Hospice is a philosophy, not a place. At the center of all hospice care is the patient and their family. With the focus on “caring” not “curing”, the goal is to allow patients to live out their days, alert, pain-free and surrounded by their loved ones. Patients benefit from a team of professionals including the patients’ doctor, nurses, therapists, spiritual counselors, volunteers, personal care assistants and social counselors. Care for the family continues the year following a patient’s death.

Where do you receive hospice care?
The simple answer is wherever the patient calls home. Island Hospice’s mission is Health Care. For Life. At Home. Studies show that over 85% of Americans prefer to die at home. Home can be a personal residence, an assisted living or even a nursing home. Sometimes circumstances prevent hospice care in the home. In that case, Island Hospice works with the individual and their families to find the best solution whether that be a hospital or another facility.

Who needs hospice care?
Early during the hospice movement, cancer patients predominated. Today, more than half of all hospice patients suffer from advanced heart disease, lung disease or dementia.

How does Island Hospice differ from other hospices?
There isn’t one individual thing that distinguishes Island Hospice from other hospices rather a combination of things. Island Hospice, a non-profit organization, is community-based and operated. It is a part of the THA Group family of companies. As such, we are able to offer patients not only hospice care, but palliative care for those not hospice appropriate yet needing help with pain and symptom management. Combined with life assistance and eldercare management services, THA Group provides all the services needed people to age in place, at home.