Myth
Fact
Hospice means “giving up.”
It focuses on a “good death” by prioritizing dignity, respect and meaningful time with loved ones.
It’s only for cancer.
It is appropriate for any life-limiting illness, including dementia, heart disease, and COPD.
It’s only for the last few days.
Hospice is for patients who have a life expectancy of six months or less (should the terminal disease run its natural course).
You lose your doctor.
You can keep your primary physician, who collaborates with the hospice team.
It’s a specific place.
It is a service provided wherever the patient lives (home or in a facility).
It is expensive.
It is covered by Medicare and most insurance, including equipment and medications.
You can’t change your mind.
You can revoke hospice at any time to resume curative treatment.
Hospice speeds up death.
It neither prolongs nor shortens death; specialized care often helps patients live longer.
A DNR is required.
You can receive carewithout a DNR, but having one clarifies your end-of-life wishes.
All medications are stopped.
Hospice reviews all medications and may remove unnecessary drugs, while prioritizing the patient's comfort and quality of life.
Bereavement stops when the patient passes.
Hospice provides professional grief support services to the family and loved ones for a minimum of one full year (13 months) following the death.
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