Acadiana's Only Nonprofit Hospice
Hospice Myths and Misconceptions
There are a lot of misconceptions about hospice care in the general public. Use this helpful guide to debunk common hospice myths.
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Myth 1: All hospice organizations in Acadiana are affiliated with Hospice of Acadiana.
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Myth 2: If my doctor recommends a certain hospice, that is the one that I have to go with.
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Myth 3: You lose your Medicare benefits when you accept hospice care.
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Myth 4: A patient must be actively dying to receive hospice care.
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Myth 8: When you enter the hospice program, you have to give up your regular doctor.
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Myth 9: When you are under hospice care, you cannot have an I.V. or feeding tube.
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Myth 10: In order to receive hospice care, you must have cancer.
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Myth 11: Hospice care is only for those who cannot afford regular medical care.
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Myth 12: Admission to hospice signifies a passive acceptance of the patient's impending death.
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Myth 13: There is really no difference between hospice care and home health.
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Myth 14: Families are not able to care for people with life limiting illnesses.
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Myth 15: It's the doctor's responsibility to bring up hospice.
Myth 1: All hospice organizations in Acadiana are affiliated with Hospice of Acadiana.
Truth: Hospice of Acadiana is the ONLY freestanding nonprofit hospice in Acadiana, an area with over 20 for-profit hospice agencies. Don't be fooled by imitators. As Acadiana's first and still premier hospice agency, Hospice of Acadiana is dedicated to setting the highest standards of patient care and is confident that we are able to provide a wider array of programs than any other hospice organization in Acadiana.
Myth 2: If my doctor recommends a certain hospice, that is the one that I have to go with.
Truth: Medicare stipulates that YOU have the final choice when it comes to your hospice provider. This is an extremely common misconception of many going into hospice care. In fact, a physician has a legal obligation to give the patient a choice in the matter.
Myth 3: You lose your Medicare benefits when you accept hospice care.
Truth: One never loses his or her Medicare benefits. The hospice Medicare benefit is another form of Medicare coverage, and all services required for management of the terminal illness are provided by Hospice of Acadiana, Inc.
Myth 4: A patient must be actively dying to receive hospice care.
Truth: A patient may be admitted to Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. at any time during the last six months of life. It is best when the patient is referred before death is imminent or there is a crisis situation. It is preferable to refer a patient early so that the hospice teams can have time to adequately prepare the patient and family for the impending death and so that Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. can do all it can to enhance the quality of the patient's life.
Myth 5: Once you get into hospice, you can't get out of it.
Truth: Hospice patients can withdraw from the program if they choose to do so.
Myth 6: Once you accept hospice care, you can never be hospitalized. You must remain at home no matter what.
Truth: Under hospice care, the patient may be hospitalized to control symptoms or to provide respite care for the family if necessary. Arrangements for hospitalization must be made by Hospice of Acadiana, Inc.
Myth 7: Hospice care is only for the elderly.
Truth: While the majority (70-75%) of hospice patients are over the age of 65, hospice care is for all ages.
Myth 8: When you enter the hospice program, you have to give up your regular doctor.
Truth: A patient is not required to change physicians. Any Louisiana licensed physician cen be the primary physician if he or she is willing to work with the Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. team.
Myth 9: When you are under hospice care, you cannot have an I.V. or feeding tube.
Truth: A patient is not denied an I.V. or feeding tube. All services are directed toward symptom control and pain management.
Myth 10: In order to receive hospice care, you must have cancer.
Truth: Hospice care is appropriate for the end-stage of any terminal illness or life-threatening condition. This includes heart disease and lung disease, among other terminal illnesses.
Myth 11: Hospice care is only for those who cannot afford regular medical care.
Truth: Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. is reimbursed by Medicare and by most commercial insurance plans. Hospice care is not only for the poor, but anyone who is in need of our services.
Myth 12: Admission to hospice signifies a passive acceptance of the patient's impending death.
Truth: Hospice of Acadiana is very active and proactive in addressing the full range of medical, emotional, and spiritual concerns through the efforts of a comprehensive team of professionals, support staff, and volunteers. Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. has a mantra that exemplifies our belief - "You take care of living. We'll take care of you."
Myth 13: There is really no difference between hospice care and home health.
Truth: Although hospice care is provided most often in the home, there are significant differences between hospice and home health care. Home health is based on a medical model and addresses mainly issues dealing with the patient's physical condition. Hospice is holistic in nature and addresses the entire patient, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Unlike in home health, hospice patients are not required to be homebound. They are free to enjoy a complete range of social activities, as long as they are physically able. Also unlike home health agencies, Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. has physicians, chaplains and volunteers who visit patients at home and a comprehensive bereavement program to support family members after the death of their loved one.
Myth 14: Families are not able to care for people with life limiting illnesses.
Truth: Family members are encourages, supported, and trained by hospice professionals to care for their loved ones. Hospice staff is on call to the patient and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help family and friends care for their loved one.
Myth 15: It's the doctor's responsibility to bring up hospice
Truth: While it is the physician's responsibility to determine whether a patient meets the medical eligibility criteria to receive hospice services, it is appropriate for the patient (or caregiver) to initiate the discussion if they choose. Since hospices consistently hear from their patients/families that they wish they had gotten hospice care sooner, it is a good idea to let the physician know AT THE TIME OF DIAGNOSIS that you are open to discussing hospice care at the appropriate time.
Myth 16: Hospice requires a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Order
Truth: The purpose and benefit of hospice care is to allow for a peaceful passing in a comfortable and familiar setting like home with loved ones near. While many people wish to have a DNR to avoid unnecessary medical intervention and hospitalization, you are not required to have a DNR to receive hospice care.