10 Myths About Palliative Care

Palliative care is still widely misunderstood by many people in Canada. Here are 10 common myths we often encounter.

Myth 1: Palliative care hastens death.
Fact: Palliative care does not hasten death. It provides comfort and the best quality of life from diagnosis until end of life.

Myth 2: Palliative care is only for people dying of cancer.
Fact: Palliative care can benefit patients and their families from the time of diagnosis of any illness that may shorten life.

Myth 3: People in palliative care who stop eating die of starvation.
Fact: People with advanced illnesses don’t feel hunger or thirst as healthy people do. People who stop eating die of their illness, not starvation.

Myth 4: Palliative care is only provided in a hospital.
Fact: Palliative care can be provided wherever the patient lives – home, long-term care, hospice or hospital.

Myth 8: We need to protect children from being exposed to death and dying.
Fact: Talking about death and dying allows children to develop healthy attitudes. Like adults, children need time to say goodbye to people who are important to them.

Myth 6: Pain is part of dying.
Fact: Pain is not always a part of dying. If pain is experienced near end of life, there are many ways it can be alleviated.

Myth 7: Taking medications in palliative care leads to addiction.
Fact: Keeping people comfortable may require increased doses of pain medication because of medication tolerance as the body adjusts, not addiction.

Myth 8: Morphine is administered to hasten death.
Fact: Appropriate doses of morphine keep patients comfortable but do not hasten death.

Myth 9: Palliative care means my doctor has given up and there is no hope.
Fact: Palliative care ensures the best quality of life for those who have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness.

Myth 10: I’ve let my loved one down by not letting them die at home.
Fact: Sometimes the needs of the patient exceed what can be provided at home. No matter how hard you try. Ensuring the best care is delivered, is not a failure