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.
“Every year, nearly 1.6 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospice and palliative care providers in this country,” said J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “These highly trained professionals ensure that patients and families find dignity, respect and love during life’s most difficult journey.”
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 the loved ones who care for them 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 received Hospice of Hilo care recently. “There was definitely some tension surrounding our family as my husband’s health declined. Hospice of Hilo’s team helped to hoomalimali in such a respectful way. It enabled my husband and family to come to peace with his passing.”
Services are delivered to patients’ homes, but also are available at the Pohai Malama a Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Care Center or other private care homes where the patient resides. Hospice of Hilo also provides free bereavement counseling to East Hawaii residents who have lost a loved one (regardless of whether the loved one received hospice care).
Medicare, Medicaid and the majority of private insurers cover the hospice benefit, thus helping to alleviate the health care financial burdens for patients and remaining loved ones. 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 on these costs to its patients or families. Donations from the community have helped to alleviate these shortfalls and strengthen the organization’s ability to serve the community.
“It’s 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.
