Hospice provides specialized medical care for patients facing end-stage terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less. At Orange Hospice, our approach addresses the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients and their families to improve quality of life and provide comfort at the end of life.

Despite its many benefits, hospice care is often misunderstood. These misconceptions can create unnecessary stigma, preventing families from exploring care that could bring peace and support when it’s needed most.

1. Hospice is only for the last few days of life.
   • Fact: Hospice eligibility begins when a patient has 6 months or less to live. Patients benefit most when they enroll early, receiving months of comfort, symptom management, and family support.
2. Hospice replaces the primary care team.
   • Fact: Hospice supplements, not replaces, care. Our team supports families by managing medications, providing nursing care, assisting with hygiene and wound care, and offering guidance on equipment, all while working alongside the patient’s existing doctors.
3. Hospice hastens death.
   • Fact: Hospice neither speeds up nor delays death. The goal is comfort, dignity, and quality of life, allowing patients to live as fully as possible.
4. Hospice is only for cancer patients.
   • Fact: Hospice is available for many life-limiting illnesses, including Alzheimer’s, ALS, COPD, heart disease, renal disease, stroke, AIDS, and more.
5. Hospice is only in a facility.
   • Fact: Hospice care is provided in many settings, most often in the patient’s home. Care can also be provided in assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or residential care homes.
6. Hospice is too expensive.
   • Fact: Hospice is 100% covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal, VA Health Care, and most private insurances. Out-of-pocket costs are rare, reducing financial stress for families.
7. Hospice patients receive no treatment.
   • Fact: While curative treatments stop, hospice patients still receive medications and therapies for pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and other symptoms to ensure comfort.
8. Patients lose control over their care.
   • Fact: Patients and families remain central to care decisions. Hospice emphasizes honoring the patient’s wishes and provides bereavement support for loved ones up to 13 months after a loss.
9. Hospice is a permanent decision.
   • Fact: Patients may revoke hospice at any time if they wish to pursue curative treatments again. Hospice is about options and choices.
10. Hospice means giving up hope.
    • Fact: Hospice is not about giving up, it’s about shifting hope toward comfort, peace, and dignity. Families gain support, and patients receive compassionate care focused on quality of life.
11. Hospice is limited to 6 months.
    • Fact: Patients can remain on hospice as long as they continue to meet eligibility criteria. Many receive care for longer than 6 months, benefiting from ongoing support.

FAQs About Hospice Misconceptions

• Does hospice mean we stop all medications?
  • No. Patients continue to receive medications to control pain and manage symptoms.
• Is hospice only for older adults?
  • No. Hospice is for anyone with a life-limiting illness, regardless of age.
• Can I keep my family doctor if I choose hospice?
  • Yes. Hospice works with your existing doctors and care providers.

Compassionate Hospice Care in Orange County

At Orange Hospice, we are committed to helping patients and families understand what hospice truly means, comfort, dignity, and compassionate care. Don’t let misconceptions prevent your loved one from receiving the support they deserve.

We’re Here for You

Call Orange Hospice today at (714) 790-0594 to learn how we can support you and your family with expert end-of-life care.