Common Hospice Care Myths: What You Really Need to Know

One of the biggest myths is that hospice care is only for those who are in their final days of life. Hospice can be initiated at any point when a patient has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has decided to stop curative treatment.

This means individuals can benefit from hospice services weeks and months before death. The Medicare Hospice Benefit is a six-month benefit. Medicare and Medicaid are intended for patients to receive at least six months of hospice care. The goal is to enhance the quality of life, manage symptoms, and support the patient and their family.

There are several studies that show patients can live LONGER with hospice care because of increased care, decreased unnecessary and toxic medications and treatments, and more comfort. Lightways can come to you, and talk in the comfort of your home, and discuss how we can help navigate your journey. Hospice care can be provided to a patient wherever they call home – skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, home, hospital, or the Lightways Inpatient Hospice Unit located in Joliet, Illinois.

Many people think that opting for hospice means they are giving up on themselves or their loved one. On the contrary, choosing hospice is often a proactive decision to focus on comfort and quality of life, rather than curative treatments that may not improve the patient’s condition.

Hospice care is all about providing support, managing symptoms, and ensuring that the patient’s wishes are respected, not giving up! Hospice is about hope! Hope for comfort, an important event like a birth or wedding, a milestone like an anniversary, or that trip to Italy. Lightways understands this is your journey, and we encourage patients and families to be involved in the patient’s care plan.

While it’s true that many hospice patients have cancer, hospice is not limited to just cancer diagnoses. Hospice care is available for anyone facing a terminal illness, whether that’s heart disease, lung disease (COPD), Alzheimer’s and dementia, kidney disease, ALS, or any other life-limiting condition.

Every individual deserves compassionate end-of-life care, regardless of their diagnosis. Hospice can also be provided to a patient of any age. If you are unsure if you or your loved one is eligible for hospice, Lightways can provide you with an evaluation of what services are available.

Some people believe that once they enter hospice care, they can no longer see their primary care physician or specialists. This is not the case! While hospice does involve a team of healthcare professionals who coordinate care, patients can still maintain a relationship with any of their doctors and any of their doctors can continue to bill Medicare or insurance.

In fact, many primary care physicians support the hospice process and work in tandem with the hospice team to provide the best care possible. When consenting to services, every patient has the right to choose an attending physician of their choice.

Many people think that hospice care is solely for the patient, but it is really about the whole family. The Lightways hospice team provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support for family members as well. Lightways understands caregiving can be incredibly challenging, so we offer counseling, respite care, and other resources to help families navigate this difficult journey together.

One of the greatest gifts of hospice is that we teach you what to expect next and how to take care of your loved one. No one has done this before; this is hard. Lightways also offers a remarkable grief support team available to you at any stage of your grieving process. In fact, some families may experience anticipatory grief right from the start, and having the right support can make all the difference.

There is a common misconception that hospice care is paid out of pocket by the patient and their family. However, hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. This means that families pay nothing out of pocket for the services provided for anything related to the hospice diagnosis.

If you or your loved one does not have medical insurance, we encourage you to reach out and discuss how we can assist you. At Lightways, we believe that everyone deserves compassionate care, regardless of their ability to pay. Let’s sit down together and explore the options available to ensure you receive the support you need during this crucial time.

While hospice does focus on end-of-life care, it’s so much more than just preparing for death. It’s about living fully in the time that remains. Lightways encourages patients to engage in meaningful activities, spend quality time with loved ones, and enjoy life as much as possible. The goal is to create a peaceful, fulfilling environment where patients feel loved and supported.

Navigating the world of hospice care can be overwhelming, but understanding the facts can make a significant difference. By dispelling these myths, our knowledgeable Lightways team can help families make informed decisions about their care options and ensure everyone receives the compassionate support they deserve.