Hospice care is a valuable aspect of meeting wellness needs before a dear patient’s inevitable passing. In recent years, more concerned families are opting for this because it is now part of Medicare’s gracious coverage, provided that the primary beneficiary meets their terms and conditions. However, despite these positive strides, many still either hold to their convictions or share misconceptions among the unknowing.
Because of negative sentiments towards the healthcare system, many patients and families would rather choose to believe that hospice is not a favorable intervention. Even if it addresses the departing patient’s last wishes, they hold on to myths that have been propagated through the Internet and personal conversations.
To ensure you and others in your immediate circle are duly informed, consider the following common debunked myths about hospice care:
Myth #1: Hospice care is about putting a terminally ill loved one in an isolation facility away from home. It means my family and friends have no way of visiting or showing support.
Most families that have never undergone hospice care bear in mind that there are separate medical aid facilities with respective intensive care units in remote areas. It is like a retirement home for severely sick and rapidly health-declining elderly. While in some households, these kinds of setups were considered due to the coronavirus, it is not the norm for hospice care.
On the contrary, hospice focuses on home care services because even the providers know that the patient’s last days should be spent with their loved ones as a means for both parties to cope. However, since we are living in a post-COVID-19 world, it is still important to practice social distancing and self-quarantine.
Fortunately, hospice care professionals and certain patients are some of the priority groups for COVID-19 vaccinations. Slowly but surely, the CDC is also relaxing restrictions for wearing masks. Just work with the assigned medical team to negotiate safe visitations and responsible care methods. Doing this ensures socio-emotional needs are being met regardless of the global pandemic challenges and other major setbacks.
Myth #2: I don’t want to seek hospice care for my loved one because it means we are giving up the fight.
Intense medical battles are common among hospice patients and their loved ones, meaning lots of time, money, and other resources were used up. It may seem like opting for hospice care is essentially saying, “I give up, and all those efforts are wasted,” since you do have to declare the patient’s life expectancy within a few months. However, these sentiments are more emotionally charged and far from the truth.
In actuality, hospice patients are determined to fight their medical ailments as the home nursing care, doctors, spiritual advisors, and the rest of the hospice team works towards pain mitigation and the family’s best interests. Everyone is also prepared for the unavoidable, making each day count.
Conclusion
Hospice care is riddled with misinformation, preventing needy patients and households from getting the attention and support they need during these trying times. Fortunately, you now know the facts from the lies, enabling all parties concerned to make well-informed decisions during this transitional period. Meanwhile, if you wish to discuss more particular processes about this matter, ensure you do so with local experts like us for proper guidance.
Gateway Home Health Hospice is your access to the best hospice care in Colorado Springs and Denver. We are your dedicated and experienced team of home nursing care professionals committed to providing the highest quality services for dear patients, their respective families, and other persons of concern. Visit any of our locations or get in touch with us to learn more about our arrangements and available programs.