Our Care Philosophy
Delaware Hospice: Living with Dignity and Peace
Delaware Hospice celebrates life, and advocates for peace and tranquility. Once an individual coping with a life-limiting illness moves from finding a cure to seeking comfort, Delaware Hospice provides relief, encouragement and resources. We believe the final days, weeks and months of one’s life should be lived with dignity, surrounded by the company of friends and loved ones.
The origins of America’s early movement toward embracing hospice care originated from an effort calling for kindness, care and friendship toward individuals coping with a life-limiting illness. British physician Dame Cicely Saunders and Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross each served as early pioneers of the hospice movement, making significant contributions toward educating the public about the unique needs of individuals coping with the end of life.
In 1976, Dorothy Moser, a faculty member of the University of Delaware’s Department of Nursing, heard a visitor from the U.K. speak about hospice at the Delaware Medical Association. She was so inspired, she decided to get some students involved, and took a journey with them in 1978 to visit a hospice in Sheffield, England. Amy Hecht was serving as the Chair of the University of Delaware’s Nursing Department when she began hearing about hospice in the late 1970’s. Their efforts, combined with a generous gift from the Episcopal Diocese, led to the founding of Delaware Hospice in 1982.
At the heart of hospice care is a passionate concern for individuals and their families coping with the most critical time of their lives. Delaware Hospice empowers individuals and their caregivers with education to provide comfort and personal care. Together, we’ll develop a care plan that includes everything from symptom management, which ensures patient’s comfort, to special equipment, and emotional and spiritual support. Our mission is to provide a holistic approach that considers the combined medical, personal, emotional and spiritual needs of the individual, who, along with loved ones, are living with a life-limiting illness.
As a pioneering organization, we’re proud of Delaware Hospice’s longevity in delivering quality services to individuals and families. We’re grateful for the generosity of our community, and we plan to continue to respond to their needs.
“We are Delaware’s Hospice”
Delaware Hospice is accredited by The Joint Commission.