Myths about Hospice

Myth: Hospice is a place.

Truth: Hospice is a philosophy of care, not always provided in
the form of a residential setting. Hospice Toronto clients can
receive hospice care in the comfort of their own home.

Truth: With hospice, the miracle isn't in the cure... it's in the
caring. Clients get substantial relief from pain and other symptoms their family members and friends get relief and support from hospice care givers. Hospice care allows clients to choose how to spend their final weeks or months of life. Ensuring this kind of control allows our clients to spend quality time with loved ones, and have a meaningful, dignified and peaceful end of life.

Truth: Hospice serves people of all ages, with all types of life-threatening diseases. These illnesses include, but are not limited to; AIDS, ALS, Cancer and vascular and neurological diseases.

Truth: Hospice care can be provided when a cure is no longer
possible and it is believed the client has up to 12 months to live. Unfortunately, many people become engaged in hospice care too late to fully benefit from the many services available to them and their families.

Truth: While family and friends are usually trained to care for loved ones at home with the support of a trained Hospice team, not everyone has access to the support of family and friends. Clients who live alone or don't have family available to assist them can receive hospice care.

Truth: Hospice recognizes that end of life care is diverse, stressful and frightening. We encourage clients and their families to consult with us shortly after diagnosis, so as to ensure the client and their family are aware of the variety of options available to them.

Friends or family members of those with a life threatening illness can contact hospice at anytime without a referral from a doctor.