Receiving hospice and palliative care can be overwhelming for the patient. However, there are plenty of misconceptions that prevent people to access a service that will improve their life quality and make them live longer.

Palliative medicine is largely misunderstood. While people often believe they know what palliative and hospice care mean, it is often inaccurate and based on myths. These misconceptions can instill fear in people who are being introduced to hospice and palliative care for the first time.

We have created this list of hospice and palliative care myths and misconceptions. These myths are prevalent and often misleading. Today, we will debunk them.

Myth #1 – Hospice is a Place

This is the biggest misconception people have. Hospice is not a place but a form of high-quality care that focuses on improving quality of life and comfort nearing the end of life. Hospice care can be provided where the patient is. It can be provided at a nursing home, assisted living home or in the comfort of the patient’s home. Hospice care address a patient’s emotional, physical, social, and spiritual needs.

Myth #2 – Hospice Means Giving Up

Hospice care is not about dying. Rather, it makes it easy for patients to live their life to the fullest. Research studies have shown that terminally ill patients who choose hospice care often live longer and have a better life quality than people who choose aggressive medical care.

Myth #3 – It Is Expensive

People often believe that hospice and palliative care is expensive. Did you know hospice care is fully funded by Medicare benefits? Most insurance plans cover hospice care, supplies, medications, and equipment related to the diagnosis. There are no out-of-pocket expenses to the patient.

Myth #4 – Hospice and Palliative Care Are Same

People often use the terms hospice care and palliative care interchangeably. But they are different. While palliative care refers to medication and resources that are provided in conjunction with chemotherapy and other therapies, hospice care is provided to a patient when he has 6 months or less to live. The aim of hospice care is to improve the quality of life of the patient and his family members.

Myth #5 – You Can’t Opt Out of Hospice Care

This is also a widely believed myth. But the fact is you can easily revoke your hospice participation anytime you want. If the medical condition of the patient improves, he can choose to pursue curative treatment. Patients also have the option to reapply for hospice benefits whenever they want.

Myth #6 – Hospice Care Means You Lose Control

The fact is actually the opposite. Whether you choose hospice care or palliative care, you are always in control. Patients and their family have a say in everything, from when to opt for hospice care to who provides care, the patient can make a decision.

Inspiration Hospice is focused on helping patients and their families have a better quality of life by preventing and relieving troubling symptoms and side effects of serious illness

To learn more about hospice and palliative care, call (385) 955-4720 or visit www.care.inspirationhospice.com.