The goal of hospice care is to prioritize comfort, quality of life and the wishes of the hospice patient and can include addressing each, their physical, emotional, spiritual and/or social needs. In hospice care, goals and wishes of the patient are integral to the plan of care. Hospice care typically does not include treatments to diagnose or cure illness, nor does it include treatments to hasten death; hospice care focuses on palliative care to provide relief from pain and symptoms.
There are several common misconceptions regarding hospice care and knowing the facts regarding hospice serves is important, especially if you are researching care options for yourself or a loved one. Some common hospice myths and the facts that debunk them are presented below.
Myth: Hospice is a place. Fact: Hospice care can take place in an individual’s home but can be provided in any environment in which that person lives, including a nursing home, assisted living facility, or residential care facility.
Myth: Hospice is only for elderly individuals. Fact: Hospice care is for individuals of all ages facing a life-threatening illness.
Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients. Fact: Hospice care is available to all terminally ill individuals and their families, regardless of diagnosis.
Myth: Patients can only receive hospice care for a limited amount of time. Fact: Medicare and most private insurance pays for hospice care as long as the patient continues to meet certain requirements. Patients may come on and off hospice care, re-enrolling as needed.
Myth: Hospice is just for the patient. Fact: Hospice takes a holistic approach to care, focusing on comfort, dignity, and emotional support for not only the patient, but for caregivers and family as well. The quality of life and support for the patient, family members, and additional caregivers are all priorities for a hospice team.
At Anew Hospice, our services are designed to provide medical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones, and our team of hospice professionals is committed to delivering outstanding customer service. Our services are built on a sensitive, holistic care model that helps our patients and their loved ones through the end-of-life journey.
At Anew Hospice, we are here when you need us; our prompt, same day evaluations and admissions allow us to provide services as early as possible. As your partner, we will provide on-call services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to handle crisis situations, address your concerns and make visits.
Our care team is comprised of hospice physicians, registered nurse case managers, medical social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors, home health aides, and volunteers. Guided by our medical director, our goal is to support our patients and their loved ones while honoring their wishes and ensuring excellent care, comfort and dignity. To learn more visit Anewhosp.com.