The following are common misconceptions about hospice:

1. Hospice is only for the elderly or individuals with cancer: Hospice is not just for the elderly or individuals with cancer. It is intended for individuals of any age who have a limited life expectancy no matter what the diagnosis.
2. There is only one hospice: While the concept of hospice is universal, each hospice agency is owned and operated by separate individuals, companies and/or organizations.
   
3. I can only be on hospice six months: An individual needs to have a prognosis of six months or less to be on hospice. However, an individual can be on hospice longer than six months if they continue to meet hospice criteria.
   
4. Hospice only provided services in a particular place: Every hospice has a defined service area for home care and a variety of options if an individual’s care should require more attention.
   
5. If I signed up for hospice I will be giving up: Hospice encourages and supports individuals to make the most of whatever time they still have.
6. Hospice is only for the last days: Many times individuals are eligible for hospice much sooner than they realize. Obtaining early support from hospice helps individuals and families more quickly control symptoms and maintain a better quality of life.
   
7. Hospice is where you go to die: Hospice is a concept that encourages individuals to continue living in their home. Some hospices have Palliative Care Units that provide more intensive care in the last days of life.
   
8. Hospice requires me to be a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR): Individuals have the right to choose resuscitation or not. Hospice respects this choice.
   
9. Hospice will provide 24-hour care in my home: While hospice teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they are not the primary caregiver. Rather, hospice will create a plan of care customized to meet the needs of the individual and their family. Hospice staff can help the family locate resources and support to meet those needs.
10. Hospice pays for everything:Hospice pays for medical services related to the terminal diagnosis of the individual and for the comfort medications.
11. I will have to pay for hospice: While the majority of hospice funding comes from Medicare Part A, hospice will accept individuals with other insurances or no insurances. They may sometimes ask for co-pay if the individual and family are able.
12. Hospice will pay for all of my medications: Hospice does provide medications when they are related to the terminal diagnosis and comfort care, but ultimately the hospice agency will determine which medications they will cover for the individual.
13. Hospice pays for room and board: Hospice tried to meet all the needs of the individual, but does not provide for living expenses.
14. Only a doctor can refer for hospice care: a physician must sign an order for hospice care. However, anyone can refer someone to hospice.
15.  I cannot keep my own physician while on hospice: Hospice does not make an individual give up their doctor, but the physician must be willing and able to continue care for them.
16. Hospice services are available to hospice clients only: Hospice supports the individual, family, friends, and the community as well.
17.  I cannot get any other help while on hospice: Hospice is willing to work with a variety of agencies to meet the individual’s needs.
18. I cannot make a change once on hospice: Like most services, if an individual feels their needs are not being met and hospice is not addressing their issues, they have the right to explore other hospice options.