Hospice care may be one of the most misunderstood concepts in modern medicine. Since hospice care is typically l associated with death and dying, people may fear or avoid learning about it. At the Wilf Campus for Senior Living, Stein Hospice provides compassionate, comprehensive end-of-life care for older adults in Somerset, NJ, and the surrounding counties. We think it’s important to debunk the myths of hospice, because they may keep patients and families from accessing important medical, mental, and spiritual care that is needed at the end of life. Here, we separate facts from fiction when it comes to hospice care.
Myth: Hospice Means Giving Up Hope
Accepting hospice care is no reason to give up hope. Not only are new medical treatments always being developed, tested, and introduced, but medical professionals can rarely predict the exact course of a condition or disease. However, after patients have tried and failed to stop or arrest their illness, hospice can offer pain management and other symptom control measures that help improve the daily quality of life. This type of care can assist patients in meeting their goals, such as spending meaningful time with family and friends.
Myth: Hospice Is Only for Cancer Patients
Hospice care is available for anyone who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting disease and has an anticipated life expectancy of 6 months or less. Many hospice patients do have cancers, but that is not always the case.
Myth: Hospice Is Only for Patients Who Are Near Death
Hospice care can help patients feel better. This makes it very possible that they may live longer than six months, depending on their disease or condition, overall health, and other factors. Let your medical care team help you get palliative care and hospice care that offers you the opportunity to pursue your life with dignity. Hospice care is available within assisted living communities, a variety of inpatient settings, and at home. It is also available at Wilf Campus for Senior Living for residents in memory care.
Myth: You Can’t Keep Your Own Doctor if You Enter Hospice
We encourage our patients to maintain their professional relationships with physicians and other members of their medical team. As we develop a personalized care plan for hospice care, we welcome input from knowledgeable family physicians and other specialists.
Myth: You Can Only Enter Hospice With Your Doctor’s Recommendation
If you believe hospice care would be best for you or your loved one, please discuss it with us. Your doctor may need to provide a determination of eligibility for specific services, but patients who are open to receiving hospice care shouldn’t wait for their doctor to initiate arrangements. We want to help improve your comfort level so you can meaningfully attend to important activities and relationships.
Myth: Once You Start Hospice, You Can’t Stop
It is possible to receive hospice care and then decide to leave the program. If patients seek hospice care later, it can be arranged with the help of their physician, medical care team, and the hospice care organization or service providers.
Myth: Hospice Requires a Do-Not-Resuscitate Order
Do-not-resuscitate orders are dependent on the decision of the individual patient. Medical care is complex, as is any individual’s state of health. These are personal decisions to be made, which are not mandated by hospice care. The decision is yours.
Myth: You Can’t Be Treated for Other Illnesses or Injuries in Hospice
It is always possible to seek treatment for illnesses or injuries that are unrelated to a life-limiting diagnosis while under hospice care. The overall goal of hospice care is to help patients by managing pain and increasing comfort. All treatments that enhance a patient’s lifestyle are encouraged.
Myth: Hospice Is Only for the Older Adults
All patients diagnosed with a life-limiting disease or condition can receive hospice care. However, Stein Hospice, associated with Wilf Campus for Senior Living, is available only to older adults.
Myth: Hospice Tries to Hasten Death
The opposite is true! Hospice care is designed to help patients live in more comfort and dignity. At Stein Hospice we celebrate each day of life and hope to help our patients live it with meaning and joy.
Donate to Stein Hospice Care and Promote Hospice Facts
Help us make end-of-life care available to more people in our community. Donate to Stein Hospice, which is part of the services provided at Wilf Campus for Senior Living. Contact us in central New Jersey by calling 732-649-3502 or sending an email to [email protected].