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:
Grief and Loss During Holidays and Milestones
Compassionate Care Center Updates Completed
News & Events
Receptions for Retiring CEO
Hospice Care Plus will host two retirement receptions for Gail McGillis, who announced earlier this year that she will retire at the end of 2019 after 26 years of service. Both receptions are open to the public and will include refreshments. “Gail always shies away from recognition and did not plan to hold any public…
National Hospice Month
In honor of National Hospice Booth, Hospice Care Plus is hosting multiple information booths in Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle counties. The booths will feature helpful resources on advance care planning and related documents, hospice care, palliative care, family caregiver workshops, and more. Tiffani Wright, Community Liaison at Hospice Care Plus, will be…
Celebrate NYE with the Roaring 20s
Madison Countians have a new option for ringing in the new year. On December 31, Churchill’s in Berea will host the first-ever Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve party. The event begins at 9 p.m. in Churchill’s beautiful event space and continues through 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Tickets are $75 each and are available…
Local Family Inspires Veteran Memorial
On Veterans Day 2019, Hospice Care Plus will dedicate a Veterans Memorial Wall at our Compassionate Care Center. The dedication will take place Monday, November 11, at 1:30 p.m. at the Hospice Care Plus Compassionate Care Center. The public is invited to attend. The Veterans Memorial Wall was inspired by Richmond’s Bagby family. After their…