Choosing to receive hospice care is not “giving up.” It’s a choice to be made by the individual if they are able to make it, or for a healthcare proxy if they are not.

Discuss options frankly with your physician early in treatment about how you might want to handle an end-of-life situation. Hospice is a philosophy of care designed to bring comfort and support when curative treatment is no longer appropriate.

The goal of hospice is to allow the individual to live life to the fullest while managing symptoms to alleviate or prevent suffering. No one is required to enter hospice care, but many individuals and their loved ones choose to do so when they better understand the hospice philosophy.

Another misconception about hospice is that it is only brought in when an individual has just days or hours to live. Hospice can be utilized at any time if an individual has a life-limiting illness.

Choosing to use hospice as soon as it is determined that a cure isn’t possible can lift a big burden of worry.

When the focus is shifted from prolonging life to enjoying life, an individual has the opportunity to celebrate life to its fullest while receiving comfort and a hand to hold in an uncertain time.

You will not have to change physicians when you choose hospice. Instead, your hospice team will work closely with you, your physician and your healthcare team to determine a plan of care.

Many believe that hospice is only a place and hesitate to consider it because they don’t want to move an individual out of their home or other location.

Since hospice is a service, it can be delivered anywhere. Many individuals are able to receive hospice care in their own homes or retirement communities.

Hospice is a holistic form of care and will provide support to the individual and their loved ones. Hospice services can include individual counseling, support groups and bereavement services.

Your hospice team will work with all involved to determine what makes the most sense for everyone.

No matter your specific situation, ask lots of questions when considering hospice care. Both your physician and any potential hospice providers should be able to answer and address any concerns you may have about care, pain management, financial coverage or arrangements and depth of care.