If you ask your friends or family about hospice, you may hear many misperceptions and even fears about this type of comfort care − which can delay or prevent them from calling us. In order to clear up any confusion, here are 4 common misconceptions about hospice and their caretakers.
Myth #1: Hospice is a place.
Hospice is not a place. It’s a form of high-quality care that focuses on comfort and quality of life near the end of life. Hospice care begins when the physician feels your loved one has about six months to live if their illness follows its normal course.
Hospice addresses your loved one’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, and those of your close family members or caregivers. It aims to provide a comfortable and caring environment for you and your family during this transition.
Myth #2: Hospice means you’re giving up hope.
Hospice does not mean giving up hope. Hospice and palliative care focuses on maximizing quality of life. At Unity First, we aim to make your loved one the most comfortable they can be.
Myth #3: Hospice gives you a live-in caregiver.
Hospice provides periodic visits by caregivers, rather than live-in help, but its staff is available by phone 24/7 for guidance, support, and visits as needed. Hospice typically provides visits by doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, spiritual support counselors, and trained volunteers, based on your loved one’s individual needs.
Myth #4: Hospice care is expensive.
Hospice is usually covered by insurance. Many hospice patients are over age 65 so they’re entitled to Medicare’s hospice benefit, which pays for hospice costs. We work with all of our clients to make sure they have access to the financial resources they need.
For a no-charge consultation and evaluation of you and your loved ones’ condition, please visit us at unityfirsthospice.com or give us a call at (323) 403-5896.
