In line with our mission, Hospice Care Plus provides care and services to patients regardless of their ability to pay. In 2004, Hospice incurred more than $220,000 in care and services to patients who had no insurance. In addition, patients and families of Hospice have needs that sometimes go beyond what is covered by private insurance or Medicare/Medicaid. For example, we may have a wife who is unable to work and care for her husband at the same time, resulting in finances being stretched so thin that the family cannot afford groceries. Hospice recognizes this need and helps ensure that the family has food. Due to instances such as this, Hospice calls on the community to help meet the needs of our neighbors and friends during this most difficult time. You can help in a variety of ways including:

General Fund: To provide general hospice care to those in the community including 24-hour nursing support, a social worker, a chaplain, a nursing assistant for personal care and housekeeping, and medications, medical equipment and supplies delivered to the home.

Palliative Care Plus: A program offered to those who have a progressive chronic illness, but who are not yet ready for hospice care. Services are provided to help control pain and symptoms, ensure access to community resources, and in-home support for in-home needs.

Bereavement Services: Hospice is unique in that it encompasses caring for the entire family, knowing that the loved ones have needs long after the journey of a patient's life is complete. Hospice provides bereavement services to the family for one year after the death. Services area also offered to the general public through grief groups and during crisis.

Special Needs Fund: Patients and families of Hospice have needs that sometimes go beyond what is covered by private insurance or Medicare/Medicaid. This fund helps to provide assistance to patients and families that need food, clothing, utilities and other special needs patients and families have.

Hope Fund: To help build an inpatient facility for those who may not have a caregiver at home, those who need 24-hour nursing care to manage pain and symptoms, those who do not want to die at home and/or for when a caregiver needs a break.

Traditionally most donors assume that the only possible gift is a cash gift. Although we encourage outright gifts, there are also other ways to support our programs, many of which may also provide substantial tax savings. Hospice Care Plus is a private, non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status. This means that all or part of any gift you give may be tax-deductible. Examples of other ways of giving include pledges, matching gifts, stocks/securities, wills, life insurance, annuities and remainder annuity trusts/unitrust. We encourage you to join us in making a difference in the lives of others, and will be glad to answer any questions you may have about planned giving avenues. Please contact Shelley Rhodus at 985-986-1500 ext 213.