November was National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to raise awareness about the highest quality care for people seeking comfort during a challenging health care crisis.
November was National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to raise awareness about the highest quality care for people seeking comfort during a challenging health care crisis.
The hospice model of service focuses on alleviating the pain and symptoms of patients facing a life-limiting or serious illness.
By providing a team of professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors and volunteers, patients and their loved ones are able to find relief and support.
In addition to the comprehensive team available to patients and families, the hospice benefit also provides the equipment and medication necessary to alleviate patients’ pain and symptoms.
“When Hospice of Hilo came in to help us, things got so much better. We got oxygen, we got the wheelchair, and they really helped to relieve the anxiety that was surrounding our whole situation,” said Julia Hoke, wife of Arthur Hoke, who recently received care from Hospice of Hilo. “There was definitely some tension surrounding our family as my husband’s health declined. Hospice of Hilo’s team helped to ho‘omalimali in such a respectful way. It enabled my husband and family to come to peace with his passing.”
Services are delivered to patients at home, but also are available at the Pohai Malama a Harry &Jeanette Weinberg Care Center or other private care homes where a patient resides.
Hospice of Hilo also provides free bereavement counseling to any East Hawaii residents who lost a loved one (regardless of whether the loved one received hospice care).
Unfortunately, the cost of delivering care often exceeds reimbursements received from insurance providers. But in Hospice of Hilo’s 32 years of service, it has never passed these costs on to patients or families.
Donations from the community have helped alleviate these shortfalls and strengthen the organization’s ability to serve the community.
“It such an honor to be beside patients and their families throughout this fragile stage of life,” said Hospice of Hilo CEO Brenda S. Ho. “Thank you to everyone who continues to believe in the work that we do and gives of their time, resources and energy to ensure hospice care is a strong and vibrant organization for years to come.”
For more information about Hospice of Hilo, visit www.hospiceofhilo.org or call 969-1733.