If your loved one has a terminal condition, you may have considered hospice care. Hospice is a kind of health care that focuses on improving the quality of life of terminally ill patients. However, you might have heard various untruths about hospice that are making you reluctant. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about hospice that you should not believe.

Hospice Has to Be in a Specific Place

Many people believe that hospice must be in a certain place, like a hospital or nursing home. However, patients can receive hospice care in any setting they choose. For example, if your family member feels more comfortable at home, hospice nurses and other staff can come to your loved one's residence and offer care.

Hospice Care Is Only Designed for Cancer Patients

While people with cancer make up a large percentage of hospice patients, they are not the only ones who benefit from this type of care. People who have had a stroke or been diagnosed with dementia, chronic kidney disease, and other severe conditions can also be admitted to hospice care.

Hospice Does Not Do Much

If your family member has a terminal illness, you might not think hospice will make much of a difference. Although hospice may not be able to cure your loved one's illness, it can help your family member live with better comfort in their remaining days.

Hospice Is Too Expensive

This is a common concern among people considering hospice care for their loved ones. The good news is that hospice care is paid for by Medicaid, Medicare, and many other private health insurance companies. If your family member has private health insurance, you should call them and ask if they provide coverage for hospice.

Hospice Ends After a Patient Dies

It is commonly believed that hospice care comes to an end after a patient's death. However, hospice care also offers grief support services to the family members of the patient. Losing a loved one is never easy, and hospice care can help you cope with that loss. Some hospice services also offer assistance with funeral arrangements.

As you can see, there are a lot of misunderstandings about hospice care. If your family member has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you may want to look into hospice care soon. After all, you want your loved one to live their last days in total comfort.

Contact a local hospice service, such as Aria Hospice, to learn more.