5 Comforting Providers Of Hospice Care

Putting a loved one in hospice care is not a possibility people like to think about, leaving many unprepared when faced with the reality of having to do so. Fortunately, there are many excellent facilities available to provide support for both patients and their families. In no particular order, here are a few providers of high-quality hospice care.

First up at #1 is Ty Hafan, located in Wales. This charity provides free hospice care to children who are expected to lose their lives before the age of 18. Both emotional and medical support are offered through a team of nurses and therapists, who care for the children around the clock.

Ty Hafan makes sure to provide plenty of opportunities for the families of patients to be involved in their lives. The grounds of the facility offer many spaces in which children, parents, and siblings can relax and enjoy their time together. Ty Hafan also continues to support families through the bereavement process after the patient has passed.

Next at #2 is Helen & Douglas House. Founded in 1982, it's the world's first children's hospice, and has since gone on to inspire over forty more across the UK and around the world. While Douglas House, which cared for people from 16 to 35, was later closed, the organization remains open to care for terminally ill babies, children, and youth aged 18 and younger.

Located in the city of Oxford, Helen House serves families across Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties. The hospice provides 24-hour in-house care for babies, children, and teenagers. The facility also offers outreach nursing, including short-term respite stays, step discharge from the hospital, and end-of-life care.

At #3 is JourneyCare. The nonprofit serves nearly 3,000 patients every day across ten counties in the state of Illinois, with four hospice locations in Barrington, Arlington Heights, Glenview, and Chicago. The organization also provides in-home support, including pediatric care and palliative services for those with serious but not immediately terminal illnesses.

The JourneyCare Foundation was created in 1992 in order to serve patients who were unable to cover the cost of their healthcare. Donations to the Foundation support the development of integrative therapies for patients, and expand grief support services for families.

Next up at #4 is Visiting Nurse Association Health Group. This organization began in 1912, when a team of volunteers set out to achieve a more humane approach to public assistance. In the 1960s, VNA Health Group started offering in-home nursing care across the state of New Jersey.

The organization's hospice care program consists of a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, therapists, medical social workers, and home health aides. They help cover the entire spectrum of each patient's care, managing physical symptoms, mental health, and coordination of resources with the family.

Last up at #5 is Douglas Macmillan Hospice, often referred to as Dougie Mac. Founded in 1973, the hospice originally served just 315 patients. Today, it provides services free of charge to over 3,500 patients, while also providing support to their families and caregivers. The institution is located in Stoke-on-Trent, England.

Each month, Dougie Mac hosts a Patients' Forum. During these discussions, anyone receiving care from the organization can suggest improvements and highlight the hospice's successes. This way, the voices of patients are heard, and Dougie Mac can continue to work toward providing the best possible care.