Washington Home and Community Hospices

Washington Home for Incurables

Washington Home and Community Hospices is a non-profit organization that provides hospice care and palliative care services to patients with life-limiting illnesses in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The organization aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families by offering comprehensive medical, emotional, and spiritual support.

History

Washington Home and Community Hospices was established in 1979 as part of the broader movement to provide compassionate end-of-life care. Over the years, it has expanded its services to include not only hospice care but also palliative care, which focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, regardless of their prognosis.

Services

The organization offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of patients and their families:

• Hospice care: Provides medical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients in the final stages of a terminal illness. Services are typically provided in the patient's home, but can also be offered in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals.
• Palliative care: Focuses on symptom management and quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be provided at any stage of the illness and can be given alongside curative treatments.
• Bereavement support: Offers counseling and support groups for families and loved ones coping with the loss of a loved one.
• Volunteer services: Trained volunteers provide companionship, respite care, and other forms of support to patients and their families.

Mission and Values

The mission of Washington Home and Community Hospices is to provide compassionate care that respects the dignity and wishes of each patient. The organization is committed to:

• Compassion: Providing empathetic and respectful care to patients and their families.
• Excellence: Maintaining high standards of care through continuous improvement and professional development.
• Integrity: Operating with honesty and transparency in all interactions.
• Collaboration: Working closely with healthcare providers, community organizations, and volunteers to deliver comprehensive care.

Community Involvement

Washington Home and Community Hospices actively engages with the community through educational programs, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with other healthcare organizations. These efforts aim to raise awareness about hospice and palliative care and to ensure that more people have access to these vital services.

See also

• Hospice care in the United States
• Palliative care
• End-of-life care
• Non-profit organizations in Washington, D.C.