Hospice Myths

There are many misunderstandings and myths about hospice care. Here is the truth about hospice care.

Myth – Hospice care is only for cancer patients.

Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan serves individuals with a variety of diagnoses, including end-stage heart disease, dementia, kidney disease and lung disease. We care for individuals of any age in advanced stages of illness. More than half of our clients have an illness other than cancer.

Myth – The hospice team disappears when the patient dies.

Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan offers care and support to the family for more than a year after the death of a client. We have grief support counselors available, support groups, newsletters and self-help mailings. We also have a special program, Journeys, for children who have lost a loved one.

Myth – Hospice care is only appropriate in the last few days of life.

Hospice care is for anyone in advanced stages of illness. The hospice team can do much more to help maintain the best quality of life for the client and family when services begin sooner rather than later.

“Life has a beginning and a natural life should have a proper end. … People make a mistake in thinking that the hospice movement is about dying. It is about living.”

– Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Winner of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize

Myth – Hospice is expensive.

Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan accepts clients based on their need for care, not their ability to pay. Medicare and Medicaid both have a comprehensive hospice benefit. Most private insurances also pay for hospice services.

Myth – Hospice is for people who have no hope.

Facing a serious illness is never easy. However, even when life is measured in months instead of years, there is still a lot of living to do. Hospice can help individuals spend their final months doing the things that are most important to them. Hospice can provide the physical, emotional and spiritual support clients and families need to welcome each new day. 

Myth– Hospice care cannot continue beyond six months.

The client’s own physician and the Hospice Medical Director decide whether or not hospice care is appropriate. If the physician determines the illness is following its normal course, then the client continues to be qualified for hospice care. Many patients receive hospice care well beyond six months.

For further information call (269) 345-0273 or email us.