3 answers
Kaitlyn
Student
Belton, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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hospice care
What does the general public think about hospice care, and does the common perception match the actual goals and functions, and do the perceptions of hospice care differ by ethnicity/faith/other community groups?
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3 answers
Martin Schoen
APRN
387
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Hospice care can be a challenging field. People usually feel strongly about it, either loving it or finding it difficult. Being involved in this special kind of care means you help both the person and their family during a tough time. This role can be hard, but it's also a chance to make a big difference by offering kindness and support that others might not be able to give.
babitha asha
Internal medicine physician
15
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
babitha’s Answer
Hi Kaitlyn
Many people in the general public misunderstand hospice care. A common belief is that hospice is only for the very last days of life or that it means “giving up.” Some people think hospice takes away treatments or shortens life. As a result, many families delay enrollment until very late in the year.
In reality, the true goal of hospice is very different. Hospice focuses on providing comfort, symptom control, emotional support, family support, and enhancing the quality of life for patients with a serious illness. It does not aim to shorten life; in fact, many studies show that early hospice involvement can help people live more comfortably and sometimes even prolong their lives. Hospice also provides social work services, spiritual support, nursing care, and guidance for families, which most people do not fully realize.
Perceptions of hospice care also vary across different ethnic, cultural, and faith groups.
• Some communities such as certain Asian, Hispanic, or African American families may prefer more aggressive or hospital-based care at the end of life because of cultural expectations, mistrust in the healthcare system, or a belief that choosing hospice means “giving up hope.”
• Faith-based beliefs also influence decisions. For example, some religious groups believe suffering should be endured, while others strongly value comfort and dignity.
• Language barriers and limited access to information can also create misunderstandings about what hospice actually provides.
Because of these differences, healthcare providers need to offer clear explanations, involve families early, respect cultural and spiritual values, and individualize discussions so that patients understand that hospice care is about comfort, dignity, and support not about giving up.
Many people in the general public misunderstand hospice care. A common belief is that hospice is only for the very last days of life or that it means “giving up.” Some people think hospice takes away treatments or shortens life. As a result, many families delay enrollment until very late in the year.
In reality, the true goal of hospice is very different. Hospice focuses on providing comfort, symptom control, emotional support, family support, and enhancing the quality of life for patients with a serious illness. It does not aim to shorten life; in fact, many studies show that early hospice involvement can help people live more comfortably and sometimes even prolong their lives. Hospice also provides social work services, spiritual support, nursing care, and guidance for families, which most people do not fully realize.
Perceptions of hospice care also vary across different ethnic, cultural, and faith groups.
• Some communities such as certain Asian, Hispanic, or African American families may prefer more aggressive or hospital-based care at the end of life because of cultural expectations, mistrust in the healthcare system, or a belief that choosing hospice means “giving up hope.”
• Faith-based beliefs also influence decisions. For example, some religious groups believe suffering should be endured, while others strongly value comfort and dignity.
• Language barriers and limited access to information can also create misunderstandings about what hospice actually provides.
Because of these differences, healthcare providers need to offer clear explanations, involve families early, respect cultural and spiritual values, and individualize discussions so that patients understand that hospice care is about comfort, dignity, and support not about giving up.
Guy Harding
Certified Nursing Assistant
2
Answers
Bridgeville, Delaware
Updated
Guy’s Answer
Hey Kaitlyn, my name is Guy, I'm a CNA in the state of Delaware.
From my experience, a lot of families are resistant to hospice, usually having an association that hospice means the death of the patient (their family member.) They aren't entirely wrong, in the sense that hospice is typically meant for those in the final stages of an illness. However, I don't feel this actually matches the goals and functions of hospice.
Hospice is able to cut out a lot of "red tape" getting the patient access to critical meds and comfort measures that might take longer in a traditional or curative setting. Hospice also assists in getting the patient home to pass peacefully in a familiar environment as opposed to a hospital. A lot of people don't know that hospice also integrates into facilities to give patients care. For instance, I work in a skilled nursing facility, and hospice patients that reside at the facility still receive hospice services, an aid or nurse specifically assigned to that patient from hospice will come and do their care during the morning hours, assess them, and ensure they have all supplies and comforts they need. Hospice really brings a "dying with dignity" aspect to their approaches.
In terms of how different faith-based groups may view hospice, to be honest I'm not sure, I have worked in healthcare since 2016 and have never had anyone have an aversion or attraction to hospice services based off faith, it's usually based off of perception from the community or what they've heard. Hospice providers have done a great job breaking hospice stigma, particularly in the past few years, and people tend to have greater understanding of their services now!
Hope this helps :)
Check out some local hospices in your area! A lot of them will offer information, especially to prospective students
Look into the services different hospice companies offer. Some offers specialized services, like bereavement for family members after the patient passes.
Reach out to some religious leaders of common religions in your area to understand their views on hospice, and taking care of the dying
Interview a Hospice worker (There are many, from nursing to case management) to better understand their role, and how hospice works
From my experience, a lot of families are resistant to hospice, usually having an association that hospice means the death of the patient (their family member.) They aren't entirely wrong, in the sense that hospice is typically meant for those in the final stages of an illness. However, I don't feel this actually matches the goals and functions of hospice.
Hospice is able to cut out a lot of "red tape" getting the patient access to critical meds and comfort measures that might take longer in a traditional or curative setting. Hospice also assists in getting the patient home to pass peacefully in a familiar environment as opposed to a hospital. A lot of people don't know that hospice also integrates into facilities to give patients care. For instance, I work in a skilled nursing facility, and hospice patients that reside at the facility still receive hospice services, an aid or nurse specifically assigned to that patient from hospice will come and do their care during the morning hours, assess them, and ensure they have all supplies and comforts they need. Hospice really brings a "dying with dignity" aspect to their approaches.
In terms of how different faith-based groups may view hospice, to be honest I'm not sure, I have worked in healthcare since 2016 and have never had anyone have an aversion or attraction to hospice services based off faith, it's usually based off of perception from the community or what they've heard. Hospice providers have done a great job breaking hospice stigma, particularly in the past few years, and people tend to have greater understanding of their services now!
Hope this helps :)
Guy recommends the following next steps: