What Hospice Is… and What It Isn’t
When families first hear the word hospice, it can feel overwhelming even frightening. There are so many myths and misconceptions that it’s no wonder people hesitate to reach out for this care. I want to take a moment to clear up some of the confusion, because hospice is not about “giving up.” It’s about shifting the focus of care to comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
What Hospice Is
Compassionate Support: Hospice surrounds the patient and family with a team nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers so no one walks this journey alone.
Comfort-Focused Care: The goal is to manage pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, nausea, and other symptoms so that every day is as comfortable and peaceful as possible.
Family-Centered: Hospice cares for the whole family, not just the patient. Education, emotional support, and respite are built in.
Home-Based (Most of the Time): Hospice happens wherever the patient feels most comfortable at home, in a nursing facility, or in an inpatient unit when needed.
What Hospice Isn’t
It Isn’t “Giving Up”: Choosing hospice doesn’t mean hope is gone. It means hope has shifted to comfort, to peace, to meaningful time together.
It Isn’t Euthanasia: Hospice does not hasten death. The focus is on allowing nature to take its course while relieving suffering.
It Isn’t Just for the Final Days: Many families wait until the very last weeks or even days to call hospice, but care can begin much earlier often months before. The sooner it begins, the more support patients and families can receive.
It Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All: Every patient’s plan is individualized. The care team works with you to honor your wishes, your values, and your goals.
A Final Thought
Hospice is one of the greatest gifts available in healthcare. It doesn’t take away life it gives back quality to the time that remains. It gives families the chance to focus less on medical chaos and more on love, presence, and connection.
If you have questions about whether hospice is right for your loved one, I encourage you to reach out and start the conversation early. Hospice isn’t about endings it’s about making the most of every moment.
Kimberly Johnson, RN
Sacred Heart Nursing Services
