Myths & Facts
Myth: Hospice is where you go when there is "nothing else to be done."
Fact: Hospice is the "something more" that can be done for the patient and the family when the illness cannot be cured. It is a concept based on comfort-oriented care. Referral into hospice is a movement into another mode of therapy, which may be more appropriate for terminal care. Staff and volunteers work to relieve symptoms, physical, spiritual, emotional and psycho-social.
Myth: Hospice care is expensive.
Fact: Studies have shown hospice care to be no more costly. People may get the impression that is costs to be here; frequently it is less expensive than conventional care during the last six months of life.
Myth: You can't keep your own doctor if you enter hospice.
Fact: Hospice staff work closely with your family doctor to determine a plan of care.
Related Links
The Canadian Virtual Hospice: www.virtualhospice.ca
Hospice Association of Ontario: www.hospicelifeline.com
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association: www.chpca.net
