After a heart attack, 69-year-old Kumu Hula Tutu Malia developed heart failure, resulting in four trips to the ER and several hospital stays within three months.
When a friend informed Tutu Malia about palliative care, she asked her doctor about it and he referred her to a new, home-based palliative care program. The program includes a nurse and a social worker who come to her home and provide nursing care and social support for her and her family. And there is no cost to her — it is covered by her insurance.
Palliative care offers extra support in your home from a caring team who helps you:
- Enjoy more days at home with family and have fewer visits to the hospital
- Experience less stress and burden on caregivers
- Receive 24/7 phone support if there’s a health concern
- Receive management of symptoms of your illness, such as pain, shortness of breath and nausea
- Understand explanations about care and treatment options
- Receive referrals to other resources
Since she started participating in the palliative care program, Tutu Malia hasn’t gone back to the hospital. Instead, she spends much more time enjoying visits with her ‘ohana and friends.
KŌKUA MAU (nonprofit)
PO Box 62155, Honolulu, HI 96839
808-585-9977 | info@kokuamau.org
kokuamau.org/palliative-care-for-patients-and-families
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