Myth: Hospice is only for people who are dying within days or weeks.

Fact: Hospice is for people who have a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less, but patients can receive care for longer if needed.

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Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients.

Fact: Hospice is for patients with any life-limiting illness, including heart disease, lung disease, dementia, and more.

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Myth: Hospice is only for elderly patients.

Fact: Hospice is for patients of all ages, including infants, children, and young adults.

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Myth: Hospice means giving up hope.

Fact: Hospice focuses on providing comfort and improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Hope can take on different meanings for each individual.

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Myth: Hospice is only for people who are bedridden.

Fact: Hospice patients can continue to enjoy their favorite activities and participate in social events with the help of hospice staff and volunteers.

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Myth: Hospice care is expensive.

Fact: Hospice care is covered by most private insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. Many hospices also offer financial assistance programs.

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Myth: Hospice care is only provided in a facility.

Fact: Hospice care is typically provided in the patient's home, but it can also be provided in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

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Myth: Hospice care means giving up control over medical decisions.

Fact: Hospice encourages patient and family involvement in medical decision-making, and patients can choose to stop hospice care at any time.

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Myth: Hospice is only for the patient, not the family.

Fact: Hospice provides emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and their loved ones.

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Myth: Hospice is only for the last days of life.

Fact: Hospice care can begin as soon as a patient is eligible, and it can continue for months if needed. The earlier hospice care begins, the more benefits patients and families can receive.