About Hospice Care Foundation of Missoula
Hospice Care
Hospice care is holistic palliative care for people who are at the
end of their life. The final stages of life are as important as any
other stage in life. People in this stage of life deserve respect,
compassion, dignity and freedom of choice. This is what drives hospice
philosophy. Hospice care is available for people who have a prognosis of
six months or less and no longer desire life-prolonging care. This care
is provided by a team of professionals.
A Hospice team is made up of professionals dedicated to alleviating
suffering in all areas, physical, emotional, spiritual and
psychological. Professionals on the team include: the patient’s personal
physician, hospice medical director, registered nurses, medical social
workers, chaplains, nurse aides, bereavement counselors and volunteers.
The team works together with the patient and their family to make care
decisions based on their individual preferences and needs.
Hospice Care in Missoula
Hospice care in Missoula started about 30 years ago as a grass-roots
group of volunteers. In the 1980’s Medicare started to see the value of
this type of care and started a certification program. Around 1985-1987
Partners in Home Care and the volunteer group joined to become the first
Medicare certified hospice in Missoula.
At the present time there are two certified hospice organizations in
Missoula, Partners Hospice and Hospice of Missoula. Even though there
are two programs. the philosophy of care is very similar and both work
to meet the needs of the community. Both organizations are represented
on the board of the Hospice Care Foundation.
Hospice Care Foundation
The Hospice Care Foundation began over 26 years ago as an effort to
support hospice care in Missoula. They have worked hard to raise funds
in support of hospice care for the community, with the eventual dream of
establishing a hospice residence. They have assisted both hospice
programs financially by helping patients who had no financial resources.
They have sponsored the Hospice Ball for 26 years. This is s huge
fundraiser and one of the social highlights of the year. The fundraising
from the board has ensured that hospice care has continued to be
available to everyone in Missoula.
Now the time has come for the dream of a hospice residence to become
a reality!
Hospice Residence
The foundation has hired former board member Jeri Delys as the new
Executive Director to oversee the building of the new hospice house,
fund raising, and strategic planning. 
Executive Director
Jeri DelysA hospice house will ensure that people who cannot remain at home are
able to receive the excellent compassionate care that end of life
requires, at a safe and beautiful facility right there in Missoula. The
foundation is moving forward, so stay tuned for highlights. The Hospice
House is in sight!!!
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