Hospice affirms life. Hospice is the concept and practice of compassionate healthcare for patients and families dealing with the final stages of a life limiting illness. When a cure is no longer a viable option, much can still be done. Hospice neither prolongs life nor hastens death. Instead, Hospice focuses on quality of life by: keeping the patient comfortable in his/her own home or place of residence, helping the patient and family gain a sense of control and competence, promoting the patient's and family's dignity, autonomy and right to privacy, enhancing the time the patient and family share. All care is given in the client's home or the place of residence. This residence may be a nursing home or group home. We bring our services to the client. Our mission is to provide dignity, professional Hospice care and support for patient’s families. * General Services * Nursing Home Services * Bereavement Services

General Services: We provide a team of Hospice-trained personnel, including specialized Hospice Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistant care, Social Services, Pastoral Care, Bereavement Care programs, Volunteer Services, and Physician services. All care is given under the direction of the Medical Director. We provide all palliative medications for the alleviation of pain and suffering and control symptoms. We provide all equipment, beds, walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, etc. as needed and/or requested. Nursing Home Services: Hospice care in the nursing home is provided to enhance the quality of life within the client’s residence. Hospice brings expertise in terminal care to assist the nursing home staff in meeting the needs of the client and family. Through the collaborative efforts of both organizations, the best care will be achieved for each client. Bereavement Services: Grieving is a series of painful experiences into which one enters and lives for a period of time after the loss of a loved one. It may produce feelings of fear, anger, regret, guilt, loneliness, a sense of uselessness, helplessness, the inability to focus and occasionally a desire to die. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Each grieves in his or her own way – that is the only “right way.” The crucial issue is to acknowledge that everyone has a right and a need to grieve. Support groups: Hospice offers support groups for those dealing with the loss of a loved one. The purpose of these groups is to find renewed meaning in life, kinship, friendship, and understanding. Sharing and listening help group members work through the grieving process. You need not be a Hospice family to participate in the groups. These groups are free and open to all who have lost a loved one. HUGS (Helping Understand Grief for Survivors): HUGS is a program designed to support those who have lost a loved one to death or who have delayed their grief and need to begin grief work. The time and location change occasionally so it is best to call the Hospice office at 815-732-2499 for current meeting information. First Steps and Beyond: This program offers support and friendship for people who have experienced the death of a loved one. We meet once a month in a comfortable atmosphere for companionship and sharing, usually over lunch at a local restaurant. The location changes so reservations may be made by calling the office at 815-732-2499. Each person is responsible for the cost of his or her own meal.