November is National Home Health and Hospice Month. National Association for Home Care in celebrating the month themed, “Preserving Health Independence and Freedom.” The National Hospice Month theme this year, as selected by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, is “Hope, Dignity, Love…It must be Hospice.” 
 
There are many myths about Home Care and Hospice.  This month’s tip tries to dispel a few of the myths.

HOME CARE MYTHS

Myth:
Patient cannot leave the home for medical reasons; going to the doctor, diagnostic testing (CAT scan, MRI), dialysis at the clinic, etc.
Truth:
Leaving the home for medical reasons does not disqualify an individual from being home-bound. Leaving home should require a considerable and taxing effort by the patient, and require the assistance of others or of a supportive device.

Myth:
Patients who have a long-term chronic illness will not qualify or do not need home care services.
Truth:
Chronically ill patients (especially fragile patients with advancing disease process) experience periods of exacerbation requiring medication changes, treatment adjustments, proactive symptom management and patient-caregiver teaching. It is in the periods of instability, escalating symptoms, changing priorities, and physical-emotional changes in status that provide the opportunity for intermittent home care intervention.

HOSPICE MYTHS

Myth:
Hospice is a place.
Truth:
Hospice is a philosophy of care that focuses on quality of life.

Myth:
Hospice care can only be delivered in a patient’s home.
Truth:
Hospice can be delivered anywhere a patient calls home including skilled nursing, assisted living and retirement facilities.

Myth:
The patient and family must be ready to accept impending death to elect hospice care.
Truth:
The patient must be eligible for hospice services, and must have a full understanding of hospice and the palliative (comfort), not the curative (will cure) nature of the treatment provided.

 
Click here to read past Health Tips