Eight Misconceptions about Hospice and Hospice Care

Misconception #1: “Hospice is a place where people go to die.” Hospice isn’t really about dying. Hospice is about life; some of the most important moments in life. Hospice is not intended to add days to someone’s life. Hospice it is about adding life, quality of life, to someone’s final days, weeks or months.

Misconception #2: “Hospice is the absence or withdrawal of medical care.” People who choose hospice receive medical care to control pain and other symptoms. Medical care continues with a holistic approach, honoring the wishes of the individual and explaining choices. All medical care is managed whether it is related to the hospice illness or not.

Misconception #3: “Hospice patients get heavy doses of morphine.” Hospice nurses carefully monitor the medications of each patient with his or her physician and the hospice medical director to find the optimal balance of comfort and alertness to allow patients to get the most out of every day.

Misconception #4: “Choosing hospice means you are going to die faster.” On the contrary, because the goal of hospice is to achieve the highest quality of life possible, a person’s life may be extended beyond expectations.

Misconception #5: “Choosing hospice means defeat or giving up.” Choosing hospice does not mean a death sentence. What hospice does mean is a total change of focus. It means the patient is in control; making choices about what is most important in his or her life.

Misconception #6: “Hospice is only for people with cancer.” Anyone with a life-limiting illness can receive hospice care. Heart disease, kidney disease, COPD and dementia are a few of the illnesses that can benefit from hospice services.

Misconception #7: “You must have a "Do Not Resuscitate" order while in hospice.” This is the patient's choice. A patient can certainly choose to be resuscitated.

Misconception #8: “Hospice is only for people who are dying very soon.” Every hospice experience is unique, but one key thing families tell us about hospice is that “we wish we had known about hospice sooner”. A national study spearheaded by Brown University researchers (Science Daily, July 3, 2007) reports that "one in 10 hospice patients are referred too late for services."

When a patient selects a hospice program, the focus is on the comfort and dignity of the patient and on support for the patient’s loved ones, family and friends. Quality of life at the end of life is the goal.