Myths
Is hospice care limited to cancer patients?
No, hospice care is for any patient with a life expectancy prognosis of six months or less. Hospice patients may have cancer, heart disease, lung disease, neurological diseases, dementia, or even extreme old age with multiple systems failing.
Is Hospice a place?
Hospice care is provided to the patient wherever they call home. Whether this is in someone’s home, nursing home or assisted living facility; hospice services are provided where the patient is most comfortable. In addition to home care, Hospice of Northern Colorado has a 12 bed In-Patient Care Center located on the 4th floor of North Colorado Medical Center. This facility is available for acute pain management and can also be utilized for respite care.
Will Hospice care cause my loved one to die faster?
Hospice care does not delay nor prolong death. Death will occur naturally but in greater comfort than without hospice care. The focus of care is keeping our patients comfortable and allowing them to live out their final days with dignity. Hospice care does not mean you have given up hope. There is so much that can be done for our patients and families when they have begun to face the end of life. Hospice is designed to support our hospice patients and families.
Isn’t hospice care only needed in the last few days of life?
The sooner hospice care is utilized the more of a support it can be. In fact according to a study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, hospice patients were found to live on average 29 days longer than non-hospice patients. Our services help improve quality of life thus prolonging time in some cases. Hospice care is available to anyone who has a prognosis of 6 months or less.
Hospice care is for the wealthy?
Hospice care is fully covered under Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies. Hospice of Northern Colorado is a non-profit based hospice. We will never turn someone away due to their lack of ability to pay.
Once I surpass my 6 months or less prognoses will my care stop?
No, hospice care will continue to be administered as long as our patients show a decline in health. Some patients could live for years and others have “graduated” out of hospice care.
Hospice care will no longer allow me or my family to make decisions about my care?
Hospice care does the opposite. Our patients and their families are at the center of their care. We put our patients in the driver seat, allowing them to direct their care.
