Started in January 1996, Hospice Hawaii 's Art Therapy is a special program provided for our hospice patients and families. Art therapy fosters a unique and creative way to help patients maintain dignity and quality of life. Also available for the children and grandchildren of patients, art therapy is especially useful in helping children understand and deal with issues of death, dying, and bereavement. Hospice Hawaii has its very own art therapist who is a member of the hospice care team. Our art therapist visits select patients and spends one-on-one time working on artwork.

People often feel overwhelmed as they near the end of their life. The process of artistic creation during this time can serve as a powerful and poignant tool to work through and express feelings. During art therapy sessions, patients are encouraged to express issues of concern. Many times, this provides an opportunity for patients to share and explore with the art therapist any problems or fears they may have. In turn, this may lead to "breakthroughs" for patients.

Artwork by patients often becomes a meaningful memento for family members after the patient passes away. Our art therapist has organized exhibits of artwork done by patients and participants of our annual children's bereavement camp, which have been displayed at the state library and at Central Pacific Bank.