As we wrap up the month of November, we want to take a moment to recognize the importance of this month for palliative and hospice care providers.
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. During this month, there is an extra spotlight on the hospice industry — making it the perfect time to help educate the public on the importance of hospice and palliative care.
To help do our part, we want to share some quick facts about hospice and palliative care:
- Deciding whether to start or stop hospice care is a choice.
- Where you receive hospice care, whether in your home or in a care center, is also a choice.
- Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans.
- Nearly 1.6 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospice and palliative care providers in the U.S.
- Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment and provides support to anyone who has a serious or chronic illness and needs relief from pain and symptoms.
- Hospice delivers end-of-life focused care for people with illnesses who have chosen to seek comfort care rather than a cure.
Get more quick facts about hospice and palliative care
Common Misconceptions About Hospice and Palliative Care
Palliative and hospice care work together to increase quality of life for patients and their families but these types of care are commonly misunderstood by the public. This month, we have a great opportunity to dispel some of the myths.
MYTH: Patients can only receive palliative care at the end of life.
FACT: Palliative care is for anyone who has a serious or chronic illness and needs relief from pain and symptoms and can be provided along with curative treatment.
MYTH: Palliative and hospice care are purely physical care.
FACT: These types of care offer physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Care providers often employ multidisciplinary teams made up of nurses, social workers, chaplains, therapists, and more in order to help provide comprehensive care to patients and their families.
MYTH: Palliative care and hospice are the same.
FACT: Hospice care is a type of palliative care. Hospice care is provided at the end-of-life, when patients are expected to have 6 months or less to live. General palliative care can be given to patients who still have many years to live, including those who may recover from their illness.
MYTH: Patients can not continue to receive other care once in palliative care.
FACT: Palliative care is meant to work alongside your primary care provider or any specialists you may see. While receiving palliative care, you may continue to see all of your doctors and receive other treatments.
MYTH: Hospice care means my doctor has given up hope.
FACT: Hospice helps to give a patient life back in their final days by providing effective pain management and relief, restoring dignity and control for those who are dealing with a terminal illness. In fact, we’ve seen patients diagnosed with cancer live an average of three months longer while receiving hospice care vs no additional care due to increased care, more timely treatment of medical issues, and closer supervision of symptoms.
Find more common myths about hospice here
Taking Time to Honor Those Who Care
While educating the public is a huge part of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, it also serves as an opportunity to honor the medical professionals, nurses, chaplains, home health aides, social workers, and therapists who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve.
We want to recognize and thank the wonderful medical team at Hospice of Southwest Ohio and CareBridge Services for prioritizing the health of patients ahead of their own and going the extra mile in service to patients. We thank you!
Hospice and palliative care providers are here for you
When a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness, many families may not know where to start. A large part of successfully caring for someone with a terminal illness is understanding how palliative and hospice care play a role in treatment. If you have questions, we have several resources that may help. You can also visit our FAQ section.
Still have questions? We’re here to help.
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Hospice of Southwest Ohio Celebrates Life
At Hospice of Southwest Ohio, we’re proud to be your hometown hospice choice. We have an amazing team of professionals who are passionate about delivering high-quality, compassionate care every day. Hospice of Southwest Ohio offers hospice, palliative, and in-home primary care in and around the greater Cincinnati area in Clermont County, Butler County, Warren County, Hamilton County, Greene County, and Montgomery County. Call today at (513) 770-0820.
