Hospice Care Myths

There are several harmful myths that still persist regarding hospice care

While the public has more knowledge regarding hospice care these days than they ever have before, there are some common misconceptions that still exist. In a recent article for The News Leader, Hal Aslestad listed three of the most persistent, a quote:

I would like to address three myths about hospice care. Some think hospice care is only for the last few days of life. But did you know that hospice patients and families can receive care for six months or longer depending on the course of the illness?

Other individuals think that hospice care means giving up on all medical treatment. But hospice provides high-quality pain management and symptom control. Diseases which are not related to the primary hospice diagnosis can still be treated

Lastly, many think that hospice is only for cancer and AIDs patients. Did you know that today, while 40 percent of hospice patients are fighting cancer, the majority of patients face other terminal illnesses?

Hospice care is about living well, and the more we can share this fact with the public, the better we can combat misconceptions and misunderstandings about the invaluable and highly beneficial services offered.