Delaware Hospice passionately advocates continued education and community awareness regarding the unique needs people face during the final season of their lives. It is our mission to dispel the myths, and encourage people to contact us for further information. The following explains the real answers behind the myths:

Reality: Anyone coping with a life-limiting illness can receive hospice care, including those diagnosed with heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, liver or lung disease, kidney failure and dementia.

Reality: Some patients experience healing while receiving care from Delaware Hospice. While an illness may not necessarily be cured, many individuals feel better and are able to enjoy time with loved ones. Our goal is to improve the quality of one’s life, until the very last day.

Myth: Only a physician can make a referral to Delaware Hospice.

Reality: Anyone, including an individual coping with an illness, can contact Delaware Hospice to inquire about eligibility for services. Staff members respond efficiently to arrange a personal meeting to assess needs.

Myth: It is best to wait until the last minute to call in hospice.

Reality: 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.” Our mission is to provide comfort to the individual and support to the entire family, and we have a better opportunity to help when contact is made sooner.

Myth: All hospices are not-for-profit.

Reality: Delaware Hospice is the only not-for-profit hospice in the state of Delaware. We depend on reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance; and no one is denied care regardless of ability to pay. We count on contributions made through memorial gifts, individual donations, and fundraising efforts, enabling us to respond to the needs of our community by providing education, programs and services.

Myth: Children cannot be referred to Delaware Hospice.

Reality: Unfortunately, children are not exempt from life-limiting illnesses and we offer a special, dedicated team to provide care, encouragement and resources to children and their families. Further, Delaware Hospice offers a program to support children grieving from the loss of a loved one, called New Hope.

Myth: You must work with a Delaware Hospice physician.

Reality: Your personal physician works in tandem with Delaware Hospice’s Medical Director and our professional staff to develop and administer care and comfort.

Myth: You must be in a nursing home or other facility to receive hospice services.

Reality: A Delaware Hospice team, including a registered nurse, certified nursing assistant, social worker, chaplain and volunteer, visits with and cares for individuals in the location of their choice. We serve people wherever they choose, including private residences, assisted living facilites, nursing homes, hospitals or at the new Delaware Hospice Center.

Myth: You must be a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) patient while in hospice care.

Reality: At Delaware Hospice, we’re strong advocates of patient choice, and this includes whether or not to adhere to a DNR order. A patient receiving our services can certainly choose to be resuscitated, and we follow their wishes accordingly.

Reality: Delaware Hospice nurses carefully monitor the medications prescribed to an individual along with his or her physician and the Delaware Hospice Medical Director. We work to strike the optimal balance between comfort and alertness, allowing the individual the highest level of perception while remaining comfortable.