Understanding Hospice Care: Myths, Facts, and Who It Helps

Many people have heard of hospice care, and very likely many have been the recipient of this humanitarian care. However, there are still far too many people who don’t understand the truth about hospice care. My objective here is to clear up any misunderstanding you may have about the great value hospice care offers.

What Is Hospice?

Let’s start with the basics. Hospice care is a specialized form of healthcare based on a philosophy that centers on patients who have a life expectancy of six months or less, as determined by a physician. Hospice focuses on comfort, quality of life, and emotional well-being rather than curative treatment. Hospice services are usually provided wherever the patient calls home—be it a private residence, nursing facility, or hospice center. A team approach is used to address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of both the patient and their loved ones. This team typically includes doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, counselors, and trained volunteers.

The goal of hospice is to ensure a person lives their final days with dignity, as free from pain and suffering as possible. It emphasizes symptom management, emotional support, and assistance with end-of-life decisions. Hospice care also includes bereavement support for families after the patient has passed. As you can see, contrary to common misconceptions, hospice is not about giving up. Hospice care is about choosing how to live meaningfully and comfortably in the final stage of life.

Common Myths and Misunderstandings

There are several misconceptions, one of the most common I mentioned above, about hospice care that can prevent people from seeking it when they need it most:

Myth 1: Hospice means giving up hope.
Truth: Hospice is not about giving up; it’s about shifting the focus from curing the disease to improving the quality of life. Many patients and families find comfort and even a renewed sense of purpose during hospice care.
Myth 2: Hospice is only for cancer patients.
Truth: While hospice began primarily for cancer patients, it now serves individuals with many terminal conditions including heart failure, COPD, dementia, ALS, and kidney disease. My mother, who is in the final stages of Vascular Dementia, is currently under hospice care.
Myth 3: You can’t keep your doctor.
Truth: Patients in hospice care can continue to see their regular physicians, and hospice staff work in collaboration with them.
Myth 4: Hospice is only for the final days of life.
Truth: Hospice can be used for months, and the earlier it is started, the more benefit patients and families can receive. The biggest example of persons being on hospice for a duration of time is President Jimmy Carter, who was under hospice care for almost two (2) years,

Who Does Hospice Help?

As I mentioned above, hospice care supports both patients and their loved ones. It is most appropriate for individuals who are no longer pursuing aggressive treatments or when treatments are no longer effective. Hospice can help anyone with a terminal illness who wants to prioritize comfort, dignity, and holistic support.

Family caregivers benefit as well. Hospice provides education, respite care, and emotional guidance, helping families navigate the complex and often overwhelming journey of end-of-life care.

It is my hope and objective that by helping to educate people about the benefits of hospice care, more families can be empowered to make informed decisions and embrace a more dignified, meaningful final chapter.

Everyone deserves compassionate care at the end of life. It helps patients live their final days as peacefully and comfortably as possible, surrounded by loved ones and supported by a dedicated care team. Seeking hospice care for a loved one is not a sign that you or they have given up. It is knowing that the end is near, and everyone involved can participate in the most loving way to send their loved one off onto their next journey.

Every one of us will come to a physical end. Being fully aware of the imminent end, one of the greatest gifts one can bestow on loved ones is planning well while still of sound mind and body. This includes creating an estate plan and making sure your final wishes are honored and you spend your final days in dignity. If you are ready to begin, call my office today at (470) 235-7865.

Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!

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