Dispelling Hospice Myths

by Kerri Cooke

Hospice care is a wonderful resource for families struggling with the declining health of a loved one. 

The stress, physical strain and grief at seeing the waning well-being of their parent or spouse can be overwhelming. You can always call or visit a hospice branch for more information before deciding if the program is right for your loved one now or in the future. Thrive spoke with Tangela Wilson, the executive director of St. Joseph Hospice, to dispel common myths surrounding hospice and what services they provide. 

One of the most common hospice myths is the idea that calling in hospice means a person is dying within a few short days or weeks. Wilson says, contrary to popular belief, “hospice is appropriate when a doctor certifies you as terminally ill. That typically means a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease runs its normal course.” Take former President Jimmy Carter as an example. Many expected news of him passing shortly after it was announced he had entered hospice care. He would go on to live for almost two more years. This length of life expectancy when entering hospice isn’t the norm, but some studies show hospice care extends life expectancy. 

Another myth is that hospice will discontinue all the patient’s medications and treatments. Wilson emphasizes, “Hospice discontinues medications and treatments that no longer improve comfort or quality of life. The patient will continue to receive medications to manage symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, nausea and vomiting. The focus is comfort.” 

The frequent administration of morphine is another common misconception. Wilson says, “Most patients are given a ‘comfort kit’ on admission. It isn’t a requirement to take the medication until needed. The doctor and nurse will help the patient and family know when to begin medications.” In other words, your loved one will only receive strong medications when needed. Morphine is usually given to ease the transition from life to death. That doesn’t mean your loved one is at the point when entering hospice care. 

Just because you elect to place your loved one in hospice care does not mean you’re failing them. Wilson says, “The biggest myth I’ve heard is that bringing in hospice means giving up hope to live or that it will expedite death. Hospice is not about giving up. It is about focusing on quality of life rather than quantity. The goal shifts from curing the illness to controlling symptoms and making each day meaningful. Hospice provides compassionate care with comfort focused treatment to allow death to occur naturally and peacefully.” 

Signs that a loved one might benefit from hospice include the progression of a terminal illness. Wilson says this can be seen in “multiple trips to the ER, hospitalizations, increased weakness, unintentional weight loss, an increase in sleeping, and needing more help with walking, bathing or daily activities.” It’s hard for a caretaker to handle these tasks, especially if they have an outside job. Hospice has nurses to help with personal hygiene and medicine management. Supplies for care are provided. Social workers, chaplains and spiritual counselors are available for both the patient and those close to them to help navigate the uncertainty, fear and grief.  

Medicare covers hospice care for patients with a terminal diagnosis. Wilson encourages utilizing hospice if needed. “You are not alone. Hospice surrounds you with support. You gain a team of caring professionals that not only care for the patient but also for the caregivers and family.”