The mission of Hospice of the Bluegrass is to provide the highest quality interdisciplinary care to all terminally ill patients, the bereaved and their families. To educate professionals in the philosophy and art of hospice care so that dying patients, their families and Hospice will have an adequate supply of knowledgeable professionals wherever they are. To educate the community on Hospice care.

Description:
Hospice of the Bluegrass is a non-profit charitable organization providing nurture, care, comfort and support to terminally ill men, women and children - and their families. Hospice provides in-home and nursing home care, and offers an in-patient unit - the Hospice Care Center - at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington. Hospice care is "about how you live". As one patient said, "Hospice can't add days to your life, but they sure do add life to your days." Hospice also provides bereavement services after a patient's death and to the community in general, whether their loved one received Hospice care or not. Daniel's Care, serving children with life-limiting illnesses or conditions, is a special pediatric service. Daniel's Care is recognized as one of the largest services of its type in the country. While Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance policies do reimburse for Hospice care, many patients have no insurance at all. However, Hospice of the Bluegrass services are provided at essentially no out-of-pocket cost to the patient or family. In 2005, Hospice provided nearly $1.8 million in un-reimbursed care. Volunteers are a vital part of the Hospice interdisciplinary team.

History:
Hospice of the Bluegrass was founded in Lexington in 1978 by a small group of volunteers and professionals with a mission to care for the terminally ill. From these beginnings Hospice has grown to serve 23 counties in central, southeastern and northern Kentucky, and now cares for more than 3,800 patients last year. Hospice of the Bluegrass is certified by Medicare and is Joint Commission Accredited.

Contact person: Shellie Brown, Coordinator Of Volunteer Services, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (502) 223-7788

Address:

208 Steele Street Frankfort, KY 40601 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.hospicebg.org/offices_frankfurt.html