Myth 1: Hospice care is only for the last days of life.
There is a widespread misunderstanding that home hospice care is exclusively intended for individuals in a severely debilitated state. Hospice care is available to anyone whose prognosis is 6 months or less if the illness progresses as expected, and it may be extended beyond this time frame if the patient meets the necessary eligibility criteria.
Myth 2: Hospice care is giving up
Opting for hospice care entails a transition towards prioritizing a better quality of life and enhanced support. Deciding to choose hospice care at an earlier stage allows for a greater duration to fully leverage the available benefits that individuals may be eligible for.
Myth 3: You aren't allowed to take your medications
Hospice provides coverage for medications required for managing pain, symptoms, and diseases associated with a terminal diagnosis and related conditions. Chisholm Trail Hospice will collaborate with you and your physician to assess medications and ensure that optimal pain and symptom management is achieved.
Myth 4: Hospice patients must be homebound
The primary focus of hospice care is to support individuals’ regular daily routines. Being confined to one’s home is not a prerequisite for qualifying for hospice services.
Myth 5: Hospice means you get less care
The inclusion of hospice services provides individuals with an enhanced level of care during times of need. These services are designed to prioritize personal goals and minimize any disruptions to normal daily activities. By opting for hospice, one can allocate more time to prioritize the most significant people and matters in their life.
Furthermore, the Medicare hospice benefit encompasses a comprehensive package, including services, supplies, equipment, medication, and support, without any additional cost or co-payments.
Myth 6: Once you start home hospice care, you are locked into it
Hospice patients have the right to opt-out of receiving hospice care at any point, regardless of the reasoning. Patients hold the authority to make informed choices regarding their own healthcare.
Myth 7: Hospice is only for cancer patients
Hospice care is available to individuals who meet the established eligibility criteria and have received a diagnosis indicating a life-limiting prognosis of six months or less.
Myth 8: Palliative care is the same as hospice
Hospice care is a comprehensive approach to end-of care that aims to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. It is specifically tailored for individuals with a limited life expectancy and does not involve curative treatment.
On the other hand, palliative care involves a nurse practitioner who works closely with the patient’s other healthcare providers. The primary goal of palliative care is to alleviate uncontrolled symptoms at any stage of illness and can be administered concurrently with curative treatment.
Myth 9: Does the patient lose their primary care physician when they enroll in hospice
Opting for the hospice care does not impact a ability to select their primary physician.
Myth 10: I can't afford hospice care
ChisholmTrail Hospice is a non-profit agency that prides itself on caring for everyone despite their ability to pay. It is a privileged entitlement that provides supplementary assistance, medical equipment, and enhanced care for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria.
Contact Us
Chisholm Trail Hospice
2150 W Elk Avenue
Duncan, OK 73533
580-251-8764
Fax: 580-251-8760
Become a Hospice Volunteer
Hospice care involves supporting the patient and their loved ones. Hospice volunteers are a vital part of providing compassionate support. This can be done in a variety of ways:
- Companionship with the patient
- Caregiver Relief (Respite care)
- Practical Services
- Office Support