Common Myths & FAQ’s

We answer your questions and break down some misconceptions and common myths that are brought up when people think about hospice care. Have a question that you don’t see here? Contact us and we’ll gladly help you with any questions or concerns you may have with your loved one’s care.

Common Myths & FAQ's 1

Managing the Myths

MYTH: Hospice means I’m giving up.

FACT: Hospice is not giving up; it simply means you are choosing to focus on your quality of life during this part of your journey. Hospice care fosters emotional well being, enhances spiritual peace as well as reduces any pain you are experiencing. Hospice is here to help.

MYTH: Hospice is only for the last few days of life.

FACT: Hospice is available when a physician certifies that a person has a life-limiting illness. If you choose to stop curative treatment, you are able to begin hospice at that time. One study showed people lived an average of 29 days longer with hospice care in place versus alternative forms of end-of-life care. Furthermore, they live with more comfort, dignity and peace of mind.

MYTH: It’s difficult to know who will pay for my hospice care.

FACT: There are typically no costs for hospice care as it is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. For items unrelated to the hospice diagnosis, there can be some cost involved. Our staff is available and knowledgeable in the questions that arise regarding your hospice care.

MYTH: There isn’t a choice when it comes to hospice organizations—they are all the same.

FACT: You do have a choice for hospice care. There are several hospice organizations in the area. Hospice of Lansing is your community hospice and we are non-profit. As the oldest hospice in the area we’ve seen many changes. While our technology and training has changed to match the times, our philosophy remains the same—to provide the best care possible for those in our community. Our nurses, hospice aides, social workers, volunteers and staff are your friends, neighbors and co-workers.

MYTH: Hospice means strangers care for you.

FACT: Hospice of Lansing provides a dedicated team of specialists to suit the needs of each patient. We strive to educate family members to serve as the primary caregivers for their loved one. Nurses, physicians, social workers, music therapists, massage therapists, pet therapists, our chaplain, hospice aides and volunteers are available for your loved one and their family— we help you each step of the way with their care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hospice is available when a physician certifies that a person has a life-limiting illness with a projected life expectancy of 6 months or less. If you choose to stop curative treatment, you are able to begin hospice at that time. One study showed that people lived an average of 29 days longer with hospice care in place versus alternative forms of end-of-life care. Furthermore, they live with more comfort, dignity and peace of mind.

Now is always a good time to ask questions and learn about Hospice. End-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, it is always helpful to make wishes known long before it comes a concern. Then when the time comes for hospice the transition can be seamless. Uncomfortable or forced situations can be avoided with planning. Hospice of Lansing is always available to answer your questions in person or over the phone.

Discussion on hospice can be initiated by you, your physician or the hospital. If you call hospice directly, Hospice of Lansing will ask a few questions then will call the primary physician to gain a referral (Required by insurance). If the physician or hospital recommends hospice, they will send a referral to Hospice of Lansing and our team of experts will be in touch with you and the physician/hospital to make arrangements for service.

We can care for you loved one in your home. Hospice of Lansing also works with multiple senior communities and long-term care facilities in the area. We provide assistance in finding placement if a loved one cannot stay at home anymore. Hospice services would not be interrupted during a move. Stoneleigh Residence, Hospice of Lansing’s licensed hospice home, is also an option to consider.

Hospice of Lansing works with multiple senior communities and longterm care facilities in the area and will assistance in finding placement if a loved one cannot stay at home anymore. Hospice services would not be interrupted during a move. Stoneleigh Residence, Hospice of Lansing’s licensed hospice home, is also an option to consider.

There are typically no costs for hospice care and it is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. For items unrelated to the hospice diagnosis, there can be a cost involved. Our staff is available and knowledgeable in the questions that arise regarding your hospice care.

At Stoneleigh Residence, while Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance cover the medical portion of hospice care there is a room and board fee. Some insurances do cover this fee and we can help you determine your need.

Though all hospices take care of people at end of life there are over a dozen different hospices in the Lansing area. You do have a choice! Hospice of Lansing is your community hospice and we are non-profit. As the oldest hospice in the area we’ve seen many changes. While our technology and training has changed to match the times, our philosophy remains the same—to provide the best care possible for those in our community. Our nurses, social workers, volunteers and staff are your friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Hospice of Lansing is committed to taking care of those on our service as well as the whole family by providing care, comfort and support. Quality of life cannot be at its highest without caregivers being at their best. Support is offered through the Spiritual Coordinator/Chaplain, nurses, social workers and the Bereavement Program. Our Spiritual Coordinator/Chaplain can make visits to answer questions or address concerns and our nurses and social workers are available to assist in understanding the dying process. Hospice of Lansing’s Bereavement Program is available to anyone in the community that has suffered a loss. We remain in touch with family members for a minimum of 13 months with phone calls, newsletters, offered support groups. Our service does not have to stop there and anyone is welcome to partake in these services at no cost.

Certainly. If conditions improve and the disease seems to be in remission a discharge from hospice can occur so aggressive treatment can be pursued if desired. If the loved one should later need to return to hospice care we are only a phone call away. Insurances do allow for readmissions to hospice. Hospice of Lansing is always looking at signs and symptoms to see if those on our service meet criteria to be on hospice.

Not necessarily. Depending on how the loved one is doing it is not a requirement to be with them 24/7. A primary caregiver is determined at admission which identifies a person that will take responsibility for the loved ones care – that does not mean they need to be with them 24/7. It means they will keep close tabs on the loved one and will make sure they are getting everything they need. It is recommended to have a team of family and friends in place for when a loved one declines so that it is safe for them to remain at home. Private in-home care companies are also available to assist with filling in when family and/or friends cannot be there.

Yes. Hospice of Lansing has an on-call RN that is available  24/7 for questions, concerns or emergencies. Call us anytime at 517-882-4500.