Common Misperceptions

Question:
Is hospice a place?

Answer:

No. Hospice is a philosophy of care. It usually takes place in the comfort of your home but can be provided in any setting, including skilled nursing homes and residential care facilities.

Question:
Is hospice only for the final days of life, or is it limited to 6 months?

Answer:

Hospice is for those with a terminal illness and a prognosis of 6 months or less if the disease follows its natural course. There is no strict time limit. Patients can come on and off hospice care based on eligibility. Many families express regret for not starting hospice sooner.

Question:
Is hospice only for cancer patients?

Answer:

No. While cancer patients were once the majority, hospice now serves patients with many diagnoses. Medicare provides guidelines for non-cancer conditions.

Question:
Is hospice expensive?

Answer:

No. Hospice is 100% covered under Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most insurance plans.

Question:
Does choosing hospice mean there is no hope?

Answer:

Not at all. Hospice focuses on quality of life, personal goals, and symptom management. Many patients report an improved sense of well-being.

Question:
Does electing the hospice benefit mean I can’t access other health insurance?

Answer:

No. While hospice covers all care related to the terminal illness, unrelated medical conditions are still covered under standard Medicare or insurance.

Question:
Do I need a primary caregiver or family to qualify for hospice?

Answer:

No. While a support system is ideal, it is not a requirement. VNA helps connect patients with additional community resources if needed.

Question:
Do I need a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order to receive hospice?

Answer:

No. Hospices are legally required to accept patients regardless of advance directives. VNA supports patients and families in making informed decisions.

Question:
Are end-of-life wishes always honored in the U.S.?

Answer:

Unfortunately, no. Although 83% of Americans say they want to die at home, many do not. VNA helps families complete advanced directives and POLST forms to ensure wishes are known and respected.

Question:
Can patients in nursing homes receive hospice care?

Answer:

Yes. Nursing home residents are eligible. Hospice and facility staff coordinate to provide enhanced care.

Question:
Do hospice patients have to stop treatments like IVs or therapies?

Answer:

No. Treatments that provide comfort can continue. If treatments aim to cure or significantly extend life beyond six months, the patient may become ineligible. Patients can revoke and later re-enroll in hospice as needed.

Question:
Does hospice only focus on the dying process?

Answer:

No. Hospice is family-centered and aims to improve quality of life. Services include medical care, spiritual counseling, personal assistance, and complementary therapies.

Question:
Does hospice care end when the patient dies?

Answer:

No. VNA offers grief and bereavement support for up to 13 months after a patient’s passing. Services are also available to the community.