Hospice Business Grows
to Serve Aging Community

A recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau revealed that Delaware was ranked fifth among states with growing populations of seniors 65 and over. That number rose the most in Sussex County. With a growing senior population, necessary services no doubt have to keep up. The county it’s doing its part by holding regular meetings of a senior advisory committee.

For private companies who serve the needs of seniors, Compassionate Care Hospice has seen incredible growth over the years. The ones ahead promise even more.

In 2003 alone, executive director Cathy Stauffer said the staff has grown some 50 percent. "We're adding staff all of the time, she said "and we're budgeted for tremendous growth next year as well." Twelve years old this year, Compassionate Care operated solely in Kent and New Castle counties until three years ago. But even in that short time, the need for more space prompted a move from Rehoboth Beach to Millsboro this year. A July 24 ribbon-cutting ceremony opened the new office, more than doubling the administrative space for the company.

COMPASSIONATE CARE EXPANDING TO SERVE THE HOSPICE NEEDS OF SUSSEX COUNTY

Earlier this year, the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice moved to their new location in Millsboro. The move is a sign of the growing need for hospice care in Sussex County.

Compassionate Care is one of only a handful of companies providing hospice services in the state and, according to Stauffer, one of only two in Sussex. Now based in Millsboro, the col1wany offers nursing, respite, counseling and social services associated with terminally ill patients and their families.

Pictured above from left to right, front row: Shelly Murray, LPN; Jennifer Nack, RN; and Patti Winward, RN,' Back row: Debbie Mergenthaler, RN; Priscma Jones, RN; Kathy Cummings, RN; and Mel Kirk, LCSW.

The company provides in-home nursing services, bereavement counseling for patients and families, respite care, family needs referrals, and all paid by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. Full-time chaplains assist the spiritual needs of clients and their families.

Compassionate Care’s services also include recent programs addressing grief among children. Groups are held in schools to help children cope with the loss of a loved one.

In addition, the Compassionate Care Foundation provides emergency funding for families who suffer lost earning power because of an illness. "For example, if someone falls ill and their husband or wife needs to stop working to take care of them, there are things the foundation can help pay for," said Stauffer. Things ranging from air conditioners to airfare to utility bill and mortgage payments have been covered. "And any fundraising 'we do goes directly to the fund none of it is used for operational or administrative costs."

It's just one more service that many hospice providers are offering. When the hospice concept became common in' the United States 25 years ago, said Stauffer, it was a new and exciting field, but mostly helped patients make it through the physical pain of terminal illness. In addition to ushering in many advances in terminal care, hospice groups like Compassionate have helped change the collective view of death, she said.

“Today, we can offer much more,” she said. “Through integrated care and services, we can provide care for the patient, allowing them to spend their last days at home with family and dignity.”

Compassionate, Care Hospice 201 B West DuPont Hwy., Millboro, DE 19966
For more information, call (800) 219-0092.


The Daily Times    Publication date: September 10, 2003
By John Duffy Staff Reporter - DELMARVANOW.com

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