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Regional Hospice

There are so many misperceptions about how hospice can benefit persons and their families and there is a lack of overall knowledge in general public about hospice. I hope that you will take a few minutes to read the following information. There may be someone that you can help just by sharing the information with them or their family. Research by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization indicates that 9 out of 10 people report they want to die at the place they call home, surrounded by loved ones and having the necessary care and support in place to help them to go peacefully and comfortably, yet many people die in a hospital. Additional research by the NHPCO also indicates that for every person who receives hospice care, there is another person who is eligible but is never told about the service. Most of us work our whole lives and pay into Medicare, yet don’t know that Medicare covers this much needed service for us at the last stage of our life.

Regional Hospice has been operating out of its Gallatin location since April 2006. The hospice team consists of medical director, Dr. James Neely, Administrator Pat Thompson, Registered Nurses Norma Smith, Lynn Johnson, and Judy Baker. CNAs are Paula Harville, Diane Estes, and Sarah Francis. Social Workers are Carrie Flanagan and Robyn Armstrong, and the chaplain is Chuck Miller. Joyce Whitaker is office manager.

Regional Hospice provides specialized care for any person who may be living the last stage of their life, which might range from a few days to several months. Hospice neither prolongs nor hastens death. The hospice team works with the patient’s chosen physician and that physician, along with the hospice medical director, verifies that the patient has a limited life expectancy due to chronic illness. Regional Hospice has served those with cancer, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, COPD (respiratory illness), dementia or Alzheimer's disease, stroke, ALS, and debility (a generalized decline in health status that is related to a terminal prognosis). Hospice care is provided wherever the patient lives. That might be their own home, a family member’s home, or a nursing home. Hospice services are paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances.

Nursing services are aimed at relieving pain, managing any unpleasant symptoms, monitoring medications, among other services. Personal care services such as bathing and dressing, and light housecleaning are also provided by Certified Nurse’s Assistants. Social workers help the patient and family with any necessity for insurance coverage, advance directives, financial concerns, final arrangements, and emotional support to assist the patient and their family cope during a difficult time. Our chaplain is well versed in multiple faiths and denominations and is available to the patient and family also for spiritual counseling and guidance. Medications, supplies, and equipment related to the hospice diagnosis is provided by Regional Hospice. Community service coordination for a variety of community services that may be needed is provided as well. Volunteers are an integral part of the care giving team also, and bereavement services are provided for families for up to 13 months after a patient’s death. In addition, Regional Hospice has an Interventions Program, which provides social service assistant to persons and their families at no charge when they do not yet quality for hospice care. A hospice nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Some patients and families utilize all of these services, and some only utilize some of the available services. Each patient’s care plan is individualized to meet their specific needs. Hospice is about providing pain relief, comfort, and support for the patient and the family to ensure the most comfortable, peaceful, and dignified journey possible. Care is provided according the patient and family’s desires. Honoring the patient’s wishes is of utmost important to the hospice team.

Regional Hospice’s staff resides in a broad geographic area to adequately serve all thirteen counties that are served. Those counties are Grundy, Mercer, Livingston, Daviess, Harrison, Caldwell, Gentry, Linn, Buchanan, Andrew, Nodaway, Carroll, and DeKalb.

Regional Hospice is honored to serve the Trenton and surrounding area and staff is available anytime to provide an information visit for someone who may like to have more information or for someone who may be interested in volunteering for Regional Hospice. Volunteer opportunities range from providing direct patient and family support to helping with administrative duties in the office. Free training and ongoing support is provided for our volunteers and mileage reimbursement is provided for use of their private vehicle. You won’t find many volunteer opportunities that are more rewarding. Volunteers can volunteer as much or as little as they like and can choose the type of volunteer service that they provide.

Death is universal and it is imminent. Even so, it is oftentimes a very difficult process for people and their families. It doesn’t have to be so difficult, though. We’re experts in caring for persons and their families during this stage of life. “When we enter this world, we are surrounded by love, care, and comfort. Don’t we deserve the same when we leave?”

The chamber welcomes Regional Hospice of Gallatin as one of its newest members.
If you would like to call on their services or learn more about their offerings, call Robyn Armstrong at 877-663-2168