Palliative Care Resources for Hawaii compiled by Kokua Mau

Please note: These lists were compiled by Kokua Mau as a community service in February 2010. Please call the number listed to find out details about the specific group or program, as time and personnel can change. We need your help to maintain these lists and ask you to send any additions or edits to us at info@kokuamau.org.  Thank you.

• Download the PDF file (two pages) of key palliative care resources

What is Palliative Care?

Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing serious illness or injury, palliative care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. No specific therapy is excluded from consideration and palliative care can begin early in the disease process. An individual’s needs must be continually assessed and treatment options should be explored and evaluated in the context of the individual’s values and symptoms. Palliative care, ideally, would segue into hospice care if the illness progresses.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice is a type of palliative care offered in the last six months of life and focuses on caring, not curing. In most cases, care is provided in the patient's home by an interdisciplinary team but also provided in in-patient and long-term care facilities. Hospice is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans and is provided on all islands.

Quick link to Hospices and Palliative Care providers with phone numbers

Palliative care covers a variety of services helping to relieve suffering, offer choices and provide support.  These lists cover resources across the palliative care continuum.  To keep these as up to date as possible, we have provided you with pdf files that are easy to print and for example put in a binder.

Please click on the topic to access the PDF file with the list of resources

Two Pages Sheet of Key Palliative Care Resources for Hawaii

Advance Directive

Grief and Bereavement Support (pdf 11 pages):  The Bereavement Network of Hawaii maintains a comprehensive list of support groups and services in Hawaii.  Click here for a complete list as a PDF file: www.kokuamau.org/resources/grief-bereavement

Overnight Respite (pdf 2 pages): Out of home overnight care facilities provide non-medical care for frail seniors in need of supervision, personal services, protection, assistance and guidance.

In Home Respite (pdf 3 pages): Temporary relief for caregivers provided in the home.

Other Respite Services (pdf 6 pages): This section lists other providers of temporary relief for caregivers, including overnight stays in facilities, in-home assistance, and may include housekeeping, shopping, and errands. Home health agencies provide skilled nursing services and other therapeutic services ordered by a physician to homebound patients.

Adult Day Care & Day Health (pdf 6 pages): Provides care outside the home. Participants have the opportunity to interact with others while being part of a safe and structured environment.

Support Groups in Hawaii (pdf 7 pages): Support groups on all islands for a variety of health issues, including those witha caregiver focus. Call for meeting details.

Cancer Support Groups in Hawaii (pdf 5 pages): Covers all islands. Call for meeting details.

Family History Compilers (pdf 2 pages): Create a visual personal biography and preserve your family mementos using photos and film.

Materials

Kokua Mau has a variety of helpful materials, including booklets for caregivers, advance directives, DVDs and other information. You can order the materials directly from Kokua Mau.  

Caregiver Coalition

Hawaii has an excellent Family Caregiver coalition.  Please contact wes.lum@doh.hawaii.gov for more information or to be added to their mailing list. 

Other Web Resources for Caregivers:

Please consult these Hawaii focused resources: