Even though multiple studies have demonstrated what it is people want at the end of life, dealing with associated issues when confronting death can of ten be difficult because of the individual’s limited
awareness of available options…especially when it comes to choosing hospice.

Studies have shown repeatedly we, as Americans, want home-based care, control over our treatment, emotional and spiritual support for ourselves and loved ones, effective pain/symptom management and freedom from financial concerns when it comes to the end of life. Although hospice provides services aimed at assuring these priorities are met, only one-third of the over 2 million Americans who die annually take advantage of the hospice benefit available to them either through Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurances. At Lighthouse Hospice, we recognize the importance of helping patients and families understand hospice as a benefit that may be elected
by anyone who has a documented life-limiting illness and who is not seeking and/or appropriate for aggressive, curative treatment.
This means for those who have exhausted their other medical options or, who choose not to take advantage of further medical treatment, hospice is an appropriate option. One of the “myths” associated with hospice care is that the benefit, once elected, has a limit of six months coverage. In reality, the hospice benefit under Medicare is intended primarily for use by those whose prognosis is terminal, with a “life expectancy” of six months or less. However, the Medicare program and Lighthouse recognize that terminal illnesses do not have entirely predictable courses and, therefore, Lighthouse can help assure the hospice benefit is available for extended periods of time beyond six months when appropriate. Understanding that prognoses can be uncertain and may change, the Medicare hospice benefit is not limited in terms of time.

Another myth associated with hospice says the decision to enter hospice care can only be made by a medical provider. In actuality, the decision to elect hospice belongs solely to the individual patient or, his/her healthcare representative. Understandably, most of us are reluctant to stop aggressive efforts to “cure” our illness. So, it’s always advisable to discuss our feelings not only with our medical providers but, with our families, spiritual mentors and others whose opinions we value, including hospice workers such as the professionals at Lighthouse Hospice who are particularly sensitive to end-of-life issues. In the end, however, it is an individual decision.
If you wish to learn more, contact Lighthouse Hospice at 1-888-HOSPICE or, visit us online at www.lighthousehospice.net.