Reasons Patients Hesitate Before Entering Hospice Care

As hospice care workers, we have noticed that it is common for patients or their loved ones to hesitate before choosing hospice. Sometimes, that hesitation extends well into the time where hospice could have offered a substantial boost to quality of life.

While there are many possible reasons why this hesitation might occur, in many cases, it comes down to not understanding fully the purpose or benefits of hospice. Let’s go over some of the most common reasons why people wait before entering hospice even after becoming eligible.

1. They are not ready to stop treatments aimed at curing their condition. A patient becomes eligible for hospice after receiving a terminal diagnosis with an estimated six months to live. But to enter hospice, the patient must stop receiving treatments that are aimed at curing the terminal condition. The focus of hospice is on providing palliative care, increasing comfort and autonomy or maintaining them as much as possible. Sometimes a patient may put off entering hospice for the simple reason that they are not ready to give up on their curative treatments. That is a personal decision, and there is nothing wrong with it.
2. Some believe hospice is only for the dying. Another common reason for hesitation with hospice is a belief that many hold that hospice is “for the dying.” In truth, hospice is for the living. The goal of hospice is to make as much quality living possible during the last months of life. Indeed, hospice care often ends up extending lifespan due to the reduction in physical and emotional stress that comes with finally getting some rest. It is not uncommon for hospice patients to live longer than their terminal diagnosis, or even to be discharged.
3. General ignorance about what hospice can do for them. One more hurdle to overcome for a lot of patients and their families is simply not grasping the benefits of hospice. A lot of people just do not know what goes on in hospice care. As a result, they have a hard time picturing the reasons to enter hospice.

Here are some of the ways that hospice can help patients and their loved ones:

• Hospice can help patients manage their symptoms, alleviating pain and increasing function and autonomy.

• During hospice, patients as well as their loved ones can receive emotional support in the form of counseling, support groups and more.

• Patients receive most hospice care in their homes, giving them the means to spend more time in the place they are most comfortable, surrounded by the people they love.

• Hospice care includes a holistic range of services that are fully personalized to the needs of the individual patient.

Learn More About What Hospice Care Can Do for You or Your Loved One

We understand that even if you are thinking about starting hospice care for yourself or a loved one, you may have a lot of questions and uncertainties.

Our caring team is here to answer your questions, taking as much time as we need to in order to help you understand how hospice can help.

To learn more about our hospice services in Georgia, please give us a call at (470) 395-6567. We provide hospice care to patients throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.