Hospice care is not giving up, a nurse says

A hospice nurse says the common belief that hospice means 'giving up' is a myth and explains that hospice focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life for people with a terminal illness.

Hospice care is often misunderstood as surrendering treatment, but a hospice nurse and educator says that view does not match her experience. She founded Life and Death Matters to support health workers, students and families who care for people who are dying. The article explains the difference between palliative care and hospice care and notes that hospice care focuses on comfort for people with a terminal illness. It also reports that access to hospice services varies across Canada. Key points: - A hospice nurse reports that the biggest misconception is that hospice means "giving up," and says hospice can hold both hope and reality. - Hospice care is described as comfort-focused support for people with a terminal illness, typically those with about six months or less to live, and it includes support for families. - Palliative care can begin at diagnosis and may continue alongside curative treatment, while hospice care is generally for people near the end of life. - Families often consider hospice when daily tasks become difficult or health is increasingly unpredictable; availability of services depends on location and funding in Canada. Summary: The article presents hospice as an option aimed at improving quality of life and supporting families rather than abandoning care. It notes common fears about the dying process and says hospice teams often help manage symptoms and provide emotional support. Undetermined at this time.