Submitted on Wednesday June 6th, 2012
Many families caring for a seriously ill loved one struggle alone unnecessarily. They miss out on vital support services because they don't understand what hospice can provide.
Here are some common misconceptions.
- Hospice is for someone in the last few days of life. Hospice is for the last six months of life, with more time available if it is needed. Ask the doctor if he or she would be surprised if your loved one were to die in the next year. If the doctor says no, then it's time to consider hospice. (No one can predict for sure one way or the other.)
- Hospice means you are giving up. Hospice focuses on patient comfort and quality of life. Although a "cure" is no longer the goal, research shows that people getting "comfort care" often live longer than they would without it!