PRESS RELEASE: November 13, 2008 For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:
Beverly Crowl, Public Relations Specialist
302-547-1816 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


On October 31st, 2008, President Bush issued a proclamation recognizing the month of November as “National Hospice Month.”
President Bush stated in his proclamation, “During National Hospice Month, we honor the dedicated health care professionals and volunteers who help the terminally ill spend their final days in comfort and with dignity. Hospice care providers and other compassionate individuals are a constant reminder that the greatness of America lies in the hearts and souls of its citizens.

“Throughout National Hospice Month, we recognize hospice care professionals and volunteers for their selfless efforts to provide physical, psychological, and spiritual assistance to terminally ill patients and their families.”

Although hospices nationwide served more than 1.4 million patients and families in 2007, myths and lack of knowledge about hospice linger, preventing many who need this care from making the call for help.

Delaware Hospice community education representatives have noted several commonly held misperceptions about hospice care.

Myth: Hospice is only for people with cancer. Anyone with a life-limiting illness can receive hospice care. Heart disease, kidney disease, COPD, and dementia are a few of the illnesses that can benefit from Delaware Hospice services.

Myth: Hospice is only for people who are dying. Some patients have gotten better while in Delaware Hospice’s care. While the illness didn’t go away, the patient was able to feel better and enjoy time with their family and friends. Quality of life at the end of life is the goal.

Myth: Only a physician can make a referral to Delaware Hospice. Anyone, even the patient, can call to ask about the appropriateness of our services. Staff members will arrange to meet with the patient and family immediately to assess the situation.

Myth: It is best to wait until the last minute to call in hospice. A national study spearheaded by Brown University researchers (Science Daily, July 3, 2007) reports that “one in ten hospice patients are referred too late for services, resulting in unmet needs such as adequate pain relief or emotional support.” The goal is to make the patient comfortable and offer support to the entire family. This can be accomplished by calling Delaware Hospice sooner.

Myth: All hospices are not-for-profit. Delaware Hospice is the only not-for-profit hospice in the state of Delaware and, as such, does not bill the patient or family for hospice care, but relies on reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or funds contributed through memorial contributions, individual donations or events.

Myth: Children cannot be referred to Delaware Hospice. Hospice care is for all ages and all diseases. Unfortunately, children are not exempt from life-limiting illnesses and we have had children in our care. In addition, Delaware Hospice offers the New Hope Program to support children who are grieving from the loss of a loved one.

Myth: You must change to a Delaware Hospice physician. Your physician stays involved with your care, working with Delaware Hospice’s Medical Director and our nurses for your entire plan of care.

Myth: You must be in a nursing home or other facility to receive hospice services. Our team, consisting of a nurse, certified nursing assistant, social worker, chaplain, and volunteer, will visit and care for the patient wherever the patient lives. This can be at home, in an assisted living facility, nursing home, hospital or the new Delaware Hospice Center.

Myth: You must be a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) patient while in hospice care. This is the patient’s choice. A patient receiving Delaware Hospice services can certainly choose to be resuscitated.

Myth: Heavy doses of morphine are administered to hospice patients. Delaware Hospice nurses carefully monitor the medications of each patient with his or her physician and the Delaware Hospice Medical Director to find the optimal balance of comfort and alertness which will allow the patient to get the most out of every day.

About Delaware Hospice
Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has provided exceptional care and support to 30,000 patients and their families. Its mission is to help each patient, each day, live the fullest, most comfortable life possible. Delaware Hospice is the largest and only licensed, nonprofit, community-based hospice serving New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware and southern Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. For more information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, upcoming events, or employment opportunities, call 800-838-9800 or visit our website, www.delawarehospice.org.