Hospice is a taboo subject with many myths and misconceptions. We want to bust those myths and educate the community on hospice care.
Myth #1– You can only have hospice care for 6 months or less.
Many people think hospice can only be for 6 months and this is simply not the case. The “6 months or less” is a guideline used to determine eligibility for hospice care, but it does not mean someone can only use hospice for 6 months or less. We follow Medicare guidelines to determine hospice eligibility. If a patient is still on hospice care after 6 months, and still meets eligibility requirements, the patient can remain on hospice care for as long as they are eligible.
Myth #2– You cannot receive any medications other than pain medications.
It is a common misconception that hospice only gives a few specific medications and patients are not allowed to take medications they were on prior to hospice admission. While individuals who elect hospice care cannot take medications curative in nature, we do not “take everything away.” Any medication used to help a patient remain comfortable can still be taken.
Myth #3– You have to “give up” going to the hospital no matter what.
When someone elects to use hospice care, they are not giving up any rights. You still have the right to go to the hospital, see a physician and even travel. The goal of hospice care is to bring the healthcare needed to the home, in replacement of frequent hospital visits. However, you can go to the hospital for non-diagnosis related medical emergencies, such as a broken bone or accident-related injuries. Patients have the right to revoke hospice at any time.
Myth #4-Other facilities and organizations can provide their own hospice care.
St. Anthony’s Hospice is the ONLY hospice care provider in Henderson, Union, and Webster counties. This means we are the only organization able to provide true hospice care. Medicare patients have the right to elect to use their hospice benefit no matter where they are residing, and true hospice care can only be provided by an accredited hospice care organization. While some offer “comfort care” to patients, this is also not the same as hospice care. Electing to use the hospice benefit provides a patient with a team of trained and skilled specialists providing comfort care (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) for the patient, family and loved ones.
If you are interested in learning more about hospice care, or would like to make a referral, please call 270-826-2326 or visit our website www.stanthonyshospice.org/referral