There are countless misconceptions about what hospice palliative care is and how it works. Below are common myths that persist today.
MYTH: I can only get palliative care in hospital
FACT: Palliative care services are offered in many places, including hospitals, hospices and in your own home.
MYTH: Palliative care manages pain through the use of addictive narcotics.
FACT: Palliative care is whole person care that provides psychosocial and spiritual care along with pain and symptom management.
MYTH: Having hospice and palliative care means you will die soon.
FACT: Hospice and palliative care is not just for the end of life. It is a holistic approach that includes care-giver support, spiritual care, bereavement and much more.
MYTH: Hospice and palliative care is just for people with cancer.
FACT: All those who are diagnosed with a chronic life-limiting illness can benefit from hospice and palliative care.
MYTH: Hospices are generally just for old people.
FACT: Hospice and palliative care is provided to people of all ages – from infancy to adulthood.
MYTH: Everyone has access to hospice and palliative care.
FACT: Though every person has the right to hospice and palliative care, there are many around the world who do not have access to hospice and palliative care.
Source: Achieving Universal Coverage of Palliative Care: Dispelling the myths October 12, 2013
For more information on myths, check out Five Common Myths about Hospice Care.
Demystifying Hospice 