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Breaking Through 3 Common Myths Regarding Hospice Care

Breaking Through 3 Common Myths Regarding Hospice Care | Orange County Home Care

Although there are some who try to find the fountain of youth, in the end, we all must die. In generations past, those who became ill or old were cared for in their own homes rather than in the hospitals and other healthcare institutions that are common today. Even knowing that death is simply the natural progression of life, many people hold certain myths regarding hospice care as closely guarded truths.

Myth #1: Those that Enter Hospice Care Never Go Home

First off, the term hospice simply describes end-of-life care, and individuals who have been diagnosed with a terminal ailment do not necessarily have to “go” anywhere to get qualified hospice care services.

With rising healthcare costs, people living longer, and many other factors, more healthcare insurance policies now cover at-home care, which can include hospice care as well. Some patients choose to enter a palliative or hospice care facility or hospital wing, while other patients choose to live out their remaining days comfortably at home.

Although most patients receiving hospice care will gradually decline in health until they die, there are hospice patients who rally and end up living longer than expected.

Myth #2: Hospice Patients Must Give Up or Keep Family Away

Neither of these two hospice myths is anywhere near true. Hospice care seeks to keep the patient comfortable by providing effective pain relief and other symptom management, and family members are highly encouraged to be involved in their loved one’s lives and care if they so choose.

The compassionate hospice professionals are there to help the family members deal with what is happening through teaching and in-depth family support services.

Myth #3: Patients Must Have Cancer to Use Hospice Care Services

While there are many hospice patients who do suffer from cancer, there are also many other medical conditions that hospice patients have been diagnosed with. Hospice patients can have progressive dementia, have end-stage kidney disease, suffer from HIV/AIDS, develop heart conditions, and many other health problems. Another misconception is that all hospice patients must be senior citizens. Hospice services are for any age.

Conclusion:

Many health insurance policies dictate when a patient can be covered for hospice services. Hospice services give terminally ill patients and their families compassionate and personalized care and supportive therapies. Contact http://sbhospicecare.com for details.