“Hospice Isn’t What It Used To Be…Common Myths Dispelled”

By Tasha (Blackwell) Ganson, Omega Health Care, Greater Springfield LIVING WELL Magazine

Upon its inception into this country in the 1970s, hospice care was thought of primarily for cancer patients in the last days of life. Since then, the industry has been ever-evolving, as has the concept and philosophy of hospice care. With the country’s rapidly aging population, interest seems to be growing in the area of in-home and end-of-life health care services; yet, skepticism, concerns and confusion keep many at arm’s length. The truth of the matter is, although death can be difficult to discuss, it remains an inevitable part of life that each one of us must face. This article is aimed at dispelling many of the common misconceptions associated with the term “hospice” and to shed new light on resources available to someone nearing the end of life.

“Hospice” does not mean that a person is giving up or forgoing any further medical care, nor is it a death sentence – rather, quite the contrary. A study conducted by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization revealed that patients facing a life-limiting illness who receive hospice care live, on average, 29 days longer than those who choose to forego the benefit. Once a patient qualifies to receive hospice services, he or she is granted access to an interdisciplinary team of nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, volunteers and medical directors (physicians). Among many other things, this interaction often results in more accurate medication management, an increase in quality of care, better hygiene and safety for the patient and, in many cases, a simple increase in human interaction that the patient may or may not have been receiving before. Hospice care puts the patient in charge of their care, empowering them to make decisions about their own care, have open discussions about their health and choose what is best for their situation. Hospice also helps with end of life planning, such as knowing one’s wishes. Does the patient prefer to be aware of their surroundings, even if it means being in pain? Would he/she rather be comfortable, even if it means an increase in medication?

Hospice care is a philosophy, not a place, and therefore is not where people go to die. Hospice services can be received wherever a person resides, such as at home, in a nursing facility or with a relative. Hospice is not about death, but rather adding quality to whatever life may remain. One of the most common things heard from families following death of a hospice patient is, “I only wish we had known about this sooner.”

If you or a loved one find yourself facing an end-of-life situation, consider the following: hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurances and therefore provides services at no cost to the patient. Hospice also provides: incontinence supplies (such as diapers, wipes and skin care products), nutritional supplies (such as Boost or Glucerna), medical equipment (such as hospital beds, bedside commodes, shower chairs, wheelchairs) and payment for any prescription related to the hospice diagnosis. As a result, hospice care not only provides physical, spiritual and emotional care to the patient, but also substantial financial relief for the family.

Tasha (Blackwell) Ganson is the director of marketing for Omega Health Care of Southwest Missouri and Omega Health Care of Joplin. Tasha received her BS in Marketing, as well as her MBA, from Missouri State University in Springfield, where she and her husband reside. For more information on hospice services, contact Tasha at 417-886-6995 or tganson@omega-healthcare.com. You may also find Omega Health Care on the web at spmo.omega-healthcare.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OmegaSPMO.

Not just for cancer patients anymore, additional conditions hospice can assist with include:

General debility (overall decline in health/increased dependence on others)

Neurological disease (Such as ALS, Parkinson’s, Stroke, MS)

Coma

Dementia/Alzheimer’s

Heart disease (such as CHF)

HIV/AIDS

Liver disease (such as hepatitis C)

Pulmonary disease (such as COPD)

Renal failure – acute and chronic