VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION - HOSPICE OF THE WABASH VALLEY

Hospice of the Wabash Valley

Providing Comfort and Caring Since 1982

Hospice of the Wabash Valley, a not-for-profit agency, provides quality health care and supportive services for patients with life-threatening illness and their loved ones.

Our services are medically planned and professionally provided. They include nursing, medical social services, home health aides, spiritual and bereavement support, volunteers and registered dietician. All are specially prepared in Hospice Care.

Hospice Care

• Care medically directed by your physician and/or
  Hospice Medical Director
• Skilled nursing services
• Medical social services
• Home health aide services
• Volunteer support
• Spiritual support
• Individual and family counseling
• Bereavement services program

Hospice Services

• Management of pain and other symptoms
• 24 hour response
• Case management and advocacy
• Spiritual care and grief and loss counseling
• Trained volunteers for companionship and respite
• Services provided in your home, in nursing facilities and in assisted living communities
• Equipment and supplies related to hospice diagnosis

Hospice Funding

Hospice is a covered benefit under Medicare and Medicaid. Many private insurance companies offer a hospice benefit plan. The cost of caring for patients without financial resources is offset by contributions, memorials, donations, fundraising and an affiliation as a United Way agency.

History of Hospice

In medieval times, hospices were inns of rest which "lodged, cherished and refreshed" the returning crusaders, the sick and the dying. The word hospice referred to a place of rest for those on a difficult journey. Today hospice is defined as a concept of care for patients and families on a truly difficult journey.

The modern hospice was founded in England in the last century by Dr. Cicely Saunders and spread to the United States in the 1970s. Dr. Saunders said hospice has come to mean "helping the dying and their loved ones to live as fully and as well as possible in the time remaining."

Hospice of the Wabash Valley was organized in July of 1982. The hospice concept of care for the terminally ill, long practiced in Europe and spreading rapidly throughout the United States, officially became available in the Wabash Valley on September 15, 1983.

How to Contact Hospice

• For services
• Volunteer opportunities
• Bereavement program
• Memorial contributions

For more information on Hospice of the Wabash Valley's comprehensive program of care, please call (812) 234-2515 or (800) 216-5692.

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