Misconception: Hospice services are only available in the home setting.
Hospice services can be provided to patients in nursing homes with which the hospice has contractual agreements.
Misconception: Hospice patients have to die at home.
While most hospice patients choose to die at home, the hospice team will assist and support families in planning for alternative choices.
Misconception: Hospice patients cannot be hospitalized.
Hospice patients may be admitted to a hospital with pre-authorization from the hospice team for symptom management.
Misconception: Hospice patients can no longer receive treatment.
Hospice accepts patients who are receiving, or may receive, palliative treatment. Each patient situation is considered and evaluated by the hospice team.
Misconception: Primary physicians are no longer involved in care of patients they refer to hospice.
Hospice encourages the primary physician to be part of the interdisciplinary team. Hospice supplements rather than replaces the physician. Hospice works with physicians to support patient needs.
Misconception: Hospice patients must have a DNR.
Hospice accepts patients for routine home care who have not agreed to a DNR as long as their goals are for palliative care.
Misconception: Hospice only sees patients with a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Hospice is appropriate for many end-stage terminal diagnoses including cancer, AIDS, ALS, heart disease, respiratory and lung disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Misconception: The patient must be close to death in order to be admitted to a hospital program.
Patients with a prognosis with a statistical probability of 6 months or less if the illness runs its normal course are appropriate for hospice. Hospice care is most beneficial to the patient and family when there is sufficient time to fully assess needs and strengths and to establish a trusting relationship.