Palliative Care Program

Palliative Care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people with serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s primary care physician or specialists to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment.

1. WHERE DO I RECEIVE PALLIATIVE CARE?

Palliative care can be provided in a variety of settings including the hospital, outpatient clinic and at home.  

2. DOES MY INSURANCE PAY FOR PALLIATIVE CARE?

 In Hawaii, benefits for palliative care vary depending on insurance and eligibility. Since eligibility is determined by your insurance company, check with your insurance company or palliative care provider about your insurance coverage for palliative care.  

3.  HOW DO I KNOW IF PALLIATIVE CARE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Palliative care may be right for you if you suffer from pain, stress or other symptoms due to a serious illness. Serious illnesses may include cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and more. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness along with treatment meant to cure you.

4.  WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM PALLIATIVE CARE?

You can expect relief from symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Palliative care helps you carry on with your daily life. It improves your ability to go through medical treatments and helps you better understand your condition and your choices for medical care. Palliative Care can help you preserve your quality of life.

5. WHO PROVIDES PALLIATIVE CARE?

Palliative care is provided by a team including palliative care doctors, nurses and other specialists. For a listing of palliative care providers in Hawaii, go to the Kokua Mau website, kokuamau.org/palliative-care.

6. HOW DOES PALLIATIVE CARE WORK WITH MY OWN DOCTOR?

The palliative care team works in partnership with your doctors to provide an extra layer of support for you and your family. The team provides expert symptom management, extra time for communication about your goals and treatment options, and helps you navigate the health care system to connect you with the right resources

7.  HOW DO I GET PALLIATIVE CARE?

Ask your doctor or nurse if you qualify.  To find a Palliative Care Provider in your area, see listing in this brochure or go to the Provider Directory at the Kokua Mau website Where to find Palliative Care in Hawaii – Kokua Mau or kokuamau.org/where-to-find-palliative-care-in-hawaii/

LIST OF PALLIATIVE CARE PROVIDERS IN HAWAII

On the Island of Oahu

Bristol Supportive Care
Phone:  (808) 536-8012
Fax:  (808) 536-8013
www.bristolhospice-hawaii.com

Island Supportive Services: Honolulu, Oahu
Phone:  (808) 550-2552
Fax:  (808) 550-2551
www.islandshospice.com   

Malama Ola Cares
Phone:  (808) 543-1188
Fax:  (808) 543-1189
www.malamaolacares.com

Navian Integrated Care
Phone:  (808) 924-9255
Fax:  (808) 922-9161
www.navianhawaii.org

St. Francis
Phone:  (808) 595-7566
Fax:  (808) 676-1220
www.stfrancis.org/services/hospice