End-of-Life Tip #5: Why are routine medications discontinued, and food/water stopped when someone is on hospice?

Seven (7) Days of end-of-life tips

Tip # 5

“Why are routine medications discontinued and food/water stopped when someone is in hospice?”

I have heard from several family members who feel as though starting hospice is what ended the life of the person they love, because they died shortly after admission. There are many misconceptions, most of which could have been avoided if better education was provided.

“When my mom started hospice, they immediately discontinued her medications, and she died.” People honestly believe that hospice is the cause of death, something I want to try to change.

Forgive the length of this, but I wanted to be sure to provide as much information to truly honor the fear and hopefully reduce it.