About
Myths & Facts
Hospice care is often misunderstood and many families delay support because of common myths or outdated information. At Community Hospice, we believe knowledge brings comfort and confidence during difficult moments. Our myths and facts page is designed to help separate fact from fiction so patients and families can better understand what hospice care truly offers, compassionate support and guidance every step of the way.
(606) 329-1890
info@chospice.org
1480 Carter Ave.
Ashland, KY 41101
1480 Carter Ave.
Ashland, KY 41101
(606) 329-1890
info@chospice.org
2029 S. 3rd St.
Ironton, OH 45638
(740) 532-8841
1480 Carter Ave.
Ashland, KY 41101
(606) 329-1890
info@chospice.org
2029 S. 3rd St.
Ironton, OH 45638
(740) 532-8841
Myths & Reality About Hospice Care
Myth: Hospice is where you go when there is nothing more a doctor can do.
Reality: Hospice is not a place but is care an individual may choose when “cure” is no longer an option. Hospice believes there is always something that can be done to help individuals live more comfortably and more fully.
Myth: Hospice care is only for the last few days of life.
Reality: Hospice care is available for patients with a life-limiting illness who may have six months or less to live if the illness follows its expected course. Many patients and families benefit most when hospice services begin earlier, allowing more time for symptom management, emotional support, and personalized care.
Myth: Hospice is a place you have to move into.
Reality: Hospice is not a place, it’s a type of care. Hospice services can be provided wherever a patient calls home, including private residences, nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and hospice inpatient centers when needed.
Myth: Hospice only helps the patient.
Reality: Hospice supports the entire family. In addition to caring for the patient, hospice teams provide emotional support, education, respite resources, aide services, spiritual care, and grief support for loved ones before and after a loss.
Myth: Hospice hastens death.
Reality: Hospice care does not speed up death. In fact, studies have shown that some patients receiving hospice care may live longer than those who continue aggressive medical treatment alone. Hospice focuses on expert symptom management, comfort, emotional support, and reducing the stress that often comes with repeated hospitalizations and invasive treatments. When pain and symptoms are better controlled, patients are often able to experience improved quality of life and more meaningful time with loved ones.
One widely cited study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that hospice patients lived an average of 29 days longer than similar patients who did not receive hospice care.
Myth: Hospice care relies too heavily on pain medication.
Reality: Hospice care does not hasten death or “overmedicate” patients. Medications used in hospice are carefully prescribed and monitored by physicians and nurses to help relieve pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, and other symptoms that can cause discomfort. The goal of hospice is comfort and dignity, not to shorten life.
Every patient receives an individualized care plan based on their specific needs and wishes. Hospice teams work closely with patients and families to adjust medications appropriately, provide education, and ensure symptoms are managed safely and compassionately.