Hospice Myth: The Role of the Chaplain

Each month we set the facts straight regarding myths surrounding hospice care.

This month’s myth: The role of the hospice chaplain is strictly a religious one

While hospice chaplains are trained to work with patients, families and caregivers of all faith backgrounds and beliefs, they are also trained to work with individuals and families who do not identify with any particular belief system.

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Hospice Myth: Hospice Care is Only for Older Adults

Each month we set the facts straight regarding myths surrounding hospice care.

This month’s myth: Hospice care is only for older adults

Although many older adults seek hospice care, hospice is not only for seniors. It is care designated for anyone who has a life-limiting illness, no matter their age.

From children, to adolescents to middle-aged and older adults, hospice services are available to anyone at the end of life.

Hospice is a patient-centered, family-oriented approach to care for anyone in the advanced stages of a life-limiting illness. By combining careful pain and symptom management with spiritual and emotional support, hospice enables patients to live out the remainder of their days in comfort and dignity, surrounded by those they love. Hospice care neither hastens death nor prolongs life, but allows the illness to take its natural course.

To be eligible for hospice care, an individual must have a confirmed diagnosis of a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less; the individual’s physician and the individual have determined that curative therapy is no longer available or desired; and the individual, family and physician are aware of prognosis and agree with a comfort-oriented approach to care.

If you are unsure whether you or your loved one is ready for hospice care, or to learn more, call 410-871-8000 or visit our website.