Hospice – prepares a person (and his or her family) for, and assists during the transition through, end of life. It is an excellent service that people mistakenly only associate with the final days and moments of a person’s life. In fact, hospice services range from showering to medication management, spiritual services, socialization, companionship, and even musician visitations, and can be accessible far before the date that the person passes away.

 

In order to enroll in a hospice program, a person’s Primary Care Provider or the hospice physician must certify that the person is terminally ill with a prognosis of 6 months or fewer, and then recertify that 6 months or fewer prognosis at set intervals. It is completely possible that a person can “graduate” out of hospice, and by doing so that does not disqualify him or her from eligibility at a future date.

​

Hospice can be provided in a person’s home, and some hospice organizations have dedicated facilities (that are generally in very high-demand). Many people also appreciate the small cost-savings for incontinence supplies and Durable Medical Equipment while enrolled in hospice. However, it is important to note that home hospice services are intermittent, so unless a person moves into a hospice facility or already resides in a facility that provides 24/7 care, he or she will still be responsible to arrange for assistance on a 24/7 basis. 

​

For a list of Hospice Organizations in Hawaii, please visit the Office of Health Care Assurance Medicare Section website.