DCPREZ-0000-07196 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

II. The Mission of HospiceCare, Inc. The mission of HospiceCare, Inc., implemented by its professional staff and volunteers, is: To address the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of those who are dying, recognizing that individual situations and preferences for the last part of life will vary. To support those who care for the dying during their loved one's final illness and during their time of bereavement. To inform and educate the community about death and dying and about the benefits of Hospice. In all that we do, our goal is to act with understanding and compassion, helping people live, to the last moment of their lives, peacefully and in comfort, with meaning and dignity. III. The History of HospiceCare, Inc. In July of 1978, a small group of people united to bring a new concept of health care to residents of Dane County. After learning about the hospice concept in other communities, this small volunteer group started a hospice in Madison. Emphasis was placed on developing an integrated approach to caring for the terminally ill, one that neither duplicated nor conflicted with existing community services. In October, 1978, Dane County Hospice was incorporated, elected its first Board of Directors and began operation in donated space in the basement of the Memorial United Church of Christ. Care was provided entirely by volunteers. In 1980, the organization's name was changed to HospiceCare Inc. primarily to emphasize its status as a private, nonprofit, non-governmental agency. In these initial years, significant efforts were made to partner with other community agencies such as Dane County Public Health Nurses, the Visiting Nurse Services and local churches. Small fundraising events had been organized earlier but in 1980 HospiceCare, Inc. received its first major contributions ($6,500 and $10,000) from the United Madison Community Foundation and the CERN Foundation to ensure that HospiceCare "will be in business." In 1984 Dr. Bill Rock joined the organization as Volunteer Medical Director bringing with him 25 years of professional experience and his reputation as "one of the few physicians in the community who makes house calls." Dr. Rock is still with HospiceCare, continuing as Volunteer Medical Director and as a member of the Board of Directors. In 1985, HospiceCare achieved Medicare certification and state licensure. Medicare certification raised the standard of professional services and enabled the organization to introduce comprehensive care through teams that include physicians, RN Case Managers, certified nursing assistants, social workers, grief counselors, chaplains and volunteers. Twenty-four hour on-call