Interest
in Hospice arose after local residents heard a speaker
from Iowa City discuss a neighboring organization. In February of 1988, a
Stephen Ministry Course was offered at the United Presbyterian Church in
Washington; such courses taught how to provide caring ministry to others.
Marge Gloyer,
whose nursing background provided her with a natural interest in
Hospice, attended the course. She had observed a trend toward home care, due to
a change in insurance laws concerning health care reimbursements, and felt
there was a need for a hospice program in Washington.
The
first hospice organizational meeting was held at the United
Presbyterian Church on March 24, 1988. Nineteen people attended.
In the
fall of 1988, the first training class was offered and the first
clients were served.
Medicare
certification was accomplished in February of 1996.
Growth
was slow but steady. Much has been learned about patient care,
operating procedures, fund-raising, legal issues, and volunteer training.
Hospice
of Washington County is a member of the National Hospice
Organization and the Iowa Hospice Organization and adheres to their teachings
and follows their standards of care.
Currently,
Hospice of Washington County cares for an average daily census of
18; however, the number of clients is expected to increase as more people
become aware of Hospice’s existence and abilities.
Operating
funds come from several sources including memorials, donations from
the communities we serve, and fund-raisers.
Reimbursement
for services may come from: Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance
carriers. Hospice patients are accepted into the program based on their health
needs not their ability to pay.
