Q: What Is Hospice?
A: Hospice provides palliative care and support for persons with life-limiting conditions and a prognosis of having six months or less to live. The goal of hospice is to help patients live as fully as possible and to provide comfort and relief from pain and symptoms. An interdisciplinary team of professionals and trained volunteers strive to meet the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of each patient and family.
Q: How Do I Or My Loved One Sign Up For Hospice Care?
A: Anyone can make a referral to Hospice Hawaii by calling 924-9255. A hospice representative will gladly meet with the potential patient and family for an initial meeting to discuss hospice benefits at no obligation or cost. Should a patient and family desire to receive hospice care, we will get confirmation of the patient's eligibility for hospice care from the patient’s physician to start caring for the patient. Physicians also can make the referral. There will be forms to sign at the time of admission to the hospice program. Some forms give consent to release documents such as medical records and information as well as an agreement of understanding between the patient and family, and Hospice Hawaii, regarding the care and service to be received. Other forms allow Hospice Hawaii to receive payment from Medicare and other insurance carriers.
Q: Who Is Eligible For Hospice Care?
A: Anyone facing life-limiting illness who wants to focus on comfort rather than curative care. Hospice care is for those who agree and prefer that their focus of care be palliative (comfort based) rather than curative.
Q: What If I Change My Mind Later About Receiving Hospice Care?
A: You can always sign off the hospice program at any time. Your insurance and healthcare plan will resume at that time. The hospice representative can explain the implications of signing off in more detail.
Q: What If My Care Gets Too Difficult To Manage At Home?
A: This is a very common concern. You will most likely find that with Hospice Hawaii team's support, the care is less difficult than you anticipated. If care becomes too difficult at home or the patient has symptoms that require it, a short-term inpatient stay of a few days is available at no cost to the patient and family. Short-term residential care is available at our Hospice Hawaii Kailua Home or Hospice Hawaii Palolo Home. Some out of pocket expense may be involved for the cost of room and board. Respite care is also available to simply give the family a break from caring.
Q: What Is The Difference Between Hospice Care And The Other Types Of Home Care Services?
A: Hospice care is more than just physical care. Hospice care is a comprehensive plan of care for both patient and family, also addressing emotional, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Also, hospice care does not stop once a patient passes away. Bereavement support for surviving family members and loved ones is available for up to one year after the patient's death.
Q: How Much Does Hospice Care Cost?
A: Most health insurance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover hospice care. Hospice care at our residential hospice home, a hospital, or other facility may require a co-payment or may be covered by insurance. Hospice Hawaii will clarify benefits during the admissions visit.
Q: What If I Can't Afford Hospice Care?
A: Hospice Hawaii 's mission is to care for all regardless of their ability to pay. If you do not have insurance coverage or the ability to pay, please inform us. Your eligibility for financial aid will be evaluated during the admission process.
Q: If My Condition Changes Suddenly, Should We Call The Ambulance?
A: Please discuss this with your hospice nurse. Hospice Hawaii has an on-call nurse available at all times to assist with unexpected changes in condition. We are here for you - call our office and your Hospice Hawaii team will be contacted.
Q: Will I Continue To Have My Own Doctor?
A: Yes, your physician will still be in charge of your medical care. Our hospice nurse will be in regular communication with your physician to share and collaborate on your goals of care. You can also continue to see your primary care physician or other health care physicians (eye doctors, dentist). You may also continue to seek treatments for non-hospice related conditions. The Hospice Hawaii medical director is also available to consult with your physician to assist in assuring comfort.