospice can’t talk to patients without a referral from a physician.
Hospice recognizes that end-of-life issues are diverse, confusing and stressful. We encourage patients and families to consult with us earlier, as opposed to later, so they can learn about the various options available to them. While a physician referral is ultimately required for admission, families can call HospiceCare in the Berkshires anytime for advice or information about any end-of-life concern. Our telephone number is 413-443-2994 or 413-528-4786. Myth 10: Hospice is only for people who accept that they are dying.
Terminally ill patients and their families often struggle to come to terms with their limited life expectations. However, Hospice can help them address their fears, feelings, and concerns and show them how to redefine hope within the context of their disease. HospiceCare has worked with thousands of families during this experience and recognizes that every patient and family is unique. 
* The 10 Myths About Hospice Care was adapted from the Hospice of Northwest Ohio (2002).
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