I’m a big advocate of hospice. My mother died in a hospice residence and I can’t say enough good things about them. Everything you’ve ever heard is true.

Of course, if you’ve never had an experience with one, you may not even know what hospice is.

Hospice is a philosophy of care that accepts death as the final stage of life. The American Cancer Society has a good summary of the concept:

The goal of hospice is to enable patients to continue an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice affirms life and does not hasten or postpone death. Hospice care treats the person rather than the disease; it focuses on quality rather than length of life. It provides family-centered care and involves the patient and the family in making decisions. Care is provided for the patient and family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hospice care can be given in the patient’s home, a hospital, nursing home, or private hospice facility.

Even though they address end of life issues, hospice is certainly a senior house option whether a patient remains in their own home or moves to a care facility.

However, there are some common misconceptions about the hospice philosophy and some might even keep people from seeking this specialized care.

Hospice is something done when there’s no hope left – Hospice isn’t giving up hope, but it can mean a change in what you are hoping for: a good death. Receiving hospice care is “doing something” — controlling symptoms so that a person can live their days alert and with dignity.

Hospice is a place to die – Hospice is concept rather than a place, though some do have residence centers. A patient doesn’t necessarily have to die at home, but that option is available. Hospice care can be provided in a hospital or nursing home as well.

Hospice is only for cancer patients- Hospice cares for people with many end stage diseases besides cancer such as heart disease, respiratory disease and kidney disease.

The person must be bedridden – Criteria for hospice care is related to several factors, most important being the disease and the prognosis. When my mother was in hospice, the guy across the hall was up and dressed every day and apparently had a car there, and went about his business as usual. I have no idea what his diagnosis was, but I saw people in many different stages of their illness.

Must give up family doctor – While a hospice physician is usually assigned to the patient, it doesn’t necessarily mean not seeing your family doctor anymore. In fact, my mother was encouraged to see her regular physician at any time. Her doctor and the hospice doctor worked together, and my mother loved the hospice physician.

Can’t be hospitalized or get any treatment – A hospice patient can receive treatment to alleviate symptoms, and sometimes those treatments might require hospitalization.

Must be near death to be admitted – On the contrary, seek hospice services as soon as you know you might need them. They have so much to offer. You can be discharged from hospice if you get better, it’s not a sentence.

I’m a nurse and have had a parent receive this type of care, but I’m not an expert. Always check with your care provider for information specific to your situation.

-Elizabeth Thielke