PRESS RELEASE: December 6, 2007 For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:
Beverly Crowl, Public Relations Specialist
302-547-1816 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Liz Hamilton, Director of Frankford Public Library, Marie Coscia, Circulation Technician, and Jessica Collins, Community Education Coordinator for Delaware Hospice.

Liz Hamilton, Director of Frankford Public Library, invited Delaware Hospice representative, Jessica Collins, to meet with members of the community and share information concerning Delaware Hospice and end-of-life issues.

Jessica said, “Delaware Hospice’s mission is to make quality care available to all patients and families. Unfortunately, too many people wait too long to call us and miss out on the valuable support that is available to them.”

Delaware Hospice is the only not-for-profit hospice in the state of Delaware and never bills patients for services. The organization receives Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance reimbursements as well as significant support through fundraising events and volunteer assistance.

Jessica noted that people don’t realize that hospice care is for all the family—not just the patient. Care is provided by a team of professionals including a nurse, certified nursing assistant, social worker, and a chaplain, who strive to personalize that care and meet the particular needs of each family and situation.

She pointed out some unique features of Delaware Hospice, including its 13-month adult bereavement program; New Hope Program for children who have lost loved ones and its 4-day summer camp; and the Transitions Program, which provides assistance to individuals who are seriously ill but not appropriate for hospice care.

Delaware Hospice will offer a new option of care with the Spring 2008 opening of the Delaware Hospice Center. The Delaware Hospice Center will offer specialized hospice care for those who require short-term stays for pain and symptom management. Experienced professionals will provide care 24 hours a day while family members spend quality time with their loved ones. Sixteen private patient/family suites will become a comfortable, peaceful home-away-from home for the family to gather. Caregivers, inexperienced with the more thorough and intimate care needed, will receive education and guidance. A family kitchen, reflection room, children’s alcove, family counseling center, and community resource area will further support the entire family.

Volunteers play a key role at Delaware Hospice, providing patient support as well as helping out in the offices or at fundraising events. Families often choose Delaware Hospice for memorial gifts. Fundraising events, such as the Festival of Trees and Casino Night, provide significant financial assistance to the organization enabling it to continue meeting the needs of the community.