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Donna Morgan, CEO

EMBRACING COMPASSION

'24

The Vital Role of Independent Non-Profit Hospice Care Provided by Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama

EMBRACING COMPASSION

written by Donna Morgan, CEO

Our independent non-profit hospice stands out in the Chattahoochee Valley as a beacon of compassion and support for people facing life-limiting illnesses. Our work is driven by mission rather than profit, and Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama fulfills a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families during the challenging end-of-life journey.  

Columbus Hospice is the original hospice in the Chattahoochee Valley, formed 45 years ago in 1979, and we have continued our non-profit tradition since that time, providing care to terminally ill persons, regardless of their ability to pay.  In fact, in 2023 Columbus Hospice provided almost $1.6 million in uncompensated care (to those without insurance, and those with insufficient insurance.) We meet these financial needs thanks to the support of compassionate and generous donors, for whom we are eternally grateful.

Licensed in Georgia and Alabama, we comply with the comprehensive regulations required by both states, as well as national regulations from the Federal government.  Even more, Columbus Hospice is the only hospice in the area to be accredited by The Joint Commission, an organization that sets high performance standards.  Only 22% of U.S. hospices strive for and achieve The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval.

Unlike traditional healthcare providers, independent non-profit hospice care is provided with a distinct focus on personalized, patient-centered care. Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama is dedicated to offering support, comfort, and dignity to those facing terminal illness.  We have never been owned by another organization, and no other hospice was formed as a subsidiary of Columbus Hospice.  We serve Georgia residents through our office in Columbus, and Alabama residents through the office in Phenix City, covering 16 counties between the two locations.

At the heart of the non-profit hospice care model is a commitment to providing comprehensive, interdisciplinary care that addresses not only the physical needs of patients but also their emotional and spiritual well-being. The team at Columbus Hospice is composed of skilled healthcare professionals, including nurses, social workers, chaplains, counselors, certified nursing assistants, physicians, nurse practitioners, and volunteers, all working collaboratively to create an environment of compassion and understanding.

A hallmark of the care we provide is our commitment to doing what we say we are going to do. All hospices are not the same, and you have a choice in hospice care providers.  A physician, hospital, or other person may refer you to another hospice, but you always have the right to request Columbus Hospice by name.  When our admissions nurse meets with you, the care they describe to you is the care that you will receive, plus more.  Living up to our promise – our promise to make a painful, difficult time so much better – is part of our core values.

The financial structure of our non-profit hospice sets us apart from our for-profit counterparts. We shift resources back into patient care, rather than maximizing shareholder returns. This allows us to focus on providing services beyond those of other hospices, such as comprehensive bereavement support, complementary therapies, community outreach programs, Pet Peace of Mind pet care, and a Patient Quality of Life fund.  Our RNs, Social Workers, Chaplains, and a Physician are on call, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and we come to you when you call for us.  

Our employees are selected for their education and experience, then we provide an extensive orientation and continuing education to ensure that our team is the best.  In return, our average team member has been with us for over 8 years, while many are celebrating work anniversaries of 20-30 years. Specialized hospice and palliative care certification is encouraged, and many team members have achieved that goal; this is important because that knowledge and experience is reflected in the care they provide.

In a landscape where healthcare can sometimes feel impersonal, Columbus Hospice offers solace, comfort, and dignity to those in our care.  We know how important it is that our care be exactly what is needed just when it is most needed.  Sometimes that includes short-term inpatient hospice care, such as that we provide in the area’s only hospice inpatient facility, the Columbus Hospice House.  25 private, upscale patient rooms allow patients to receive short-term aggressive symptom management, as well as short-term periods of respite (relief) care for the caregiver.

While hospice is usually thought of as care for older persons, the reality is that people of all ages receive care from Columbus Hospice, including infants and children.  We also support children in this community through our free grief support camp, Camp Hope, through our Bereavement Counselors.

 

The stories of gratitude from families served by Columbus Hospice testify to the profound impact of compassionate end-of-life care. Families express appreciation for the quality of care and the emotional support and guidance provided during a challenging period.  This is what we hear from the patients and families for whom we care:

“We were treated with dignity and respect.”

 “The wonderful, caring staff gave us excellent care.”

“Everyone worked together as a team.”

“The amazing care was nothing short of professional and compassionate.”

“Her days were filled with peace and comfort.”

“We are forever grateful to the team for the love and kindness they showed us.”

You have a choice.  Choose Columbus Hospice for our expert, experienced, compassionate care, because we know that we have one opportunity to give our best to you or someone you love.

Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama:  With Compassion and Excellence, we enhance the quality of life for those living with serious illness.

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