The nonprofit difference
Unfunded Hospice Care
Hospice of East Texas is committed to caring for every patient and family who seeks our care, whether they have a way to pay for that care or not. Many patients have Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, but there are those who do not have billable insurance or the financial means to pay for end-of-life care when they need it. Most often these patients are people in mid-life, too young for Medicare, who have been ill for a long time and have lost their health insurance or been unable to pay for insurance on their own. That Hospice of East Texas provides all of our services for someone in our care, whether they have the ability to pay for it or not, is quite simply stunning. And it is even more stunning to know that that commitment costs approximately $800,000 each year.
Why would we put our organization in such a situation? Simple. Because Hospice of East Texas is mission-driven. When we say that we will provide excellent end-of-life care to everyone in our community, we mean it. People who receive this care – medicine, equipment, the care of nurses and aides and physicians, and so on, are your neighbors. People you know and love. And so does Hospice of East Texas. Mission-driven, unfunded care, is one of our strengths as a non-profit hospice.
There are many things that make Hospice of East Texas unique – and different from any other hospice in our area – indeed, different from most hospices in the country. Here are a few:
Palliative Care
Hospice of East Texas is the only hospice that has assembled a team of Palliative Care doctors and nurses who provide consultations to patients and families who want to have a discussion about the practical and spiritual concerns of coming to terms with end-of-life care. These services are also offered at a financial loss, but Hospice of East Texas provides this extraordinary service because we believe in the benefits of providing our community with palliative care.
Homeplace
The gorgeous, peaceful in-patient facility in Tyler is literally known throughout the country for its beauty and for the extraordinary care provided there. Hospice of East Texas is the only hospice in our region to have a facility of this kind, staffed with round-the-clock nurses and doctors.
PATHWAYS
This free, non-clinical outreach program for those living with advanced or chronic illnesses, is unique to Hospice of East Texas. Run by a social worker who works with families across the region, PATHWAYS helps families get information and access to community support, before it is time for hospice care.
Alzheimer's and Dementia Program
Hospice of East Texas is the only hospice to have a program focusing on the unique needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients at the end of life.
Pediatric Hospice Program
Hospice of East Texas is one of the rare hospices that provides the loving care that is required by families facing the incredible challenge of caring for a child with a life-limiting illness.
Bereavement Care
Every hospice is required to provide some minimum level of bereavement care – but Hospice of East Texas boasts an outstanding, robust bereavement program which serves not only the patients and families who receive care through Hospice of East Texas but also support and counseling to the entire community. In addition, our program provides specialized grief support, workshops and camps to meet the needs of grieving children. Offered free of charge to the community, it is the only program of its kind in our area.
Pet Peace of Mind
Pets play an important role in the life of many families. Through Pet Peace of Mind, staff and volunteers connect hospice families with rescue agencies and pet adoption groups so that patients do not have to worry about their pet’s current or future needs. Hospice of East Texas is the only hospice in our area to offer this service.
Volunteers
Hospice of East Texas runs an amazing volunteer program through which more than 250 volunteers throughout the region share their time and talents in service to patients and families at the end-of-life. Last year, volunteers provided more than 21,000 hours of service in support of our mission. Volunteers also run the We Honor Veterans Program that recognizes and honors each hospice patient who served in the armed forces and connects them and their families to available resources.
Each of these programs sets Hospice of East Texas above and apart from all the rest. We provide these additional services at extra expense to our organization because we are mission-driven and community-responsive.
That is the nonprofit difference.
That is the Hospice of East Texas difference.
How can we help you?
Reach out to us by phone at 800-777-9860 or use either of our contact methods below by clicking on the buttons. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you navigate through this journey.