Making decisions about the health care of a loved one who has a limited time to live is one of the most difficult situations that a family can face. The demands and concerns can be both emotional and physical, and many questions can be on the minds of family members, such as: How will their pain be managed?
How will other symptoms and cares be handled? Is there a cost for the care? Can the care be provided at our home? These questions can be compounded by the various hospice myths that have been derived about hospice care. There are many hospice myths and hospice misconceptions about hospice care, and we will attempt to clear some of them up.
Myth 1: Hospice Means Giving Up
Fact: Hospice prioritizes comfort and quality of life
One of the most frequent questions from families is “Is hospice giving up?” When the goals of the care are centered on palliating (relieving) the symptoms of a serious illness, but the goals are not to cure or give relief from the stress of a seriously limiting illness, this kind of care is defined as “hospice care.”
Hospice care permits the individual to engage in meaningful activities and to maintain control over their activities of daily living. The staff of the hospice care team can give relief to the individual from symptoms, as well as emotional and spiritual distress.
If, for example, a family member has serious, limiting cancer in New Jersey, the family can elect hospice care to ease their symptoms and offer a dignified, quality ending to their life.
Myth 2: Hospice Is Only for the Final Few Days
Fact: Eligible patients may benefit from hospice earlier.
Some families are of the thought that hospice care is for the very end. While this can be the case, the care can be implemented much earlier in the illness. Under Medicare guidelines in the U.S., patients are eligible for hospice when it is expected that they will not live longer than six months given the normal course of their illness.
It is generally in the best interest of patients and their families to begin the conversation as soon as the option of hospice becomes applicable, for a number of reasons. First, families have more time to consider the various options available to them.
Longer lead times allow families to make adequate arrangements for the care and support of the patient. Finally, longer lead times afford families and patients the opportunity to prepare for the changes that are to come.
Myth 3: Hospice Stops All Medical Care
Fact: Care continues, but its goals may change.
While a number of treatments and supportive services will no longer be applicable, hospice provides a broad range of services and supportive care. These services are designed to maximize the patient’s quality of life, and the hospice team works to ensure that the patient and family understand how best to provide supportive care.
Faith Health Group takes extra steps to ensure that the treatment, care, and services provided to each patient are in complete alignment with the spiritual, religious, and cultural beliefs of the patient and family.
Myth 4: Hospice Is Only for Cancer Patients
Fact: People with other life-limiting illnesses may also qualify.
Hospice care is also appropriate for a patient with end-stage Alzheimer’s disease, Congestive Heart Failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal disease, and other diagnoses. Determining if a patient is eligible for hospice benefits requires a full assessment of all the medical conditions of the patient and a determination by the patient’s physician that death is expected within a short period of time.
When you or loved ones start experiencing decline in function, increase in symptoms, and/or repeated trips to the hospital, it’s time to talk to the health care team to explore other options.
Myth 5: Hospice Is Available Only in Hospitals
Fact: Hospice may be provided in familiar surroundings.
Some people are comfortable receiving care in various places, and depending on the type of care plan, hospice care can be provided in an individual’s home, a long-term care facility, and/or an assisted living facility.
Hospice care can be provided in a patient’s home to allow the individual to remain in the place they live, and to assist the patient and their family members in providing daily care. Faith Health Group provides hospice care to individuals living in New Jersey.
Nursing care and help in managing the symptoms of an individual’s illness through the provision of medical care, personal care and support, and end-of-life care are some of the hospice services that this care facility can provide. The care team will explain the services offered to one’s family.
Myth 6: Hospice Supports Patients, Not Families
Fact: Family caregivers can receive valuable guidance and support.
Caring for a loved one with a serious illness can be emotionally and physically draining. It can be helpful for families to learn about the symptoms and medications that care personnel are going to use.
Care personnel provide family members with support and education, and guide families through the care process. After a family member has passed away, personnel can provide support to family members and guide them through the grieving process.
Myth 7: Hospice Care Is Too Expensive
Fact: Coverage may be available for eligible patients.
Cost concerns often stop families from exploring hospice. However, eligible patients may receive coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, depending on their plan and circumstances. Medicare generally covers hospice services for beneficiaries who meet its eligibility requirements and elect the hospice benefit.
Conclusion
Understanding what hospice really means starts with recognizing that comfort, dignity, and personal wishes matter. Hospice care enables patients to maintain dignity and comfort, as well as control over the remaining time they have, and to have their wishes honored. The care teams at Faith Health Group, located in New Jersey, offer compassionate and individualized hospice care. Family members can contact Faith Health Group and ask about the care and support services that are available to them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Care
1. What is hospice care?
Hospice care New Jersey supports people with life-limiting illnesses by focusing on comfort and quality of life. Services may include nursing care, symptom management, personal assistance, and emotional support.
2. Is hospice giving up on treatment?
Hospice is not giving up on treatment. Hospice focuses on care and comfort when treatment is no longer working or wanted. Other treatment or care can be given to help with symptoms.
3. When should a family consider hospice?
Families can start to consider hospice when the person they are caring for has a condition that will eventually shorten their life, when symptoms get harder to control, and the person needs more help to be taken care of. A health care worker can help determine this.
4. Can hospice care be provided at home in New Jersey?
Yes. Hospice care can be provided at a private home or other places where the person is being cared for. Call Faith Health Group to find out what hospice care services they have.
