Myth and Facts About Hospice

MYTH: Hospice is just for patients with cancer.
FACT: Hospice helps patients with all kinds of illnesses including Alzheimer’s disease, emphysema, cardiovascular and neuromuscular diseases.

MYTH: Hospice is only for old people.
FACT: Although the majority of hospice patients are older, hospice serves patients of all ages.

MYTH: Hospice care is available only to patients who have family members living in their home.
FACT: Recognizing that terminally ill people may live alone, or with family members unable to provide care, Hospice of Cumberland County attempts to coordinate community resources to make home care possible or to find an alternative location where the patient can safely receive care.

MYTH: Hospice promotes euthanasia.
FACT: Death is neither hastened nor postponed in hospice. Rather, hospice affirms life and is concerned with make make the end of life as comfortable as possible.

MYTH: Hospice is only for people who have accepted they are dying.
FACT: Many patients have difficulty accepting their terminal illness. Hospice gently helps patients and their families come to terms with death, as appropriate. Hospice of Cumberland County is available to discuss all care options and to facilitate family decisions.

MYTH: Hospice is just for the patient.
FACT: The gift of hospice is its capacity for patients and their loved ones to see how much can be shared at the end of life through personal and spiritual connections. There can be healing even when there is no cure.