Hospice myths: what is hospice really about?

Hospice. The word alone can incite fear in those who hear it. Why? Often, when people hear the word "hospice," certain images come to mind: a loved one in bed--a loved one dying without food or water--a loved one who is lacking skilled care. With these images also comes the ideology that hospice "kills" patients or "starves" them. Many people have the impression that once their loved one enters an acute hospice care facility, they will only leave by death. Many myths surround hospice. Families often have a preconceived negative notion of hospice, but when they experience the hospice philosophy and the interaction of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team, those negative connotations are dispelled. In this article, prevalent hospice myths will be explored. The goal is to bring a clearer understanding of hospice care, and in turn, encourage readers to think about how they would want themselves, their families, and their patients to experience care at the end of life.