Myths and Facts about Hospice
Myth: Hospice means that I am giving up and will die sooner.
Fact: The earlier a patient receives care, the more opportunity there is to stabilize the patient’s medical condition and address other needs which sometimes can result in extended quality of life.
Myth: Patients can only receive hospice care for a limited amount of time.
Fact: There is no limit to the amount of time a patient can receive hospice care.
Myth: Hospice services are very expensive.
Fact: At Affinity Hospice, we believe that everyone has a right to high quality end of life care and will provide care, regardless of health benefits.
Myth: Hospice services are only offered to the elderly or to patients who have cancer.
Fact: Affinity Hospice provides care to any individual facing a life limiting illness, regardless of their age. More than two thirds of the patients receiving care, in fact, do not have cancer.
Myth: I can no longer see my personal doctor if I choose hospice.
Fact: Affinity Hospice encourages the continuation of a normal relationship between patients and their physicians.
Myth: I have to sign a DNR if I choose hospice services.
Fact: Affinity Hospice does not require patients to sign a DNR to be admitted to hospice.
Myth: I have to be homebound to qualify for hospice.
Fact: There is no requirement that hospice patients be homebound.
Terms for Reference
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Adjuvant Therapy
A treatment used with a medication to aid its effect.
Advance Directive
Written or verbal instructions for your care if you are unable to make decisions.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
A procedure used when a patient′s heart stops beating; it can involve compression of the chest or electrical stimulation.
Consulting Physician
A doctor with special training or experience who is called in to assist the primary attending physician in matters that need more specialized care.
Coordination of Care
An approach in which all members of the medical team work together to plan for a patient′s care in the hospital and for discharge.
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
A document that designates the person you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable.
Healthcare Proxy
A document that designates the person you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable.
Home Care
Services provided in the home, such as nursing and physical therapy.
Hospice
Considered a model of quality care, hospice focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting patients with a life expectancy of months, not years. Hospice involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management and emotional and spiritual support. The emphasis is on caring, not curing. In most cases hospice care is provided to a patient in his or her own home. It also can be provided in freestanding hospice facilities, hospitals, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
Hydration
The process of providing water or fluid by mouth, tube, or intravenously.
Intubation
The process of inserting a tube into a patient′s lungs to help with breathing.
Life-Prolonging Treatment
Medical treatments that aim to cure or remedy an illness.
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Living Will
A document stating a patient′s wishes regarding medical treatments.
Long-Term Care
Care that supports patients with chronic impairment for an indefinite period of time; it is provided in nursing facilities, at home or in the community.
NonSteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
A class of pain medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Opioids
A class of pain medications that have some opiate narcotic properties but are not derived from opium.
Palliate
To Relieve the symptoms of a disease or disorder.
Palliative Care
The medical specialty focused on relief of the pain, symptoms and stress of serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life. Palliative care is appropriate at any point in an illness and can be provided at the same time as curative treatment.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
A surgical procedure for inserting a tube into the stomach to provide nutrition and hydration.
Primary Attending Physician
A patient′s main doctor, who coordinates all referrals to specialists.
Resuscitaion
Similar to CPR, a protocol used when a patient′s heart stops beating; it can involve compression of the chest or electrical stimulation.
Subacute Care
Short-term care in a nursing facility, usually for physical therapy.
Symptom
Short-term care in a nursing facility, usually for physical therapy.
Ventilator
A machine that breathes for a patient when he or she is unable to do so independently.
