5 Hospice Care Myths
Many people have a loose understanding of hospice care in Mesa, but a lot of people continue to believe myths about this important medical care. These myths can prevent the people who need hospice care from getting it, as well as prevent their family members from getting the support they need.
If you are in Arizona, you have a lot of choices for reputable hospice care, and it is important that you talk with counselors to understand what this end-of-life care involves and how it can help you and y our family. Here are the top five hospice care myths that we see, debunked:
Myth #1: Hospice Care is for the Last Days Closest to Death
Yes, hospice care is for the dying, but it does not have to be reserved for only those days closest to death. Really, there is no way to know for
certain when a person will die, even if they are gravely ill. Therefore, it is very difficult to know when the last days truly will be.
More importantly, hospice care can be provided to a patient and their family for six months or more. Care for the patient can go on for many months, and family members can then receive ongoing counseling and grief support for months after the patient has died.
Myth #2: Going to Hospice Means You Give Up Hope
Hospice care is provided to those for whom a medical cure is not possible for their illness or injury. Entering a hospice facility in East Mesa does not mean that you have given up hope – it just means that you are focusing your hope on creating the best quality of life in what you know will be the end of your time. Choosing hospice care for a loved one means you want to make their remaining days the best that they can be, even if they are suffering a devastating illness or injury.
Myth #3: You Can’t Stay with Your Own Doctor in Hospice Care
The providers who work at a hospice facility work closely with your own physician to create a plan of care. Therefore, you may not be getting direct treatment from your doctor, but your doctor will be closely involved with your treatment.
Hospice care providers are specially trained to provide treatment for seriously ill and injured patients, so you do not have to be concerned about receiving a lower quality of care. Everything about your hospice experience will be designed to make you or your loved one as comfortable as possible to enjoy the best quality of life in those remaining days.
Myth #4: End-of-Life Care is Too Expensive
How much you or your loved ones will pay for hospice care depends on a number of factors, including what kind of insurance you have, your income, and what facility you choose. Patients who have Medicare will pay very little for hospice care or even nothing at all. Many insurance plans also include coverage for hospice care, and you can use a health savings account to pay for co-pays or whatever amount is not covered through insurance.
Some hospice providers will also work with patients on low incomes and offer sliding-scale fees. Other facilities will provide financing so that the family can manage the payments. Talk to the facility you are considering to find out what financial options are available, as well as to better understand what is covered by your insurance.
Myth #5: Hospice Care is Only Provided in Home
Hospice care can be provided in your home, but it can also be provided in a facility. The focus is on the patient’s wishes. Some prefer to die at home, surrounded by their loved ones in a family environment that includes their personal belongings. However, some patients no longer live at home. Hospice providers can come to hospitals, assisted-living facilities, and medical centers.
Some facilities are dedicated to housing patients receiving hospice care. These facilities typically try to provide a comfortable environment that simulates the atmosphere at home. Patients can surround themselves with special mementos, such as photos of family members, a special quilt made by a loved one, and so on.
By working directly with a hospice counselor, you can better understand what is involved in this care and why it is the best choice for you or your loved one. Don’t let these common myths keep you away from this important end-of-life care.
Americare Hospice and Palliative Care provides hospice care to patients in Arizona. We are a Catholic hospice, but we provide care to patients of all faiths. We offer care in our inpatient hospice unit, as well as in patient homes and other facilities. We provide compassionate care for both patients and their loved ones, including ongoing bereavement support long after the patient has passed. Call us in Arizona today to learn more about our services and how we can make your or your loved one’s final days the best they can be.
Published By:
1212 N. Spencer St., Suite #2
Mesa, Arizona 85203
Office: (480) 726-7773
Fax: (480) 726-7790
Email: info@americarehospice.org
