Hospice care offers compassionate support for individuals and families facing life’s final chapter, focusing on comfort, dignity and peace. Unfortunately, misconceptions about hospice care often prevent people from seeking the support they need. By addressing these myths, we hope to provide clarity and empower families to make informed decisions about their care options.

Myth 1: Hospice Is Only for the Last Days of Life

Reality: Hospice is not just for the final days of life. Hospice care can actually support a patient and their family for months, focusing on comfort, peace and meaningful moments together. Studies show that when hospice care begins early, it not only improves quality of life, but can sometimes even extend it by managing symptoms effectively.

Myth 2: Hospice Means You Can No Longer Receive Treatment

Reality: Hospice focuses on comfort rather than curative treatments, but that doesn’t mean all medical care stops. Patients continue to receive medications and therapies that manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Additionally, the hospice team provides emotional and spiritual support tailored to each individual’s needs.

Myth 3: Hospice Means Giving Up Hope and Hastens Death

Reality: Hospice does not mean giving up hope but rather shifts the focus to maximizing comfort and quality of life. Many individuals and families find hope in making meaningful memories together, ensuring dignity and maintaining personal control over their care choices. The goal is to make the patient as comfortable as possible, ensuring a peaceful transition for everyone involved.

Myth 4: Hospice Is a Place

Reality: Hospice is not a location—it is a type of care that can be provided in a patient’s home, a skilled nursing facility, an assisted living center or a hospital. The goal is to meet the patient wherever they are most comfortable.

Myth 5: Hospice Is Only for the Elderly

Reality: Hospice is available for individuals of all ages who are facing a life-limiting illness. Regardless of age, hospice focuses on providing personalized care and support to both patients and their families.

Myth 6: Hospice Patients Must Give Up Their Primary Care Physician

Reality: Patients in hospice care can continue seeing their primary care physician. Hospice care is a collaborative approach with an interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, aides, social workers, volunteers and chaplains who work together to provide comprehensive support.

Myth 7: Hospice Is Limited to Six Months of Care

Reality: While hospice care is generally intended for patients with a prognosis of six months or less, care can continue beyond that timeframe if a patient remains eligible under medical guidelines. Some patients even improve and transition out of hospice care.

Myth 8: Hospice Provides 24/7 Care

Reality: While hospice staff is available 24/7 for support, routine care is provided through scheduled visits. If an after-hours visit is necessary, on call staff is available to meet the needs of the patient and provide support to the family. Families who need around-the-clock care can work with the hospice team to arrange those services.

Myth 9: Hospice Care Is Expensive

Reality: Hospice is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans at no cost to the patient. Hospice providers cover the cost of medications, disposable supplies and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) needed during hospice care. Financial assistance options are available to ensure access to hospice care, regardless of a family’s financial situation.

Myth 10: Hospice Is Only for the Patient

Reality: Hospice care extends beyond the patient, offering counseling, respite care and support to family members as well. Bereavement services are also available to help families cope with loss before and after the passing of a loved one.

Making an Informed Choice

Understanding the facts about hospice care allows individuals and families to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey. Hospice is not about giving up—it is about ensuring comfort, dignity and the best possible quality of life.

To learn more about hospice care and how Liberty Hospice can support you or your loved one, click here.

About Liberty Home Care and Hospice

Liberty Home Care and Hospice is a part of Liberty Health, a family-owned company that has provided continuum of care services across the Carolinas and beyond since 1875. We are a leading provider of home health, palliative and hospice care throughout North Carolina. We also provide home health care in select counties in South Carolina and Virginia. For additional information about our locations and our comprehensive services designed to meet the evolving needs of our patients, please visit our website or call (800) 999-9883.