Dispelling Hospice Care Myths: Part II

Below we provide additional facts to dispel common myths about hospice care and provide understanding on the benefits of end-of-life care for patients and families to make better decisions for themselves and their loved ones. 

Myth: Only a doctor can refer someone to hospice care.

FACT: Anyone can make a referral for hospice care including friends, neighbors or a concerned relative.  Our admissions facilitator contacts the patient’s physician to help with the required formal referral. Patients are usually admitted to service within 24 hours, sometimes sooner when necessary, and includes a visit from a social worker and medical equipment and prescription deliveries.

Myth: You can’t keep your own doctor if you enter hospice care.

FACT: Hospice care encourages engagement with your family doctor or specialist. Together they develop a care plan for the
patient’s situation.

Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients.

FACT: The majority of hospice patients, about 70%, are admitted to hospice with non-cancer diagnoses, meaning less than 30% of hospice patients have cancer. Some of the most common non-cancer diagnoses are heart disease, dementia, lung disease, kidney disease and liver disease. The Hospice of Marion County team is skilled at managing symptoms of any chronic illness.

Myth: Hospice care is more expensive.

FACT: Hospice care is frequently less expensive than conventional care during the last six months of life. Additionally, patients eligible for Medicare or Medicaid will pay few out-of-pocket expenses related to their hospice care. Most private insurers also cover some or most hospice-related expenses. As a nonprofit, Hospice of Marion County provides comfort care no matter one’s ability to pay.

Myth: Hospice requires a DNR  (Do Not Resuscitate) Order.

FACT: The purpose and benefit of hospice care is to allow for a peaceful death in a comfortable and familiar setting like home with loved ones near. While many people who choose hospice care wish to have a DNR to avoid unnecessary medical intervention and hospitalization, a DNR is not required to receive hospice care.

Myth: Hospice care is only available in a hospice house.

FACT: Hospice care is available wherever the patient calls home. At Hospice of Marion County, approximately 86% of our patients receive care in their home. Patients may receive services in their own home, assisted living facility, nursing home or in one of our three hospice houses.