Starting the Conversation

If a family is considering hospice care and you need guidance to start this important discussion, our compassionate team is here to help. We're available to meet with you, the patient, and the patient’s family to discuss care options and answer any questions. To contact our team, please call (808) 244-5555.

Ways to Start the Conversation

  • What is your understanding of your/ loved one’s medical condition?

  • What are your/loved one’s goals for care at this stage of their illness?

  • What fears or concerns do you have about the hospice process?

  • What is most important to your/loved one or family during this time?

  • Have you discussed end-of-life care preferences with your loved one?

  • How are you/loved one currently managing pain and other symptoms?

  • What kind of support do you feel your family needs right now?

  • Who will be the primary caregiver and what support do they have?

  • Are there any cultural or spiritual practices important to you/your family that we should know about?

  • How do you prefer to communicate about your loved one’s care and who should we contact?

Ten Hospice Facts

  1. HOSPICE IS NOT A PLACE; it’s medical care that helps the patient and family focus on comfort and quality of life.

  2. COST SHOULD NEVER hinder a person from accessing hospice care. Medicare, Medicaid, & private insurance plans pay for hospice.

  3. Hospice SERVES ANYONE WITH A LIFE-LIMITING ILLNESS, regardless of age or type of illness.

  4. Hospice serves PEOPLE OF ALL BACKGROUNDS, cultures and traditions.

  5. Most people would prefer to be AT HOME AT THE END OF LIFE’S JOURNEY. Hospice makes this possible for many.

  6. Hospice serves people living in NURSING HOMES AND ASSISTED LIVING facilities.

  7. Hospice patients and families can RECEIVE QUALITY CARE for as long as they are eligible without a time limit.

  8. A person may KEEP THEIR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN involved while receiving hospice care.

  9. Hospice offers GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT SERVICES to family members and the community.

  10. To get the most out of what hospice offers, it’s BETTER TO HAVE CARE FOR MORE THAN JUST A FEW DAYS.