Three Misconceptions About Hospice Care

Myth: You need a doctor's referral before you can talk to the hospice.

Anybody can call a hospice agency and ask for information about care services. If you, or someone you love, is terminally ill and would like to know your options, a hospice provider would be happy to answer your questions about comfort care. If you believe you, or a loved one, is eligible for hospice services, contact a local hospice provider and ask to schedule an evaluation.

We encourage individuals to empower themselves in their health care knowledge and decisions. We are happy to provide information as well as take self-referrals or referrals from individuals' family members and friends. If we believe an individual meets the criteria for hospice care, our staff members are happy to contact his/her physician and take care of the necessary paperwork.

Myth: You are required to use the hospice that your healthcare provider referred to you.

We encourage individuals to exercise their power of choice. If your healthcare provider only gave you the name of one hospice organization, feel free to ask your provider for the names of other area hospice agencies or research other hospices in your area. You should double-check and be sure your hospice of choice works with your insurance. When you're letting individuals care for you, or your loved one, in your home, during this sensitive time of life, you should feel trust in and comfort with your hospice care team.

Myth: Hospice care is only for individuals dying of cancer.

Because hospices used to provide care to terminal cancer patients most often, there's a lingering belief that hospice services are only for cancer patients. However, hospice care is not based on a specific disease; care is provided to individuals who are expected to live six months or less. Hospice organizations can provide support to patients suffering from cancer as well as diseases such as dementia, heart disease, kidney failure, and more.

If you, or your loved one, reside in the Tucson and Pima County areas, and would like more information about hospice services, contact Casa de la Luz Hospice at 520-544-9890.