The unknown can be scary—especially when it comes to the end-of-life time period. Many of us know very little about the services available to help us navigate this time, and due to a plethora of misinformation circulating around hospice care, there are many people who miss out on the valuable care they could have been receiving.
Because of this, we want to counter the top five hospice myths by taking a closer look at the facts.
Truth 1: Hospice does not mean the patient is giving up on life.
Hospice care allows a person who is nearing the end of their life’s journey to live their final days to the fullest. Hospice provides management of pain and symptoms, and helps to reduce anxiety, so the patient can spend their final days reminiscing and celebrating life—finding closure with those they love.
Truth 2: Hospice is not a place, but rather it is a service.
The majority of patients receive hospice care in the comfort of their own “home,” whether it be a private residence, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility. At Aspire Home Health and Hospice, we come to you.
Truth 3: Hospice care does not hasten death.
The goal of hospice is not to prolong life, nor hasten death. The goal of hospice is to ensure that the terminally ill patient is as physically, mentally, and spiritually comfortable as possible. And though not the purpose, there are many studies that show that hospice can lead to prolonged survival rates by managing pain and symptoms, especially when receiving hospice care earlier rather than later.
Truth 4: Choosing hospice care does not mean giving up control.
Once a family decides to initiate hospice care, the patient and their loved ones select the provider that’s right for them. Before any care commences, both the patient and their family are consulted to help determine the patient’s level of care and treatment plan. Here at Aspire Home Health and Hospice, we work hard to ensure that our patients receive the best hospice care possible. We have a team of caring, qualified providers who work in tandem with the patient, their physician, and their loved ones.
Truth 5: Hospice care is not expensive.
Hospice care is covered entirely by Traditional Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurance companies can also cover these services with no cost to the patient and their families. In fact, hospice care often costs significantly less than traditional medical care during the final months of life.
As a quality home health and hospice provider in Utah, we know that making the decision to begin hospice care is not an easy one. When the time is right, let Aspire Home Health and Hospice be your partner in helping you or a loved one live out the remainder of their life to the fullest.
If you believe that you or someone you love could benefit from hospice care, contact us today. We’re here to answer any questions you may have — no matter what you decide.
