To be eligible for hospice services a patient should:
- Understand that they have a life-limiting illness that has no cure
- Desire to make the most of their time and focus on quality of life
- Have a family member, relative or friend agree to be the primary caregiver in the home
- Agree medical treatment will focus on palliative or comfort care to reduce pain and manage symptoms, rather than on treatment to cure the illness
- Have a physician who will follow hospice guidelines and work with hospice staff
- Live in North Kohala, South Kohala or the Hamakua District on the Island of Hawaii
Certain health concerns can indicate that hospice may be an appropriate option
See When to Consider Hospice Care for a list of these indicators.
