Hospice Care
Hospice Care and Common Myths
Hospice is a discipline of care for terminally ill patients who have less than six months to live. It is a form of palliative care (care focused on the patient’s comfort) comprised of a range of services to help patients experience a good death. Silverado Hospice was founded on the idea that compassion and clinical excellence, when combined in the right measure, are the best means to provide comfort and dignity at the end of life’s journey.
Our multidisciplinary approach is centered in creating a detailed care plan that treats each patient based on their unique clinical, mental and spiritual needs. Both patients and their families benefit from a wide range of resources designed to help provide the assistance that is needed in the most helpful manner possible, including:
- Disease-specific programs to help with the unique needs of patients with cancer, pulmonary disease, cardiac disease and more
- Unique quality of life programs to cater to patient interests, including We Honor Veterans, Essential Oils and more
- A person-centered approach to care, following a detailed personalized care plan developed with the patient, loved ones and the hospice doctor.
Read below for five of the most common myths about hospice:
Myth #1: Hospice shortens life.
The facts: The focus of hospice is to make the remaining time one has more comfortable. Hospice is not designed to either prolong or shorten life, but rather to focus on quality of life. There are instances where patients do outlive their prognosis and even “graduate” from hospice care.
Myth #2: Hospice is expensive.
The facts: Hospice is funded by Medicare Part A, Medicaid and also by most individual insurers. Often times, hospice services can actually remove some financial burden families or responsible parties, who may otherwise need to pay out-of-pocket for medications or equipment like beds or wheelchairs.
Myth #3: Hospice is a place.
The facts: Hospice in general is a type of care. While there are locations that specialize in providing hospice care, patients may receive care on-site in a number of places, including home, hospital or an assisted living or retirement facility.
Myth #4: Hospice is only for cancer/heart failure/dementia/etc.
The facts: Hospice care is appropriate for any patient with a life-limiting condition and a prognosis of six months or less to live. Care can be tailored to meet the unique needs of the patient. This includes not just their clinical requirements, but spiritual, emotional and social as well.
Myth #5: Hospice is full-time care.
The facts: Most hospice cases involve periodic visits from doctors, nurses, volunteers and other team members. There are various circumstances involving pain management or other acute conditions that require additional care, but in general, care will still be provided by family or caregivers at the facility where the patient resides.