Understanding Hospice Care
Hospice care is a vital area of healthcare that provides specialized quality-of-life care for patients experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. Henry Community Health is proud to provide a skilled and compassionate hospice care team of doctors, registered nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, and therapists, each with the shared goal of supporting individuals and families during one of life’s most challenging times.
Although hospice care can be an invaluable resource to patients and their families, many people hesitate to address this particular area of healthcare, allowing misconceptions to delay patients from receiving the full range of care and comfort in this challenging stage of life. Here are some of the common myths surrounding hospice care along with the facts to help you make informed decisions about end-of-life care.
Myth: Hospice care is only provided in the last few days of life
Fact: Hospice care can take place for as long as a patient needs it
One of the most prevalent myths about hospice care is that it is only appropriate or accessible during the final days of a person’s life. However, hospice care can be used for as long as it is needed, whether that is weeks or even months. The hospice care team at Henry Community Health can provide ongoing evaluations and assessments to adjust a patient’s care plan, medication, and services they are accessing as hospice care continues, ensuring an appropriate level of care throughout the process.
Myth: Hospice care is only for the terminally ill
Fact: Hospice care supports patients with various life-limiting conditions
Again, many individuals and families come to Henry Community Health believing that hospice care is only provided for certain conditions at certain times. Hospice care is designed to support individuals with a wide range of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, dementia, and more. Hospice care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients who have a limited life expectancy, regardless of their specific diagnosis.
Myth: Hospice care hastens death
Fact: Hospice care provides physical and emotional comfort, safety, and support
Another common misconception is that hospice care accelerates the end of life. In reality, hospice care prioritizes comfort, safety, and maintaining the patient’s dignity. Henry Community Health Hospice Care professionals work diligently to control pain, manage symptoms, and provide emotional and spiritual support, enhancing the patient’s overall well-being.
Myth: Choosing hospice care means giving up on treatment
Fact: Hospice care can be combined with other treatments
Many people believe that choosing hospice care means discontinuing all medical treatments. However, hospice care can be integrated with other therapies and is tailored to meet the needs of each individual patient. Henry Community Health provides wrap-around services in coordination with other healthcare providers to ensure holistic care over the course of treatment.
Myth: Hospice care only takes place in a facility
Fact: Hospice care meets patients wherever they are
Hospice care is not limited to a specific location. While some patients may receive care in a hospital or assisted living facility, many individuals choose to receive hospice care at home. Hospice teams can provide in-home assessments and evaluations, and coordinate companionship care, meal preparation, personal care, and household assistance. Henry Community Health can provide catheter care, pain control, wound care, and medication support wherever the patient resides, ensuring they remain in a familiar and comfortable environment.
Myth: Hospice care is expensive
Fact: Hospice care is covered by many insurance plans
The out-of-pocket expenses of hospice care are a concern for many families. However, many insurance plans make it an accessible option for those in need. Henry Community Health can help coordinate hospice care with an insurance provider and help our patients and their caregivers understand the out-of-pocket costs to ensure no one is faced with surprise expenses during this challenging time.
Hospice care plays a crucial role in providing compassionate support and comfort to individuals and families. Dispelling the myths around hospice care is essential to help people make informed decisions, and receive the care and support they deserve for as long as they need it.
Many are surprised to learn there are a range of personalized services for families in Henry County looking for hospice care that keep patients in charge of their healthcare and well-informed of their options. Should you be faced with the need to learn more about home hospice care, Henry Community Health is here to help. Please reach out to us at 765-593-2389 to learn how we can best help you.
