Hospice Care

 

Myths and facts about hospice

MYTH:  Hospice care is only intended for patients who are rapidly

            approaching death.

FACT:   An early referral to our hospice program enables patients and

            families to fully benefit from The Chaplaincy’s Hospice support and

            services.

"Early referrals to hospice show improved quality of life."

 

MYTH:  Hospice cares only for patients diagnosed with cancer

FACT:   Hospice care is for patients and their families during any life-limiting
            illness.

 

MYTH:  Acceptance of hospice care means that a patient can no longer see
            his/her own physician.

FACT:   Hospice encourages the patient’s physician to follow the patient onto

            the program and participate in his/her care plan.
 

MYTH:  Hospice care is only for those with private insurance.

FACT:   Hospice serves everyone, regardless of ability to pay.  Hospice care

            is covered under Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance

            plans.
 

MYTH:  Hospice care is no different than Home Health.

FACT:   Hospice is different in that hospice staff are specially trained in

            providing physical, emotional, spiritual care to patients and their

            families.  Grief support is provided to families following their loved

            one’s death.
 

MYTH:   Hospice patients must be homebound.

FACT:    Patients need not be homebound to receive hospice services. 

             Hospice helps patients to be as active as possible.  Our motto is

             “live life to the fullest”.

 

MYTH:   Hospice services stop when the patient dies.

FACT:    Hospice provides free grief support to families for a year or longer

             after the patient’s death.

 

MYTH:   Hospice is a facility.

FACT:    Hospice care is provided wherever the patient may reside (i.e.,

             home, skilled nursing or assisted living facility, hospital, hospice

             in-patient unit) The Chaplaincy’s philosophy supports patients and

             families wherever they reside.