Being a caregiver for someone facing a life-limiting illness comes with many challenges, including the difficult decision to begin hospice. With so much information circulating, it may be hard to distinguish what’s true and what is not. In this blog, we’ll discuss several common misconceptions about hospice to help you make compassionate and informed decisions about your loved one’s care.

Misconception #1: Choosing hospice means giving up

One of the most common misconceptions is that entering hospice means your loved one has given up hope. Making the brave decision to start hospice means your family member wants to shift their focus from curative treatments to enhancing their quality of life.

Hospice provides comforting and compassionate care for those with life-limiting illnesses. Your loved one maintains control over their care, making decisions about how they wish to spend their time while receiving the necessary support to ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Their hospice team continuously supports their final decisions, ensuring they meet their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.

Misconception #2: Hospice is only meant for people battling cancer

While many cancer patients choose hospice, it is not limited to cancer diagnoses. Anyone with a life-limiting illness like Congestive Heart Failure, COPD, ALS, Alzheimer’s, or other serious conditions may qualify for hospice.

If your loved one’s physician determines their prognosis is six months or less, they may refer them. However, patients or their family members can also contact a hospice provider directly to learn more about available services and start making arrangements.

Hospice care is about providing comfort, dignity, and support, regardless of diagnosis.

Misconception #3: Hospice has a strict time limit so patients can only receive care for six months

Some people may think being in hospice means a person will pass shortly after starting care. While hospice eligibility is based on a six-month prognosis, your family member can still receive care as long as they need.

The goal of hospice is to improve quality of life by providing comfort care, emotional support, and spiritual support. Whether your family member needs hospice for a few weeks or several months, the goal is always the same, no matter their life expectancy.

Misconception #4: Care can only be provided in a facility

Your loved one can experience care in the comfort of their own home. They are not confined to a long-term care facility or hospice facility unless they want to be there.

Many individuals choose in-home care. Factors including the familiarity of an environment, cost of care, and family involvement can determine where to receive hospice care. Ultimately, hospice is about honoring personal choices and ensuring comfort, no matter the setting.

Northern Illinois Hospice is here to provide compassionate end-of-life care for your loved one

As the first hospice provider in the region, Northern Illinois Hospice has been helping people entering hospice for more than 45 years. Our team provides compassionate end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

We honor patients and their wishes by providing specialized care that treats the person, not the disease. We offer a wide range of palliative and hospice care to improve your loved one’s quality of life in their final months.

Our experienced team of healthcare professionals, social workers, and volunteers is here to ensure your loved one’s comfort and support.

To learn more about our hospice or palliative services or how we can help you navigate end-of-life care for your loved ones, call us today at (815) 398-0500.