Filling a "large gap"—Hospice of Humboldt expands services to include home-based palliative care

The Hospice of Humboldt Home-Based Palliative Care Team.

Hospice of Humboldt has been caring for the seriously ill in the community for over 43 years. Now, the nonprofit is taking the next step in expanding its compassionate services to include home-based palliative care.

“Hospice of Humboldt is uniquely positioned to fill the large gap in care that currently exists for those in our community suffering from late-stage cancer, pulmonary disease, heart failure and other life-limiting illnesses,” said Karen Ayers, clinical director, palliative care, Hospice of Humboldt.

Ayers said, “Currently, these individuals often need to go to the emergency room and endure hospital stays in order to obtain the support they need. Once their symptoms are controlled, they are discharged home, and sadly, this cycle recurs, causing much suffering and stress for the ill individual and their family. Palliative care breaks this cycle of suffering,”

Many people with life-threatening illness are coping with complex medical conditions and see a variety of specialists. Palliative care doesn’t replace a patient’s other doctors, or require them to give up curative treatment. The palliative care team provides an extra layer of support to a patient and works collaboratively with their other doctors.

“When a seriously ill individual leaves the hospital and moves under the care of a home-based palliative care team, this team, comprised of a medical provider, nurse, social worker and community health worker, is able to meet the needs of the patient and family at home, and support them in defining the goals they have for their care and their life,” said Dr. John Nelson, medical director, Hospice of Humboldt.

He added: “The focus on someone as a whole person, rather than a disease to be cured, is what sets palliative care providers apart. This distinct focus and skill set makes hospice providers uniquely situated to provide excellent palliative care.”

For more information about palliative care services call 707-267-9880 or for Hospice services, call 707-445-8443.

“We want to extend our profound gratitude to Providence St. Joseph’s local Community Health Investment Fund, the Rose Perenin Foundation, and the McLean Foundation for their support to help offset some of the start-up costs of our new home-based palliative care program,” said Dianne Keating, interim CEO for Hospice of Humboldt.

To make a donation to Hospice of Humboldt, visit www.hospiceofhumboldt.org, call 707-445-8443, or mail donations to 3327 Timber Fall Court, Eureka, CA, 95503.

Hospice of Humboldt has been serving families locally since 1979, has a staff of over 100 employees and works with nearly 100 volunteers. The person-centered care Hospice of Humboldt provides allows patients comfort and dignity and gives families support at a time when they need it most.

This story originally appeared on the Times-Standard.com