Hospice 101: Managing the Myths

Myth #1:

Physicians, nurses, case managers, discharge planners, and social workers are held accountable if a patient outlives their six month prognosis.

Fact:

It is not uncommon for many Hospice patients to exceed their initial prognosis. In fact, several patients each year are discharged from Hospice care, because they have experienced a significant level of improvement in their overall health.

Myth #2:

Patients die sooner with Hospice care than without.

Fact:

It is the philosophy of Hospice to neither speed up, nor slow down the natural dying process. However, it is believed that patients may actually live somewhat longer once their pain is adequately managed.

Myth #3:

Hospice will only treat symptoms related to the terminal diagnosis.

Fact:

Hospice specializes in palliative care; that is, care designed to provide comfort. It is the belief of Legacy Hospice that in order to provide overall comfort that illnesses unrelated to their terminal illness must be treated as well. Therefore, illnesses or injuries, such as UTI’s, pneumonia, or broken bones, will receive appropriate attention.

Myth #4:

Therapies such as blood transfusions and radiation automatically exclude a patient from Hospice.

Fact:

Many therapies that once prohibited a patient from obtaining Hospice services are now considered on a case by case basis. These therapies must be utilized for palliative (comfort) purposes, not as a means of attempting to “cure” the illness.

Myth #5:

Patients must sign a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) prior to an admission to hospice.

Fact:

Although the majority of hospice patients choose to sign a DNR prior to entry into hospice, this is not a requirement for admission. If a patient or family makes the decision to sign a DNR, the document may be signed at any time. DNR status has no bearing on the care that a patient receives while enrolled in hospice services.

Myth #6:

Hospice is a place.

Fact:

Hospice care usually takes place in the comfort of your home, but can be provided in any environment in which you live, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and residential care facilities.

Myth #7:

Patients have to give up their own doctor.

Fact:

Patients may keep their own physician, who will work closely with the Legacy Hospice and Hospice Medical Director to plan and carry out care.

Myth #8:

Hospice is only for cancer patients.

Fact:

A large number of hospice patients have congestive heart failure, dementia, chronic lung disease, or other conditions.

Myth #9:

Patients can only receive hospice care for a limited amount of time.

Fact:

The Medicare benefit, and most private insurance, pays for hospice care as long as the patient continues to meets the criteria necessary. Patients may come on and off hospice care, and re-enroll in hospice care, as needed.

Myth #10:

Hospice provides 24-hour care.

Fact:

The hospice team (which includes nurses, social workers, home health aides, chaplains, and bereavement counselors) visits patients intermittently, and are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week for support and care. Legacy Hospice can help arrange for 24-hour attendant care if necessary.

Myth #11:

Hospice is just for the patient.

Fact:

Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional support. The quality of life for the patient, but also family members and others who are caregivers, is the highest priority.

Myth #12:

It is complicated to refer a patient to Hospice.

Fact:

Nothing could be easier! Simply follow these few simple steps:
1.Ask yourself, "Would I be surprised if this patient were still alive a year from now?" If the answer is no ...
2.Call Legacy Hospice at (208) 895-8686.
3.Fax latest History and Physical (H&P) or doctor’s notes to (208) 895-8975.