We understand that it is very difficult when someone you love is facing a life limiting illness. At Hospice Hawaii, we are here to help support both the patient and family through their difficult time.
We ease pain and suffering
We alleviate fears and concerns
We provide emotional and spiritual comfort and support
We assist with final wishes and plans
Hospice care is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program of care designed to provide hope, care and comfort to people facing a life limiting illness and their families in the familiarity of their own home.
We believe that each human life has an inherent value. As such, every human is worthy of love, compassion and respect.
MYTHS ABOUT HOSPICE CARE
Myth: Hospice means giving up hope.
Reality: Hospice actually brings hope to patients and families. Upon entering hospice, many patients find relief from pain and anxiety and gain energy and clarity. Often, they are able to live more fully and comfortably, allowing their families to feel more at ease.
Myth: A patient doesn’t need hospice care because the family will provide their care.
Reality: Hospice helps families. Hospice Hawaii offers professional support. Family members are encouraged, supported, and trained by hospice professionals to care for their loved ones. Hospice staff is on call to the patient and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help family and friends care for their loved ones.
Myth: Hospice patients have to give up their own doctor.
Reality: The Hospice team approach includes the patient’s primary care physician, who continues to oversee the patient’s care. Other members of the team include the hospice medical director, nurses, social workers, certified nurses aides, volunteers, spiritual and bereavement counselors.
Myth: Hospice is only for the last few days.
Reality: The earlier a person receives hospice care, the more opportunity there is to stabilize your medical condition and address other needs. Some patients actually improve and may be discharged from hospice care.
Myth: Hospice is a place.
Reality: Hospice care usually takes place in the comfort of an individual’s home, but can be provided in any environment in which a person lives, including nursing homes and care homes.
Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients.
Reality: More than half of hospice patients are diagnosed with other conditions such as end stage congestive heart failure, dementia, or chronic lung disease.
Myth: Hospice is just for the elderly.
Reality: Hospice serves anyone facing a life-limiting illness regardless of age.
Myth: To be eligible for hospice care, a patient must already be bedridden.
Reality: Hospice care is appropriate at the time of the terminal prognosis, regardless of the pateint’s physical condition. Many of the patients served through hospice continue to lead productive and rewarding lives. Together, the patient, family, and physician determine when hospice services should begin.
Myth: A patient needs Medicare or Medicaid to afford hospice services.
Reality: Although insurance coverage for hospice is available through Medicare and Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations include hospice care as a benefit. In addition, Hospice Hawaii offers a special program to help patients who are without insurance.