In 1987, we were the first community-based hospice in the state of Oregon to receive Medicare certification. Hospice is relatively new in the United States. The first US hospice was started in 1972, in New Haven Connecticut. Today there are over 2,000 hospices in the US, and 42 in Oregon alone. Patient and family are the unit of care.
Emphasis is on control of pain and symptoms.
Hospice practices a team approach, doctor, nurse, home health aide, chaplain, social work, and volunteer. Hospice offers 24-hour availability. Bereavement services are provided for 13 months following the death. Patients are accepted on the basis of need, not the ability to pay. Tell others about hospice care.