Hospice is a word that can evoke lots of ideas among those who have yet to experience it, especially among caregivers. Though there are many (often negative) misconceptions about hospice, learning the facts can give you a better idea of whether or not it’s the right fit for your loved one.
Here are some common misconceptions about hospice care:
Hospice care is the same as palliative care.
Though similar, hospice care specifically focuses on the end of life and accommodates patients and their families through that journey, while palliative care concentrates on pain management to make an illness easier, regardless of its stages.
Hospice means being confined to a facility.
For those who have been forced to confront the end of life, being at home and with loved ones is a common priority. Families and their sick loved ones have the option to receive hospice services at a facility, or within the comfort of their homes.
Hospice means you’re giving up.
Everyone has their own perception of what it means to “fight” an illness. But considering hospice care doesn’t mean abandoning hope - it simply means shifting the focus from seeking a cure to prioritizing comfort.
Hospice is just for those who have terminal illnesses.
You don’t have to be sick yourself to reap the benefits of hospice. Hospice not only provides support to patients, but also for their families who are enduring this journey alongside them. Having the help of experienced professionals can give caregivers and other family members the comfort, support and guidance they need most at such a challenging time
Hospice is all about dying.
Though it is an undeniably challenging time, full of understandably difficult emotions, hospice is not necessarily a morbid experience. In fact, many overwhelmed caregivers find the spiritual, emotional and practical support to be quite alleviating, while patients can enjoy an improved quality of life.
Hospice care ends when life ends.
It’s important to realize that hospice care extends beyond life for families dealing with grief in the wake of a sick loved one’s eventual passing. At VNA, bereavement services are offered to a patient’s loved ones for up to 13 months after death.
These are just some of the common misconceptions about hospice care. For more information, specifically about VNA's hospice care services, visit our FAQs page.
