Services

Myths and Facts about Hospice

MYTH: Hospice care is only intended for patients who are rapidly approaching death.
FACT: An early referral to our hospice program enables patients and families to fully benefit from The Chaplaincy’s Hospice support and services.

MYTH: Hospice cares only for patients diagnosed with cancer
FACT: Hospice care is for patients and their families during any life-limiting illness.

MYTH: Acceptance of hospice care means that a patient can no longer see
his/her own physician.
FACT: Hospice encourages the patient’s physician to follow the patient onto the program and participate in his/her care plan.

MYTH: Hospice care is only for those with private insurance.
FACT: Hospice serves everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Hospice care is covered under Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans.

MYTH: Hospice care is no different than Home Health.
FACT: Hospice is different in that hospice staff are specially trained in providing physical, emotional, spiritual care to patients and their families. Grief support is provided to families following their loved one’s death.

MYTH: Hospice patients must be homebound.
FACT: Patients need not be homebound to receive hospice services. Hospice helps patients to be as active as possible. Our motto is “live life to the fullest”.

MYTH: Hospice services stop when the patient dies.
FACT: Hospice provides free grief support to families for a year or longer after the patient’s death.

MYTH: Hospice is a facility.
FACT: Hospice care is provided wherever the patient may reside (i.e., home, skilled nursing or assisted living facility, hospital, hospice in-patient unit) The Chaplaincy’s philosophy supports patients and families wherever they reside.