Moments of Life Campaign Shatters Common Misperceptions About Hospice Care

What comes to mind when you hear the word "hospice?" Research conducted on behalf of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in 2012 has shown that a vast majority of those who have had an experience with hospice care providers, such as a loved one who received care at the end-of-life, have a very positive perception of hospice. But many others, who have not had a direct encounter with hospice, have questions, fears and misconceptions about what hospice is and what services it provides. In addition, many physicians know little about the benefits of hospice care and are reluctant to talk about it with their patients. Statistics bear out that fact, such as a California survey showing that even though 80% of patients would like to discuss end-of-life care with their doctors, only 7% have actually had that conversation. Those who work for hospice know that caring for dying patients in hospice is rewarding, beautiful, joyful and transformative work, though it can be difficult and sad, at times. But, the saddest fact of all is that misperceptions about hospice keep people from taking advantage of the benefits it offers at the end-of-life. However, a brilliant public awareness campaign created by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization has set out to shatter the myths and misunderstandings that surround the field of hospice care and promises to revolutionize society's perception of the end-of-life. The NHPCO's campaign, Moments of Life: Made Possib...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news