The myths about hospice care
Myth - Hospices only care for the elderly
Truth – At our facility, direct hospice care starts at age 18, but therapeutic care begins with children as young as 3 years old.
Myth - You can only receive hospice care within a hospice building
Truth – Around 84% of hospice care happens in the community, rather than the hospice itself. As well as an inpatient unit; our hospice provides a range of clinics for day patients, however most of the care provided actually takes place in people’s homes.
Myth - You can only go into a hospice when you're about to die
Truth – End-of-life care is only a small part of the work we do. Around 50% of inpatients come to the hospice for expert pain relief, or symptom control, then they return home. We also care for hundreds of patients each year via day services and clinics, aimed at supporting people’s individual needs. Receiving hospice care does not mean giving up hope, or that death is imminent.
Myth - Hospices only care for people with cancer
Truth – Hospices support people with a wide range of conditions; including: cancer, motor neurone disease, cardio-vascular diseases, dementia, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Parkinson’s disease. We look after patients who have a diagnosis of any non-curable, life-limiting illness.