There is so much misinformation about hospice care out there. This is a post to clear up a few of the more common misconceptions so you can be the best advocate you can be.

Myth #1: “My doctor will bring up hospice care when it’s the right time”

Truth: Many doctors still don’t receive training on how to have difficult conversations with you. So even if they feel like your treatment isn’t leading to the result you’re hoping for, they may not know how to say that. That means you may need to be proactive and tell your doctor that you want their honest opinion when treatment isn’t working and they feel your time could be short – that way you can benefit from the full support of a hospice team for as long as possible.

Myth #2: Hospice means we are giving up hope

Truth: Every human body has its limits, no matter how fierce of a spirit dwells inside it. Hospice is not about giving up hope, but seizing on the opportunity to shape the rest of your life on YOUR terms

Myth #3: Hospice will take my medications from me

Truth: Many folks enter hospice care with a laundry list of medications – many of which aren’t helping them feel better or live longer anymore. As part of the transition to hospice care, your hospice team will review each of your medications and ask “how is this medication helping you today?”

The idea is to streamline your medications so you are only using the ones that are helping you feel better and ditch the rest. If there is ever a disagreement on what that looks like for you, a good hospice team will talk that through with you
(Disclaimer: there are some caveats to this one where hospice’s age starts to show, but this is the general idea)

Myth #4: Hospice will hasten my death

Truth: Many folks still think hospice is a service exclusively for folks who want to speed up their death. The reality is hospice is full of people who want to live, but want to do so comfortably at home. Medications given in hospice are never intended to hasten you death!

Now go spread the word!