Hospice care is often surrounded by misconceptions and misunderstandings. At Caring Hands Hospice, we strive to provide clarity and education about the true nature of hospice care. Here are some common misconceptions and the facts that dispel them.
Misconception 1: Hospice is a Separate Building
One of the most prevalent misconceptions about hospice is that it is a separate building where patients go to live out their final days. In reality, hospice care is a service that comes to the patient, wherever they may be. Whether the patient is in their own home, a group home, or an assisted living facility, our team at Caring Hands Hospice provides comprehensive care at their place of residence.
While there are in-patient hospice houses, these facilities are typically used for short-term stays when a patient's symptoms cannot be effectively managed at home. The primary goal of hospice is to support patients in their preferred environment, ensuring comfort and familiarity during a challenging time.
Misconception 2: Hospice Shortens People’s Lives
Another common misconception is that hospice care shortens a patient's life. This couldn't be further from the truth. Hospice care focuses on pain and symptom management, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and are expected to live less than a year.
Studies have shown that patients often live longer on hospice care because all invasive treatments are withdrawn, allowing us to concentrate on making patients comfortable and managing their symptoms effectively. At Caring Hands Hospice, we are proud to be rated a 5-star program by our patients and their families, reflecting our commitment to enhancing life, even in its final stages.
Misconception 3: Hospice Only Cares for the Patient
Many people believe that hospice care is solely focused on the patient. In reality, hospice care extends to the entire family and anyone who is close to the patient. At Caring Hands Hospice, we use a multidisciplinary approach that includes a team of specialists working together to improve the experience for both patients and their loved ones.
Our team provides round-the-clock care, including physicians, skilled nursing, social workers, spiritual counselors, certified nursing assistants, physical therapists,
occupational therapists, speech therapists, respiratory therapists, and volunteer services. Recently, we have added ancillary services such as massage therapy, musical therapy, aroma therapy, and pet therapy. Additionally, we deliver necessary supplies and equipment, such as medications, incontinence supplies, medical food, wheelchairs, and hospital beds, directly to the patient's home 24/7.
At Caring Hands Hospice, we become your 911. You can call us at any time, and we will rush to your bedside to adjust medications, provide equipment, or offer emotional support.
Misconception 4: Morphine Kills People or Causes Addiction
A significant misconception about hospice care is that morphine kills patients or that it leads to addiction. In the hospice setting, morphine is used for symptom management. It helps alleviate pain, terminal anxiety, respiratory distress, high blood pressure, and more.
It is not morphine that kills patients; it is the progression of their disease. Morphine simply relieves symptoms and improves the quality of life. Since our patients have advanced illnesses, they do not become addicted to these medications. Our medical director, who is board-certified in palliative care, oversees all treatments and has many years of experience leading hospices in the Las Vegas valley.
Misconception 5: Hospice is Only for the Last 3-5 Days of Life
A widespread belief is that hospice care is only appropriate for the final 3-5 days of a patient's life. However, this is not the case. Too often, the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers is negatively impacted by unrealistic expectations from our healthcare system and themselves. Loved ones frequently second-guess their decisions, carrying the burden of guilt over what they could have done differently to save the patient. Many also report that they were referred to or agreed to hospice care too late.
Our society often conditions us to believe we are immortal, but as the saying goes, nobody gets out of this place alive. Let’s look at some hospice statistics:
The average length of stay in hospice is 75 days.
The median stay is 17 days.
One-third of patients die within the first 7 days of entering hospice care.
Clearly, many patients are admitted to hospice at the eleventh hour. It does not have to be this way. When a disease progresses to an advanced stage, there is a steep decline, or there is a weight loss of 10% or more in the last six months, along with two or more hospitalizations in the last year or recurring infections, it is time to have a conversation with a doctor about the goals of care. It is crucial to see if those goals align with the hospice philosophy.
At Caring Hands Hospice, we pride ourselves on having direct, candid yet sensitive conversations to determine if hospice care is right for the patient, caregivers, and family. We also educate the community on the timing and value of hospice care. Statistics show that patients live longer, are more satisfied with their quality of life, and have a more peaceful experience overall. Hospice care also lowers the risk of complicated grief in the bereaved. Caring Hands Hospice has a team of specialists who monitor and support loved ones in their grief journey, offering grief counseling and community support.
At Caring Hands Hospice, our mission is to dispel these misconceptions and provide compassionate, comprehensive care to our patients and their families. Hospice is not a place; it is a philosophy of care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. By understanding the true nature of hospice, we can better support those who need it most. If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is here for you 24/7, ready to offer the care and support you deserve.
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