5 Misconceptions about Hospice and Palliative Care
Hospice and palliative care are both essential forms of care that can improve the lives of the patients who receive them, as well as the lives of their family members. Yet many people do not get the hospice or palliative care that could help them because they or their caretakers have misconceptions about what these types of care provide or who should be getting them.
Here’s the truth behind five common misconceptions you might have about Mesa hospice and palliative care:
Myth #1: You’re Giving Up if You Turn to Hospice
Hospice care is designed for those who have a terminal illness or who can no longer be helped by medical treatment. Therefore, a lot of people think that if you decide to get hospice care, it means you have given up pursuing your medical options. The reality is that there usually are no other options available at that point, and choosing hospice care allows you to change your outcomes by improving your quality of life at the end. Instead of letting your illness overtake you when you don’t expect it, or becoming lost in a fog of pain and mental confusion, you can get hospice care to remain comfortable and to be coherent for as long as possible.
Myth #2: Hospice and Palliative Care are the Same
The goal of hospice and palliative care is to make the patient comfortable and to provide some measure of dignity during their illness. However, hospice and palliative care are not the same. Paradise Valley Hospice care is designed for those at the end of their lives, while palliative care can be for any patients undergoing serious medical care or suffering from serious illness. For example, patients who are getting major surgery may want palliative care, as well as those who have chronic illness, such as cancer.
Myth #3: Hospice is a Place You Go To
Many people think that when you get hospice care, you are going to a hospice facility. They think that you are agreeing to enter a “home” for the sick and elderly when you are agreeing to get hospice care.
The truth is that hospice care can be provided anywhere. While there are hospice facilities where patients can be treated, hospice care can also be provided at hospitals, at out-patient facilities, and at private homes.
Myth #4: Hospice Care Provides a Live-In Caretaker
Even if you elect to have hospice care in your home, that doesn’t mean that you will have a round-the-clock, live-in caretaker. Hospice typically provides periodic visits from nurses and other caretakers. They will administer medications, provide care such as baths, and monitor symptoms, among other things.
They will give instructions to family members or other caretakers to continue providing care in the
meantime.
Myth #5: Hospice and Palliative Care is Too Expensive
Because hospice and palliative care are specialized forms of care, many people think that they are expensive. However, both hospice and palliative care are covered by insurance, so most patients end up paying nothing. Some patients may pay a co-payment or a percentage of services. Financial counselors can help patients understand their financial obligation after looking at insurance benefits.
Don’t let misconceptions about hospice or palliative care keep you from getting the treatment you need or keep you from getting a loved one the treatment they need. Always talk to your doctor about the best care options available, and then talk to your insurance provider about what benefits are available for Mesa hospice and palliative care. You may find that this essential care is affordable for your budget.
Americare Hospice and Palliative Care offers financial counseling to help people get high-quality Mesa hospice care when they need it, as well as palliative care. We offer a Mesa inpatient hospice, as well as in-home care. We also offer counseling and services for the whole family. Our Mesa end of life care recognizes the needs of the whole family. Services include grief counseling, caretaker support, spiritual counseling, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our compassionate Mesa hospice and palliative care, or to ask questions about your specific needs. We’re here to make this process as easy on you as possible.
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1212 N. Spencer St., Suite #2
Mesa, Arizona 85203
Office: (480) 726-7773
Fax: (480) 726-7790
Email: info@americarehospice.org
