“Hospice is too expensive.” “Hospice is only for cancer patients.” “Hospice means giving up”. Maybe you’ve thought about these things or heard them from others. Unfortunately, there are quite a number of myths and misconceptions about hospice out there.

At Flex Health Care, we seek to challenge these myths and misconceptions. As a trusted provider of Non-Medical Home Care in Poughkeepsie, New York, we want you to gain a better understanding of hospice and how it can help you and your family.

1. Hospice is a place.

   Hospice is not a place – it is a philosophy of care. Hospice patients can choose to receive it at home, in a nursing home, inpatient (if necessary), or wherever they feel the most comfortable.

2. Hospice is only suitable for cancer patients.

   Hospice care can be provided for any patient with an end-stage chronic disease such as Alzheimer’s disease, kidney failure, and other life-limiting conditions.

3. Hospice is too expensive.

   Many hospice care providers offer hospice services at very competitive rates. Moreover, hospice care is covered under Medicaid, Medicare Hospice Benefit, and most private insurances.

4. Hospice can only be provided for up to six months.

   When a doctor’s prognosis is six months or less, the patient is referred to hospice care. However, if the patient surpasses the six months prognosis, provision of hospice care can still continue.

5. Hospice focuses only on the patient.

   Hospice care benefits both the patient and their family members. Emotional, social, and spiritual support is offered to both the patient and their loved ones.

6. Hospice necessitates that you stop taking medications.

   Hospice care focuses on making the patient as comfortable as possible. Meaning, some patients may choose to stop taking medications that cause heavy side effects (i.e. chemo). However, this decision is left entirely up to the patient and their family.

7. Hospice stops when the patient passes away.

   Hospice care doesn’t end when the patient passes away. In fact, many hospice care providers offer counseling, grief and bereavement services for family members.

8. Hospice programs are all similar.

   While hospice care providers must follow a certain standard set by the health industry and the state, hospice programs can differ from one person to another.

9. Hospice requires Medicare or Medicaid.

   Even if you don’t have Medicare or Medicaid, you can still receive hospice care. In fact, there are a variety of payment options that you can use to pay for hospice care.

10. Hospice means giving up.

    Hospice care does not mean that you are giving up. It simply means that you want to improve the comfort and quality of life of your loved one.

So, if you are looking for hospice home care and other In-Home Care Services in New York, feel free to get in touch with us at 845-345-6503.