Our stories about meaningful experiences are written as they unfold. Therefore, most stories are in the present tense. Some of the patients in these stories are no longer with us. They, and their families, gave us permission to share their experience with you. For those who have since passed, we share these in their memories with deep appreciation for what they have taught us about life and living.
Honoring those who have served our country is one of our greatest joys. Not everyone understands how important it can be for a veteran to be formally recognized for their service, especially as the end of life nears. For some, these bedside ceremonies are the first time they’ve experienced that kind of recognition. For Jack, a Korean War veteran, being honored for his service meant more than we could have imagined.
Jack’s family shared with us that the Korean War was often referred to as “The Forgotten War,” and veterans who served in this war sometimes feel overlooked. Jack’s hospice team got to work on planning a recognition for his service. They reached out to Honor Flight Bluegrass, out of Louisville, and plans were underway to get Jack on the next flight to Washington, D.C. Although Jack appreciated the offer, he ultimately decided that a ceremony at home would be best, so we brought the honor flight to him.
On a chilly October evening, members from the local American Legion, along with a representative from Honor Flight Bluegrass, helped us recognize Jack for his dedicated service as a Korean War veteran. There were a few tears, but mostly big smiles and a lot of stories from Jack’s days in the Korean War. His sister said he’d long been waiting for this day – a day to be formally thanked.
How can you honor life during National Hospice & Palliative Care Month? Visit the #WeHonorLife campaign page to learn about all the ways you can help, from volunteering and shopping to helping us increase access to specialized care for the seriously ill and their families. Questions? Contact us at hospice@hospicecp.org or 859-986-1500 or visit our website.
Hospice Care Plus empowers those we serve to enjoy the highest quality of life, respecting their values, beliefs, needs, and goals through specialized care, education, resources, and grief support.
Our Service Area:
Our Home Hospice and Home Palliative Care programs serve you, wherever you call home, in the Kentucky counties of Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle.
Our inpatient care facility, the Compassionate Care Center, and administrative offices are located in Richmond, Kentucky.
Recent News:
Print & Online Resources for Caregivers
Kroger Community Rewards Makes Giving Easy
News & Events
How to Help by. . .Shopping!
One of the easiest ways to support the families we care for is by . . . shopping! Both Kroger and Amazon allow shoppers to select a charity, and a portion of your shopping totals will be donated to that charity each time you shop. If you haven’t already selected Hospice Care Plus as your…
Summer Affair for Hospice Care Aug. 11
For more than a decade, a group of Estill Countians has thrown a yearly dinner party to raise funds for hospice care in their community. This year, their Summer Affair for Hospice Care is on Saturday, August 11, at 6 p.m., at the Estill County Fair Barn on 38 South Irvine Road in Irvine. The Summer…
Family Caregiving 101 July 25
A new, free resource for family caregivers is coming to Madison County on Wed., July 25, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center in Berea. Family Caregiving 101 is designed to be a mini-conference experience that features four, brief learning sessions combined with opportunities for fellowship and networking among caregivers. The…
May Memorial Service is May 22
The annual Hospice Care Plus May Memorial Service is at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 at First Baptist Church in Richmond. A reception will follow with refreshments provided by hospice staff and volunteers. The service gives the community a chance to pause to remember loved ones in the week leading up to Memorial Day.…