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Hill Country Memorial Hospital – HCM Hospice
Since 1994 HCM Hospice has served as a community-based, non-profit organization certified in hospice and palliative care. It serves patients of all ages from pediatric to geriatric. No patient is ever turned away based on their ability to pay, allowing all community members to receive high-quality, end-of-life care with access to medications, durable medical equipment, and medical supplies related to the plan of care. HCM Hospice takes an interdisciplinary approach to care, with support provided not only to the patient but also to loved ones, through two physicians, registered nurses (many of whom are also certified as Hospice and Palliative Care), social workers, Chaplains, Hospice aides, volunteers and bereavement counselors. HCM Hospice is able to offer a full range of hospice services and resources typically found only in larger metropolitan area hospices because of this community’s generous donors and volunteer contributions of time and talent.
Overview
Since 1994 HCM Hospice has served as a community-based, non-profit organization certified in hospice and palliative care. It serves patients of all ages from pediatric to geriatric. No patient is ever turned away based on their ability to pay, allowing all community members to receive high-quality, end-of-life care with access to medications, durable medical equipment, and medical supplies related to the plan of care. HCM Hospice takes an interdisciplinary approach to care, with support provided not only to the patient but also to loved ones, through two physicians, registered nurses (many of whom are also certified as Hospice and Palliative Care), social workers, Chaplains, Hospice aides, volunteers and bereavement counselors. HCM Hospice is able to offer a full range of hospice services and resources typically found only in larger metropolitan area hospices because of this community’s generous donors and volunteer contributions of time and talent.
Impact
HCM Hospice cared for 377 patients in 2015. Three times that number have participated in memorial services conducted by HCM Hospice. In May 2015, an annual bereavement retreat organized by HCM Hospice saw more than 100 people in attendance. Also, grief support meetings are provided free of charge to the community and assist in dealing with the loss of loved ones from suicide, the effect of loss on families and finding a new normal, as well as overcoming the loss of a child.
Lessons Learned
Quality care at the end of life is beneficial to all who require it and allows for increased autonomy and increased comfort, as well as support for families experiencing loss. The wide range of Hospice services allows for customized and appropriate end-of-life support for both the patient and the family.
Future Goals
HCM Hospice plans to expand services to include the care of hospice patients’ pets. Pets are many times an integral part of a patient’s life, yet overlooked in the end-of-life support plan. HCM Hospice will apply to participate in the national Pet Peace of Mind program, which provides a proven framework and startup funding for caring for hospice patients’ pets.
Contact: Cuyler Smith
Database Analyst & Researcher
Telephone: 830-997-1297
Email: cuylersmith@hillcountrymemorial.org
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