- Hospice is giving up: Hospice care is not giving up, but rather it’s about choosing comfort and quality of life in the face of a life-limiting illness. Patients and their families can still pursue treatments for their illness and comfort measures to relieve symptoms, if desired.
- Hospice is only for the last days of life: Hospice care can be initiated when a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less, but it is not limited to the last days of life. Early referrals to hospice can allow for a more comprehensive plan of care and support.
- Hospice is only for cancer patients: Hospice care is not limited to cancer patients, but is available for anyone with a life-limiting illness such as heart disease, dementia, liver or lung disease, etc.
- Hospice means no more medical treatment: Hospice care provides comfort measures and symptom management, but it does not mean that all medical treatments have stopped. Patients can still receive treatments for their underlying illness or other health conditions.
- Hospice care is only provided in a hospice facility: Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings including patients’ homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice inpatient facilities. The goal of hospice is to provide care in the most comfortable and familiar environment for the patient.