Idaho Hospice Myths & Misconceptions

Myth: Choosing hospice means giving up hope.

Reality: A Better Way Home, Boise Idaho Hospice organization provides an opportunity for our patients to live with grace and dignity in the comfort of their own home,wherever that may be. Hospice gives patients a voice in how they spend their final days, weeks or months surrounded by the ones they love.

Myth: Hospice is only for people with cancer.

Reality: Although many patients admitted to hospice care have cancer, the reality is that any terminal diagnosis will qualify someone for the hospice benefit. This includes, but is not limited to, such life-limiting illnesses as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, COPD, Dementia, and AIDS.

Myth: Patients must reside in their own home to receive hospice care.

Reality: Most hospice care is provided in the home, however, hospice care can also be provided in a skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, personal care home or hospital.

Myth: To qualify for hospice a patient must be bed ridden.

Reality: Hospice care is appropriate when a patient is given a terminal prognosis, regardless of the patient's physical condition. We encourage our patients to be as physically active as possible for as long as possible.

Myth: Once a patient is involved with hospice, he/she can no longer receive care from their family doctor.

Reality: A patient can continue to visit their primary care physician whenever they desire. In fact, we encourage the visits and welcome the comfort, knowledge and assurance a family physician provides. We support this interaction at all times.

Myth: A patient needs Medicare or Medicaid to afford Idaho hospice services.

Reality: A Better Way Home, Boise Idaho hospice organization accepts patients based always on need and never on financial status. We will do all we can to work with any eligible patient who desires the exceptional services A Better Way Home has to offer.