Dispelling Myths about Hospice

There are certain words in health care that no one wants to hear. Hospice shouldn’t be one of them.

That’s the point of view of Amy Gillespie, Avera@Home social worker. She’s helped many families face the challenges that come with this special kind of care.

“My goal is to dispel the false impressions they may have,” she said.

She can discuss hospice facts and the truth about what is often unknown by many families.

“All of us feel honored to guide a family on their hospice journey. Most people find that it’s a positive experience once they hear how we can help,” she said."

Gillespie said those starting-point discussions – the “kitchen table conversations” as she calls them, are a place where the misconceptions can be modified. She offered these “myth versus fact” tips for any family that may need hospice care.

Myth: Hospice Is a Place

Fact: Hospice is a specialized type of medical care that can be delivered wherever someone calls home – that can mean in an individual’s home, long-term care facility, assisted living facility or a hospice house.

It’s a philosophy of care, more so than the location, that defines hospice. It is an added level of care and support that helps people who may be near the end of life to find physical, emotional and spiritual comfort. Hospice care can help take pressure off family/caregivers as well.

Myth: Hospice Is Expensive

Fact: Hospice is a Medicare- and private insurance-covered service, and in cases where the care is delivered in the home, it’s covered up to 100%. When a patient prefers/needs placement in a facility, Avera hospice professionals are knowledgeable of the community options. They can also help you find financial assistance programs and evaluate options.

The hospice team provides an extra layer of assistance, getting families started with calls and placement evaluations at requested facilities.

The team is made of many professionals and volunteers.

Patients are responsible for room and board at the various settings, but the professionals map out these facts when they meet with you. The care from the hospice team remains covered, usually 100%. That’s why having a conversation in advance is important.

The bonus is that the hospice team can follow patients as they transition to different settings, always assuring quality of life is the goal.

Myth: Hospice Only Lasts for 6 Months

Fact: A patient's stay length is dependent upon the individual and their unique situation and disease progression.

“We do our best to get patients on hospice services early, that way they benefit from it sooner and as long as possible – which is also a big benefit to caregivers,” Gillespie said.

The hospice team and the patient’s physician, along with the family, make this decision while following Medicare regulations.

Myth: You Can’t Talk Hospice until it’s Time

Fact: Hospice professionals like Gillespie often facilitate conversations about the dying process, not only with people facing it, but with their families. Making informed decisions and allowing patients to voice their wishes is so helpful to families.

“Our job is to open the discussion about how we can best take this journey together, with the ultimate goal being exceptional care for patients and families, Gillespie said. “We’re there alongside them, having intimate conversations that are so important. It’s an amazing privilege to be part of it.”