International Hospice Movement
Dame Cicely Saunders is regarded as the founder of the modern Hospice movement. In 1967 Dr. Saunders founded St. Christopher's in England, which charted new directions in both the philosophy and techniques used in treatment of the terminally ill. Dr. Saunders chose the organization name because it suggested "a resting place for travelers or pilgrims...Hospice will be something between a hospital and a home; with the skills of one and the hospitality, warmth, and the time of the other."
In the late 1960's, several students at Yale University heard about the program that offered special care for people diagnosed with an irreversible illness. The students invited Dame Saunders to speak at Yale and were subsequently inspired to open such a place in the United States. These students developed and eventually launched the Hospice movement in the United States. In 1974, a Connecticut Hospice nurse and volunteer made their first Hospice Home Care visit to the home of a terminally ill patient.
Hospice of North Central Ohio
As the Hospice movement became more prominent in the United States, efforts to establish a local Hospice in North Central Ohio began with help from the National and Ohio Hospice Organizations. In the fall of 1988, the first executive director was hired and staff support was put into place. In January of 1989, Hospice of North Central Ohio served its first patient and family.
As a result of positive community support, we have grown and expanded, now providing physical, emotional, and spiritual care to patients and families in communities throughout the North Central Ohio region. In 1989, 29 patients were served by a staff of three who cared for an average of 4 patients each day. Currently, a staff of 96, along with over 220 trained volunteers, care for an average of 110 patients each day. Last year, Hospice of North Central Ohio cared for more than 520 patients.
Originally, only cancer patients were eligible for Hospice services. Now, with increasing expertise in end-of-life care, 50% of those receiving Hospice services have non-cancer illnesses. Hospice services encompass an interdisciplinary team of nurses, home health aids, social workers, chaplains, dietitians, volunteers, and music therapists. We also provide bereavement support and counseling to Hospice families and the entire community.
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2230 Village Mall Dr.
