There
are so many myths and misunderstandings about hospice care and what it means,
and that can lead to people missing out on essential care that provides comfort
and dignity. Here are some common myths and facts about hospice care, from the
team at our hospice in South Jersey:
Myth #1 – Hospice only provides 6 months of care, so you must
delay it as long as possible
This
misunderstanding arises from the process that evaluates a patient’s need for
hospice care. A patient will only be recommended for hospice when two doctors
perform an evaluation and determine that the patient is terminal with a life
expectancy of around six months or less. However, this is an estimate that is
used to diagnose care needs going forward – it’s not an exact measurement. As
long as a patient meets these criteria, hospice care is available.
Myth #2 – Hospice care just provides pain medication
Pain
management is a priority in hospice care in order to keep patients as
comfortable as possible. However, it is not the only service that is provided.
Modern hospice care is incredibly
advanced and deals with a patient’s needs holistically, providing symptom
management and therapy, as well as social, psychological, and spiritual
support. This is extended to family and loved ones as well, providing a setting
and support system that includes nurses and doctors, social workers, trained
volunteers, and more.
Myth #3 – Hospice means giving up hope
Hospice
is not the hopeless place that often exists in many people’s minds. Instead,
it’s a place that redefines this stage of life, providing expert support and
care that prioritizes dignity and wellbeing to the very end. Through our
programs and team, we provide patients and families with a place to gather and
enjoy quality time together, where families can be assured that their loved
one’s every need is being met in a comfortable, welcoming setting, and where
patients don’t have to fear being lonely, in pain or helpless.
Myth #4 – Staying at home is always better
Caring
for a loved one who is terminal can be incredibly challenging and emotionally
stressful. At hospice, patients have a team of caregivers to ensure that needs
are met, allowing family and loved ones to spend as much quality time together
as possible. Hospice care doesn’t just involve symptom management. Trained
doctors and nurses also monitor patients to ensure that any other minor health
complications are treated early, ensuring that patients stay as healthy as
possible and avoid traumatic hospitalizations.
Myth #5 – Hospice is Expensive
Hospice is
actually funded through Medicare/Medicaid benefits. It’s unlimited in length,
and most private insurance plans offer coverage for hospice as well. In most
cases, coverage includes hospice care, visits from doctors and other medical
professionals, medications related to the patient’s terminal condition, as well
as any supplies and equipment they may need (for instance, an oxygen tank).
Have Any Questions? Speak to the Friendly Team at Our Hospice in South Jersey
At
The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit
organization in New Jersey, we offer compassionate, professional hospice care
in the Jersey Shore area called Bridges. In this program, we focus on creating
a nurturing and comforting environment for patients and their loved ones
through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more
about our hospice in Cape May County, please visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/hospice-care-nj/
or contact us today and organize your visit.
Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/5-myths-and-facts-about-hospice-care/
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