Myth #1 - Palliative care makes death occur sooner

Fact: Palliative care does not make death occur sooner. It provides comfort and the best quality of life from diagnosis of an advanced illness until end of life.

See also: Palliative Care: Dispel the myth of hastening death

Myth #2 - Palliative care is only for people dying of cancer

Fact: Palliative care can benefit people who have been diagnosed with any illness that may shorten life. Palliative care can also benefit their families and friends.

See also: How do you know when someone is ready for palliative care?

Myth #3 - People in palliative care who stop eating die of starvation

Fact: People with advanced illnesses don’t experience hunger or thirst as healthy people do. People who stop eating die of their illness, not of starvation.

See also: How long can someone live without food or water?

Myth #4 - Palliative care is only provided in a hospital

Fact: People can receive palliative care in a variety of locations, including at home, in a long-term care facility, in a hospice, or in a hospital.

See also: What is Palliative Care?

Myth #5 - We need to protect children from being exposed to death and dying 

Fact: Talking with children early on in someone’s illness, and providing honest and clear information that is age appropriate, is the best way to protect them. Like adults, children also benefit from having time to say goodbye to people who are important to them.

See also:  Don’t Use the ‘D’ Word: Exploring Myths about Children and Death

Myth #6 - Pain is a 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 addressed.

See also: Pain

Myth #7 - Taking pain medications in palliative care leads to addiction

Fact: Keeping people comfortable often requires increased doses of pain medication as the body gets used to the medication. It is not addiction.

See also: Pain medication myths: Addiction and hastened death

Myth#8 - Morphine makes death happen faster

Fact: Morphine, or medication similar to it, is used to help keep patients comfortable. In proper doses, morphine does not make death happen sooner.

See also: Does morphine make death come sooner?

Myth #9 - Palliative care means the patient's doctor has given up and there is no hope

Fact: Palliative care providers help people achieve their best quality of life, for the rest of their life. Hope changes from curing the disease, to living life as fully as possible.

See also: Health Care Decisions: An Approach to Decision Making and Advance Care Planning

Myth #10 - If my family member doesn't die at home, I'm letting them down

Fact: Sometimes a person’s needs cannot be met at home despite the best efforts. Ensuring that the best care is delivered, regardless of setting, is not a failure.

See also: Considerations for a Home Death

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ADDRESS

Champlain Hospice Palliative Care Program
60 Cambridge Street North
St-Vincent Hospital
Ottawa, Ontario
K1R 7A5