“One person caring about another, represents life’s greatest value.”
We are continually evolving in our goal of providing needed funds for patients and their families, making a significant difference at a pivotal point in their lives. Whether providing monies for patient medication or special equipment, respite care for caregivers, or bereavement counseling for children and adults, Friends of Hospice touches the lives of many in our community. We provide funds for:
- Hospice and palliative care services and facilities that are available for all terminally ill patients
- Bereavement programs that offer counseling for the entire family from young children through teenagers to adults dealing with the loss of a loved one
- Bereavement programs for the loss of a loved pet (T.A.G.S.)
- Bereavement education, consultation and debriefing for groups such as schools, businesses and community groups
- Bereavement programs for those that have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death (Precious Moments Support Group) and individual counseling for those who have had a pregnancy loss or a death of a newborn (Brief Moments)
- Programs that help with pet care during a difficult time period
- Assisting with various maintenance chores around the patient’s home
- A program of trained volunteers that offer bedside vigils to patients who have no family or friends in the vicinity. The No One Dies Alone volunteers hold vigil with these patients who are in their last 24 – 48 hours of life.
- Massages, foot care, hair care, special meal requests, harpists for grief vigils, and rosaries for patients
- Other needed items, such as gas cards, meal vouchers or gift cards and movie tickets etc. to families when needed. Even small surprise gifts to patients, especially those without family, are provided.
- Medication and/or special equipment for some patients
- Hot soup, daily, for families and friends visiting patients
- Fresh flowers weekly to the Ray Hickey House
- The Heritage Project; a program that acknowledges everyone has a story and records the patient’s story for families and loved ones.
- We Honor Veterans Program; a project of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the US Department of Veterans Affairs
- Support for veterans that are in need of hospice and have no insurance coverage.
- A Caregiver Respite Program that provides relief for caregivers during the period of caring for a loved one.
- A new kitchen for the Ray Hickey Hospice House, providing hot meals to patients
- New patient mattresses for the Ray Hickey Hospice House
- Special patient recliner for the Ray Hickey Hospice House which allows the ability to transport patients to areas within the facility.
- Support end of life programs educating the public on important issues surrounding help and patient care in the final stages of life
- Support the Jim and Kay McClaskey Bereavement Retreat; an opportunity for families to work through the grieving process.
- Provide funding for newer treatments such as aroma therapy, music therapy and acupuncture.
- Provide funding for training for staff members to continue to enhance advanced knowledge for the care of patients and their families.
- Provide funding for palliative care, supporting patients who don’t qualify for other services.
- Provide funding for producing and mailing materials needed for the Hope Bereavement Program.
- Provide funding for a new refrigerator and flat screen TV for the family room at the Ray Hickey Hospice House.
- Provide charity care for those that have no financial support during this critical time.