Hospice isn’t a place. And hospice care is not just about those who are dying. Hospice is a comprehensive kind of care that focuses on living — it’s about living as fully as possible, surrounded by family and friends, up until the end of life. Palliative care brings this special philosophy of care to people earlier in the course of a serious illness.

At Prairie Home Hospice and Community Care we have been providing hospice services in Lyon County since 1984. As a trusted leader in hospice and home care we take pride in serving the community through the delivery of exceptional services and compassionate care.

Last year, more than1.5 million dying Americans were served by the nation’s hospice providers, reports the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Yet there are many myths about hospice that keep people from getting this compassionate care when they need it most.

Myth: Hospice is where you go when there is nothing more a doctor can do.

Reality: Hospice is a philosophy of care providing medical, emotional, and spiritual care focusing on comfort and quality of life.

Myth: I have to use the hospice offered by my provider.

Reality: Everyone has the right to choose the hospice of their choice. Hospice will work directly with your provider and provide a comprehensive approach to your care.

Myth: Good care at the end of life is very expensive.

Reality: Medicare beneficiaries pay little or nothing for hospice, and most insurance plans, HMOs and managed care plans include hospice coverage.

Myth: Hospice is only for the last few days of life.

Reality: Hospice patients and families can receive care for six months or longer, depending upon the course of the illness.

Myth: Choosing hospice means giving up all medical treatment.

Reality: Hospice places the patient and family at the center of the care-planning process and provides high-quality pain management and symptom control.

Myth: Families are not able to care for people with terminal illnesses.

Reality: Hospice involves families and offers them professional support and training in caring for their loved ones.

Myth: Hospice is just for the elderly.

Reality: Hospice serves anyone facing a life-limiting illness, regardless of age.

Myth: Hospice only focuses on the dying process.

Reality: Hospice offers grief and bereavement services to family members and the community.

Myth: Once you choose hospice care there is no turning back.

Reality: You are free to leave a hospice program at any time without penalty. You can re-enroll in a hospice program at anytime that you meet the medical eligibility criteria.

Myth: Everyone dies in a hospital.

Reality: Hospice services are provided at home — wherever that may be, a private home, nursing home, assisted living, congregate living, or a residential hospice home.

Patients and families should not hesitate about discussing their end-of-life wished and when appropriate seek the highest quality and compassionate end-of-life services that Prairie Home Hospice & Community Care has been providing over the last four decades.

For more information feel free to contact is at 507-337-0080. Prairie Home Hospice & Community Care. The hometown care you know and trust.

— Sarah Kirchner is CEO of Prairie Home Hospice & Community Care