"People think choosing hospice means giving up, but studies show that patients often live longer and with better quality of life when they receive hospice care."- John Myers, MSW, Geisinger Hospice

Introduction:

Hospice is a word that often evokes fear, misunderstanding, and a sense of finality. Many people associate it with giving up, believing that choosing hospice means the end is near. But in reality, hospice is about life—living with dignity, comfort, and meaningful connection during one of life’s most profound transitions.

In the Hospice Redefined podcast, host Rachel Carta, a registered nurse with extensive hospice experience, and her guests seek to shift the narrative around hospice care. In the very first episode, Rachel is joined by Geisinger Hospice social worker John Myers to address the biggest misconception about hospice: that it hastens death.

The Fear and Misconception Around Hospice

 "Nearly every family I speak with doesn’t fully understand what hospice is. Even my own family struggles to grasp my role. They think when hospice gets involved, someone is going to die soon," John Myers, Geisinger Hospice Social Worker shares.

This fear stems from a lack of knowledge and cultural taboos around discussing end-of-life care.

"I hear this all the time," Rachel adds. "Many people react with shock when they learn I’m a hospice nurse. The word hospice itself feels intimidating." That fear can prevent people from seeking the support they need. But hospice is not about hastening death—it’s about improving the quality of life for as long as possible.

In fact, studies have shown that individuals with terminal illnesses who choose hospice care live an average of 29 days longer than those who do not. This is because hospice focuses on comfort, emotional support, and symptom management, all of which contribute to better well-being in the final stage of life.

Addressing Emotional and Physical Needs

How a person feels emotionally significantly impacts their physical well-being. If someone is not doing well emotionally, they’re probably not going to do well physically. Many families struggle with the idea of hospice because they equate it with surrender. This mindset can cause internal conflict within families, with some members believing hospice means giving up, while others recognize it as a way to ensure their loved one is comfortable and supported.

As a hospice team nurse, the number one goal is to make sure patients are comfortable—free from pain, breathlessness, nausea, and anxiety, Rachel explains. But beyond that, hospice offers a team of professionals, including nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, who support both the patient and their family in navigating this journey.

Why Timing Matters

One of the most significant challenges in hospice care is that many families wait too long to seek help. Often, patients enroll in hospice only in their final days, limiting the full scope of support they could have received earlier in their journey. This delay fosters the misconception that hospice is only for the last moments of life.

When hospice is introduced earlier, patients often improve in quality of life. They receive comprehensive care, pain management, and emotional support, which allows them to spend meaningful time with their loved ones without the stress of constant medical interventions. The sooner people get to that point, the better it would be. That’s part of the motive for this blog and podcast—to help people understand hospice sooner.

A Support System for Families

Hospice is not just about the patient—it’s about supporting the caregivers as well. Many family members take on caregiving responsibilities without realizing how emotionally and physically taxing it can be. The Hospice Redefined website offers a free Caregiver Self-Care Checklist to help caregivers prioritize their own well-being while supporting their loved ones.

"This team surrounds you with support in a time that is unimaginably hard."

Join the Conversation

The Hospice Redefined podcast is here to answer your questions, dispel myths, and provide practical guidance for families facing hospice decisions. You can visit hospiceredefined.com to find resources, submit questions, and access the

If you or a loved one are considering hospice care, know that you are not alone. The more we understand hospice, the more we can embrace its true purpose—supporting life, comfort, and connection in a time that matters most.

This episode is brought to you by Geisinger Hospice—Compassionate care when it matters most.

Written and podcast produced by Rachel Carta, RN.