Bridge Hospice MythBusters
Hospice means the patient no longer has a say in their care.
Hospice care is the exact opposite of this myth! Hospice helps to manage the wants and needs of the individual. Patients and their family members will have the final say in their care.
Hospice care is not as good as curative treatment.
The quality of care received while on hospice is just as exceptional as being in a hospital setting; the focus of the care is just different. Bridge Hospice is staffed by medical professionals who are trained to handle crises and around-the-clock.
All hospice programs are the same.
All hospice programs must follow a set of rules and regulations, however support services may differ. It is important to find one that offers the right care. Ask if they have local contracts with medical equipment companies, local facilities for respite stays, ask about bereavement programs and ask if they have a local hospice care center.
Bereavement support is an important part of hospice services providing support to loved ones.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) report shows not all hospice offer this service or are only available via phone. Bridge hospice provides many bereavement programs including one on one sessions if needed.
The patient can never return to regular medical treatment once on hospice.
If the patient shows improvement in condition or wishes to return to curative treatment, they can be discharged from hospice at any time. Hospice is not a one-way street.
Hospice is only for cancer patients.
Hospice is available for any patient with a life limiting illness. Anyone with the end-stage of any chronic disease, who no longer wishes to seek aggressive medical treatment.
Hospice stops providing food and water to patients.
Bridge Hospice will never deny food or drink to any patient. However, it is a natural part of the process that some patients do not feel hungry or thirsty at the end of life.
If the person doesn’t feel pain or is not uncomfortable, it’s too early for hospice.
Hospice care can begin based on the patient’s prognosis. They may want the extra comfort and support that hospice can provide as early as possible. Hospice sooner is best.
Hospice provides 24-hour care.
While bridge hospice staff members are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, hospice does not necessarily provide continuous care. For patients who need an extra amount of care, inpatient programs that provides continuous care may be best.
Hospice administers morphine to speed up death. Hospice only useful for administering pain medication.
Morphine may be used in small doses to help patients feel more comfortable. It is not used in dosages large enough for patients to become addicted or sedated. Hospice is much more than just pain medicine. Hospice care focuses on the whole wellbeing of the patient. This includes spiritual, emotional and physical care.
A doctor must make a referral for hospice care.
Anyone, including a family member, a caregiver, or the individual themselves, can make a referral to hospice. Call Bridge Hospice, we will meet with you to answer questions and them we will take care of getting the paperwork from your physician.
Hospice is only used in the very last weeks of life.
Hospice care can begin when the patient’s physician gives a prognosis of six months or less if the disease follows the expected course. Hospice often provides such comfort and support that many outlive their expected prognosis.
Hospice hastens death.
Most hospice patients do pass away within hospice care, and this likely explains how this misconception came to be. But the truth is, hospice care does not speed up death. In fact, those who elect hospice care may live longer than those who choose not to use hospice services.
Hospice is giving up.
Hospice is not giving up. When one chooses hospice, they are switching the focus of their medical care, not giving up. Hospice helps to provide comfort, dignity and improve quality of life and so the individual can focus on family, friends, and do things they enjoy.