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With the opening of its newest office on Savannah Road in Lewes, Heartland Hospice now offers its services to patients throughout all of Delaware.
The organization that specializes in comforting the terminally ill began receiving clients in early January and hopes to soon become a well-known and trusted name in Sussex County.
Since Heartland opened its first location in New Castle in 2003, the staff has worked hard to meet the specific needs of every patient, said Sharron Garrick, Heartland Hospice administrator.
By employing a five-member interdisciplinary team, including Medical Director Dr. Patrick Titus, registered nurse Kathy DiRenza, social worker Amanda Pearson, spiritual coordinator the Rev. Ronald Wuest and Volunteer Coordinator C.J. Treadwell, Heartland strives to provide professional treatment accompanied by the highest degree of compassion and respect, said Garrick.
“We feel that each individual has a unique situation,” she said. “We bring our services to the person in need, whether it involves caring for patients in their own homes, in a nursing facility or in an assisted living [center].”
Hospice offers palliative care to people at the end of life. A combination of medication, counseling and family care is used to minimize the pain and suffering that have been traditionally associated with this life event.
Heartland hopes to add a new degree of emotional support to its hospice services by encouraging a partnership with patients and their loved ones.
“Our team is committed to supporting family goals,” said Garrick.
“We strive to create a comfortable environment where the patient and their family can share their thoughts, hopes and concerns.”
By focusing on sustaining quality of life and following the goals of each family, the organization hopes to replace grief with memorable experiences.
Heartland offers informational visits and evaluations that are conducted in the patient’s home. Hospice care plans are individualized and coordinated with the patient, family and physician.
A specially designed bereavement program is also available to families coping with loss.
Hospice is covered by Medicare and Medicaid, as well as many insurance programs. Heartland provides its services to those who qualify for care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, said Garrick.
“I have been involved in hospice for over 25 years,” said Garrick. “It is an incredibly rewarding experience for both patients and for us as caretakers. We are happy to deliver the highest quality of sensitivity and professionalism to those who seek our services.”
The Heartland Hospice office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the week. An operator is available 24 hours a day.
Heartland Hospice is located at 365 Savannah Road in Lewes.
Tom Walsh can be contacted at tomwalsh1@verizon.net
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