Myth vs. Truth About Hospice

Some Common Misconceptions

Myth: Choosing hospice means giving up hope.

Truth: Nothing could be further from the truth! At A Promise of Hope, our mission is to offer hope to our patients and their loved ones as they face the physically, emotionally, and spiritually challenging times that accompany end-of-life, so they may affirm and celebrate life rather than focus on death and dying.

Myth: Hospice is a place where the ill go to die.

Truth: Hospice is not a place, it is a concept of care. While it is true our patients are diagnosed with a terminal illness, we believe hospice is about focusing on the remaining life of our patients, not the terminal illness they have. We do our best to help manage pain and provide comfort to our patients so they can live the remaining days of their life to the fullest, with grace and dignity.

Myth: Patients must live in their own home to receive hospice care.

Truth: Most hospice care is provided in the patient’s home, however, hospice care can also be provided in a nursing home, assisted living facility, personal care home or hospital.

Myth: To qualify for hospice, a patient must be bedridden.

Truth: Hospice care is indicated at the time a patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness, with a life expectancy of six months or less. This is true regardless of the physical condition of the patient. A Promise of Hope Hospice & Palliative Care encourages patients to be as physically active as possible for as long as possible, while they are in our care.

Myth: Hospice is only for people with cancer.

Truth: Although many patients admitted to hospice do have cancer, the reality is that any terminal diagnosis will qualify someone for the hospice benefit. This includes, but is not limited to, such life-limiting illnesses as Alzheimer’s, CHF, Parkinson’s Disease, COPD, Dementia and AIDS.

Myth: Once a patient becomes involved with hospice, they can no longer receive care from their family doctor.

Truth: A patient can continue to visit their primary care physician whenever they desire. In fact we encourage the visits and welcome the comfort, knowledge and support a family physician provides. Here at A Promise of Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, we promote the interaction with the primary care physician at all times.

Myth: A patient needs Medicare or Medicaid to afford hospice services.

Truth: A Promise of Hope Hospice & Palliative Care accepts patients based always on need and never on financial status. In addition to Medicare or Medicaid, there are many private insurance companies that offer a hospice benefit. If a patient is not covered by any health plan, A Promise of Hope Hospice & Palliative Care will work with the patient and their loved ones to ensure no one is turned away due to financial circumstance.