Many people only consider hospice care in the final days of life. But hospice is ideally suited to care for patients and family caregivers for the last six months of life or more. There are many benefits of hospice care, the earlier a person begins hospice, the more it can help. After all, hospice isn’t about dying but rather living as fully as possible despite a life-limiting illness.

Hospice care can make a profound difference and help maximize quality of life. It provides pain management, symptom control, emotional support and spiritual care to patients and their families. And hospice care is fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans. 

Far too many people wait too long to learn about hospice care. As a result, people end up spending difficult days in the hospital or the emergency room, and opportunities to be with loved ones at home are lost.

One reason why people wait too long is because of misunderstandings about hospice care. Below are some common myths about hospice that may keep people from getting this compassionate care when they need it most.