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When no cure is available, a hospice hospital provides comfort, care, and support to patients and their families. If you or a loved one has a terminal illness, you may have heard the various myths regarding hospice care and how it works. Many of these myths are partially or completely untrue, and can cause confusion for families searching for care for their loved ones. Here, you'll find the most common myths debunked. 1. Hospice is a specific place or facility. While there are some designated facilities designed to care for terminally ill patients, there is no single designation. Services can be provided at a hospital, residential facility, assisted living facility, or a nursing home. If desired, personal health providers can also give support in the comfort of the individual's private home. 2. Support is only provided for the final days of life. It is a common misconception that support is only provided to patients and their families for the final days of the patient's life. In reality, an individual can receive care for up to six months or more, depending on the severity of the illness. During this time, healthcare workers will try to manage symptoms and make the person comfortable. 3. Hospice is only for people with cancer. When this service was first introduced in the United States during the mid-1970s, most patients who used the service had some type of cancer. Today, patients may visit a hospice hospital due to various other life limiting medical conditions and illnesses. Some of these conditions include kidney or heart disease and Alzheimer's. 4. Hospice can be expensive. While costs range depending on where you live and the facility you choose, assistance can be extremely affordable. Often times, Medicare or Medicaid will offer benefits to individuals who require these services, but do not have the finances to get them otherwise. There are typically little out-of-pocket expenses in these types of situations. 5. Patients are required to change their physician. Some people believe that they have to change their physician if they want to get support assistance. While some facilities do offer a facility medical director, most encourage patients to stay under the care of their primary physician if they desire to do so. While getting services, the patient is also able to continue making their own decisions. 6. Hospice means the patient is giving up hope. It's important to not think of these services as a patient or family "giving up hope." In fact, these services are designed to help the patient make the most of their life in their final days, weeks, or months. With support, a person is also better able to manage their emotions involving death and their illness. If you're considering putting yourself or a loved one in a hospice hospital, it's important to distinguish the myths from the truths. Consider these debunked myths when deciding on the best support assistance for a terminally ill patient. When considering a hospice hospital, New Orleans residents visit St. Margaret's Hospice Care. Learn more about this facility at http://www.stmhospice.org/.
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