Hospice Care Myths

"We are all just walking each other home." -Ram Dass

Hospice Care Myths

If you choose hospice, you cannot keep seeing your primary care physician.

One common hospice myth is that patients can no longer see their regular doctor or specialists. The hospice team works with the patient’s current physician to reduce pain and manage symptoms related to illness.

Family members need to be around to help with hospice care.

The medical staff and trained volunteers are willing to assist the patient and family while they are at the Aroostook House of Comfort.

Is hospice only for people with cancer?

Hospice is available for any patient coping with any life-ending disease.

An immense amount of pain is just a part of dying.

The patient’s hospice care team is trained to help manage pain. Hospice doctors, nurses, and other professionals can recognize end-of-life process stages and can adjust care accordingly.

Aroostook House of Comfort is staffed by volunteers.

The Aroostook House of Comfort relies on its volunteers to provide assistance, such as food preparation and emotional support. Our medical professionals, social worker, counselor, and chaplain are all provided through our partnership with a local Medicare-certified hospice care agency.

Hospice care only helps the patient.

The hospice care team surrounds the patient and family with a “circle of care” made up of several professionals focused on providing spiritual, social, emotional and medical support. This approach ensures the decision-making process includes the patient and family, allowing greater control over their care.

The patient can never return to regular medical treatment once in hospice.

If the patient shows improvement or wishes to return to curative treatment, he/she can be discharged from hospice at any time.

Hospice care ends when the patient dies.

After a patient’s death focus shifts to the family and loved ones, providing them with much needed emotional support. Bereavements services are also provided by the Aroostook House of Comfort and a local Medicare-certified hospice care agency. These services include grief counseling, funeral or memorial planning, and a grief support group.

Hospice has a religious affiliation.

A hospice chaplain will visit upon your request for spiritual guidance, mental and emotional support, or to assist the patient and family with funeral or memorial preparations. The chaplain is also there to help obtain clergy from the denomination of choice.

Offering a Helping Hand

Choosing hospice care is an important and sometimes confusing decision to make. You are not alone—we can help you to make the best choices for your care or the care of your loved one.

We are here to guide you through your journey. Please fill out the form with any unanswered questions or call us at:

(207) 764-9406

Download our Patient & Family Handbook or Amenities Guide