Hospice: Myths and Facts
A time to shine a light on the compassionate services that bring dignity, comfort, and peace to individuals and families facing illness. Yet despite decades of success, hospice and palliative care are still surrounded by myths that prevent people from receiving the support they deserve.
As both an End-of-Life Doula and Senior Living Advisor, I often meet families who say, “We’re not ready for hospice.” But the truth is, hospice isn’t about giving up, it’s about living well, well comfort, meaning and support. Let’s look at some of the most common myths and the facts that can change how we view end-of-life care.
Myth #1: Hospice means giving up hope
Fact: Hospice shifts the focus from curing disease to improving quality of life. Hospice care provides medical, emotional, and spiritual support when curative treatment is no longer effective or desired. It gives families space to focus on what matters most- comfort, connection and peace.
According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), more than 1.7 million Americans receive hospice care each year, and families consistently report higher satisfaction and less stress compared to those not in hospice care.
Myth #2: Hospice is only for the last few days of life
Fact: Hospice can provide support for months, not just days. Hospice is designed for people with a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a physician. Yet many families wait until the very end to call, missing out on the full benefits of this care. When started early, hospice offers pain and symptom management, counseling, spiritual care, and respite for caregivers and of which greatly improve the quality of life for both patients and loved ones.
Myth #3: Hospice is only for people with cancer
Fact: Hospice supports people with many conditions, including dementia, heart disease, COPD, and other chronic illnesses. Any individual facing a life-limiting illness can receive hospice care. The focus is on the person, not the diagnosis.
Myth #4: Choosing Hospice means losing control
Fact: Hospice empowers patients and families to make choices that align with their values. Hospice teams including doctors, nurses, social workers, Chaplins, volunteers and doulas work together to honor the patients wishes. Families are included in every decision from medications to daily routines. Rather than taking control away, hospice restores it. It allows individuals to decide how they want to live their remaining days.
Myth #5: Palliative care and hospice are the same thing
Fact: They share similar principles but serve different purposes. Palliative Care can begin at any stage of illness, alongside active treatment, to help manage pain and symptoms. Hospice care begins when curative treatment is no longer pursued and focuses on entirely on comfort and quality of life.
As an End-of-Life Doula, I often describe hospice as a bridge connecting medical care with emotional and spiritual support. My role is to complement the hospice team by helping families navigate the emotional landscape of dying, facilitating conversations, and honoring legacy and love.
This National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, let’s work to replace fear with understanding and help families see hospice for what it truly is: a gift of comfort, support and love.