Baptist Health Hospice expands into two new counties

Crittenden and Caldwell residents now have access to Baptist Health Hospice services

Baptist Health Hospice expands care to two additional counties

 

MADISONVILLE (July 5, 2017) – Residents of Caldwell and Crittenden counties can now call upon Baptist Health Hospice for comfort care for loved ones in their final stages of life.

Headquartered in Madisonville, Baptist Health Hospice recently gained state approval for the expansion. The agency also serves Hopkins, Muhlenberg, McLean and Christian counties. 

“Hospice is not a place, as thought by many people, but more a process where we – most of the time – provide care in the patient’s home and emphasize quality over quantity, and comfort more than cure, so that we can help a patient die with dignity,” said Brian W. Chaney, MD, medical director of Hospice Services at Baptist Health Madisonville.

Baptist Health Hospice (formerly Green River Hospice) has a team of physicians, registered nurses, social workers, chaplains, certified nursing assistants, volunteers and other staff (such as physical and occupational therapists).  The team provides physical, emotional and spiritual assistance, focusing on quality of life for the patient, and comfort for the family.

“Our Hospice team is made up of caring individuals who are compassionate about their work as well as experienced in providing care in the home setting. Their focus is on making a difference in someone's life and not just about death and dying," said Rebecca Cartright, executive director, Baptist Health Home Care, Hospice and Infusion. 

 

While many think hospice is designed to help patients in their last days, it’s actually intended for the last six months of life.

When hospice care was launched in the 1980s, the majority of patients were diagnosed with cancer. Today, that’s shifted. Only about one-third of hospice patients have a cancer diagnosis while more have been diagnosed with other conditions such as dementia, heart disease, lung disease and stroke or coma.

For more information, or to make a referral, call 270.326.4600.

About Baptist Health Hospice

Baptist Health Hospice, formerly known as Green River Hospice, has been serving Hopkins, Muhlenberg, McLean and Christian counties since 1989. Baptist Health Hospice, part of Baptist Health Madisonville, is accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest standard-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. To learn more about Baptist Health Hospice, go to .BaptistHealthMadisonville.com or watch a video at BaptistHealthTalks.com.