020: The Heart of Hospice Maui: Supporting Families Through End-of-Life Care with Tanya Barbero

Tanya Barbero, outreach coordinator at Hospice Maui, joins us to share her profound journey of over four decades in healthcare. Following her own rare bone cancer diagnosis, Tanya found her true calling in hospice care, where she advocates for embracing a "good death." Her story offers a touching perspective on how personal experiences can transform our approach to life and death, shedding light on the importance of community and support in end-of-life care. Her narrative is a call to re-examine how we perceive mortality and the dignity that can be found in the final stages of life.

Born out of a volunteer initiative inspired by Dr. Kübler-Ross, Hospice Maui has grown into a Medicare-certified agency serving multiple islands. We explore the essential services offered, including the comforting environment of the Hospice Maui Hale, and discuss barriers to understanding and accessing hospice benefits. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• What is the history and evolution of Hospice Maui from a volunteer initiative to a Medicare-certified agency?
• How does Hospice Maui support families in planning and preparing for end-of-life care?
• What misconceptions exist about hospice care, and why is early referral important?
• How does Hospice Maui fund its operations?
• What role do palliative care and hospice services play in the US health care system, and how are they covered by insurance?
• How does Hospice Maui encourage open conversations about death and dying within families and communities?

Resources from this Episode

For referrals: hospicemaui.org

808-244-5555

400 Mahalani St. in Kahului

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