5 Hospice Care Myths
Hospice Care: 5 Myths Busted
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about hospices and hospice care, whether that be who can receive hospice care, the services we offer, or who pays for hospices. Let’s explore what’s a myth, and what’s a truth at Rotherham Hospice!
Myth: Rotherham Hospice is just for those about to die
Hospices care for people who are dying, however palliative care is more than the last few days of life. Rotherham Hospice supports patients at varying stages of their illness, from the diagnosis of a terminal illness until the patient’s death and beyond, caring for the patients’ loved ones with our bereavement services.
Some people receive hospice care for just a few days, while others get support for several months, both in the Hospice and at home.
Myth: Hospices are a sad place to be
There are sad times, of course, but our staff and volunteers try to make the Hospice a home away from home, where patients are comfortable, and their loved ones can focus on just being together. Hospice care is not about giving up, rather about making the best of the time we have.
“The remaining days my beloved Mum had could not have been in a more perfect place – surrounded by wonderful people, filled with such compassion and kindness – you have touched our hearts and I know you made my mum feel special.”
Myth: Hospices are just for older people
Hospice care is available for anyone who needs it, at any age. Rotherham Hospice is an adult hospice, caring for people aged 18 to over 100. It is a common misconception that hospice care is exclusively for the elderly, when in fact 25% of those that die in Hospices across the UK are under 65.
At Rotherham Hospice, our care doesn’t end with patients. We also offer bereavement support and counselling for the loved ones of our patients, including children aged 5-18 through our Sunbeams support group. Rotherham Hospice is a welcoming space for everyone.
Myth: You can only be cared for by Rotherham Hospice in the Hospice itself
Hospice care happens wherever is the best place for it to happen, whether that is in our specialist 14 bed In-Patient Unit, in the Day Hospice, or in a patient’s own home, cared for by our Hospice at Home team. Rotherham Hospice supports patients to be where they want to be at the end of their life.
Myth: We shouldn’t talk about death
Conversations about death and dying with the people we love can be difficult. It brings up uncomfortable emotions, so we tend to shy away from it. We might try to ignore what is happening until a loved one’s death is very close. But starting conversations early is important to allow time for everyone to talk openly and honestly.
Being able to talk gives us the opportunity to share worries, fears or wishes. We can talk about our own death, a loved one’s death, being with someone when they die, asking what they want and knowing what to expect, and what we can do to make it the best death it can be.
For helpful tips on how to get started, check out these resources by Dying Matters from Hospice UK.
Why your support matters
Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services and we can only do it thanks to our amazing supporters like you.