Celebrating Life’s Journey  

Compassionate Hospice Care with Dignity & Support

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care focuses on enhancing quality of life and providing support for individuals facing a life limiting illness. It addresses the physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of patients and supports caregivers.

At Hospice Maui, we tailor our services to meet the unique needs and preferences of our patients and their families.

Hospice care is not about giving up hope — it’s about enhancing quality of life, finding comfort, and focusing on what matters most.

Our interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, nurse aides, spiritual care counselors, and volunteers provides comprehensive support with compassion. We empower patients to make informed decisions about their care and ensure their wishes are respected.

When Should Hospice Care be Considered?

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, please contact us to see how we can help. Self-referrals are welcomed.

Many families delay calling hospice until the last days and weeks of their loved one's life, unaware that they could have accessed specialized nursing care, medications and medical equipment related to the terminal illness much earlier at no cost.

To begin hospice care, patients need to meet the eligibility requirements set by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. These guidelines can help determine if a patient’s condition is suitable for hospice care.

  • Frequent ER visits or hospitalizations in the past six months

  • Significant or ongoing weight loss

  • Increasing weakness, fatigue, and drowsiness, impacting daily activities

  • Changes in cognitive and functional abilities, impacting decision-making and independence

  • Increased falls

  • Decline in their ability to do daily tasks, including eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, walking, and continence

  • Skin tears, infections and other signs of deteriorating health

Who Pays for Hospice?

Hospice care is primarily covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurers like Kaiser and HMSA. We can review your insurance plan and discuss coverage details in advance.

At Hospice Maui, we believe everyone deserves access to quality end-of-life care regardless of their financial circumstances. Financial aid is available; please reach out to us for assistance.

While hospice services can be provided in various settings such as a patient's home, a hospice facility or a nursing home, hospice is a philosophy of care rather than a specific location. Most hospice patients choose to receive service in the comfort of their own home.

Is Hospice a Place?

Ten Myths About Hospice

Myth #1: Hospice is only for people who have given up

Hospice care is designed to help people live life to the fullest by increasing their quality of life.

Myth #2: Once you enter, you can’t go back

Patients are free to end service at any time. If the patient improves, they may choose to pursue curative treatment again.

Myth #3: Hospice is only for people who have a few days to live

Care can be initiated for those whose life expectancy is up to 6 months. Thus, service can be started much earlier than people think.

Myth #4: Hospice means giving up control of your care

Care is administered following a personalized care plan based on the patient’s needs and wishes. The patient always has the right to request or refuse service.

Myth #5: You need a doctor’s referral to begin hospice care

Anyone can make a referral to hospice. This would be followed by a doctor’s order to qualify the patient for coverage.

Myth #6: Care can only be provided at a hospice facility

Hospice is not a location but a philosophy of care. It can be delivered in a private residence, nursing facility or anywhere the patient calls home.

Myth #7: Hospice Care and Palliative Care are the same

While there are similarities, Hospice Care is intended for patients with life-limiting illnesses who are no longer seeking curative treatment. Palliative Care is for patients with an advanced illness and still receiving treatment.

Myth #8: Only patients with cancer can get Hospice Care

Patients may be admitted under a wide variety of diagnoses including cancer, heart disease, stroke, dementia, kidney disease, and other illnesses.

Myth #9: Hospice Care is expensive

Hospice care is fully funded by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, so families do not need to worry about being financially burdened.

Myth #10: Hospice Care ends with the patients death

For family members, grief support services are available to help adjust after the loss of a loved one.

What Are The Steps in Getting Started?

  • Call Hospice Maui

    We will conduct an initial assessment of your symptoms, needs, and goals of care to ensure alignment with the hospice philosophy. We will then collaborate with your primary care physician or specialist to understand your medical history and verify insurance coverage.

  • Consultation with our Hospice Team

    Our team will then perform a comprehensive assessment to determine hospice eligibility. If eligibility guidelines are met, consent forms are signed, and the patient is assigned to an interdisciplinary team consisting of a physician, nurse, social worker, chaplain, and volunteers.

  • Develop a Plan of Care

    Our team will create a personalized care plan based on your needs and preferences, including symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and coordination with other healthcare providers. We will also order any necessary medical equipment, medications, or supplies.

  • Ongoing Support & Follow-Up

    Our team will provide continuous support, monitor your symptoms, adjust your care plan as needed, and address any questions or concerns you may have. We offer 24/7 access to hospice care and support for emergencies or urgent needs.

  • Bereavement Support

    Our bereavement team will support the patient’s family and loved ones for up to 13 months after the patient has passed. This includes grief counseling and ongoing bereavement support.