5 common hospice care myths

We know that the idea of being cared for at a hospice and visiting a hospice can be daunting, and there are many misconceptions around hospices and the care they provide. For this year's Hospice Care Week we have aimed to open up the conversation and demystify hospice care. Here we have put together 5 of the most common myths and frequently asked questions about hospices and end of life care.

1. MYTH: "Isn't it only the patient that receives care & support at a hospice?"

TRUTH: At Bolton Hospice we not only take care of patients' physical needs, we consider their emotional, spiritual and social needs and we support their families and close friends too, both during illness and in bereavement.

We're here for the families in our community when they need us most 

We can offer families and Carers:

• Someone to talk to
• Advice and support on caring for someone
• Advice on managing medication, nutrition and medical issues
• Relaxation and management of stress
• Advice on financial support – our social work team is available by appointment

You can find out how we care for the whole family here

2. MYTH – A hospice is a place where people go to die

TRUTH –  No, not at all. It’s a common misconception that once you’re admitted to a hospice you will die.

Many patients will be admitted to the inpatient unit for transitional care after treatment or for control of symptoms such as pain, nausea or vomiting and after a short stay will return home.

Some patients will be admitted to the inpatient unit in the final stages of their illness. Some will choose to die in the hospice and other patients will choose to be cared for at home by our Hospice at Home team, we are happy to support them with the choice that they make.

You can see more on the care we provide here

3. MYTH: The hospice must be a sad place

TRUTH: Our patients, families and staff team all share just how much of a happy, warm and welcoming place Bolton Hospice is. It’s a common misconception that a hospice is a very solemn place and all doom and gloom - it couldn’t be further from the truth! Once you walk through the doors, you’ll find the hospice is bright and homely, our patients often call it a ‘home from home’.

Everyone at the hospice is friendly and welcoming - we will have time to get to know you and your loved ones, and answer any questions you have.

You can see what our patients have to say about Bolton Hospice, meet our team and more here

4. MYTH: The hospice only cares for people with cancer

TRUTH: No, we care for patients with any life-limiting illness such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney (renal) disease, liver disease, heart disease and neurological diseases.

Our consultant-led team of doctors, nurses and other professional staff provide specialist care and support for local people with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families, in the hospice, at our wellbeing hub and at home.

Hospice care is not just a building, it is a way of caring for people. Our care aims to improve the lives of people whose illness may not be curable. We help people to live as actively as possible after diagnosis to the end of their lives, however long that might be. We place the highest value on respect and choice.

You can find out more about how we care for patients here

5. MYTH: I have to leave my home to receive hospice care

TRUTH:  Many people who are seriously ill and nearing the end of their lives prefer to be cared for at home surrounded by their family and friends. Our Hospice at Home service works closely with District Nurses, GPs and Macmillan nurses to help make this possible.

The Hospice at Home Team transfer the hospice philosophy into the home environment. Our Hospice at Home team work collaboratively with District Nurses, GPs and Macmillan Nurses, to ensure that those patients who wish to be cared for at home, surrounded by their family and friends, are able to do so. It is a seven day a week service currently operating between the hours of 08:30 am and 4:30 pm.

The Hospice at Home team is a core team of nurses who are highly skilled, motivated and committed in delivering all aspects of specialist palliative and end of life care to people whose preferred place of care is their home. In addition, the team is well supported by the medical staff based within the hospice.

You can find out more about Hospice at Home here

Hospice Care Week

We asked staff and volunteers to share their thoughts with us for #HospiceCareWeek and now we'd love to know your answer too! Whether it's one word, a sentence or a quote...please share with us on social media what hospice care means to you.

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