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
Volunteer Training Sept. 14!
Hospice Care Plus will host a training for new volunteers on Saturday, September 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. The training is for anyone with an interest in supporting non-profit hospice, palliative, and bereavement care through a variety of patient care or administrative roles. The training is open…
CEO to Retire after 26 Years
After nearly three decades of leadership, Gail McGillis, the CEO of Hospice Care Plus based in Madison County, has announced her retirement. A master’s-prepared nurse, Gail came to Hospice Care Plus in 1994 from the University of Kentucky, where she served as a clinical nurse manager. At that time, the young, grassroots hospice organization employed…
Noodle Nirvana Announces Hospice Partnership
Noodle Nirvana, Berea’s fast-casual restaurant featuring homemade, Thai-inspired noodle bowls, has announced its most recent community partner. Hospice Care Plus, based in Berea, is the fourth non-profit organization to be the beneficiary of Noodle Nirvana’s mission to thrive as a small business while supporting its community with high-impact donations to local non-profits over the course…
Murder Mystery Dinner at Mardi Gras
It’s a murder mystery with a Mardi Gras theme, and it’s happening Saturday, August 10 at the Estill County Fair Barn. With the help of the River City Players Community Theater Group in Irvine, local organizers are planning a night to remember. With a served meal and lots of drama, guests will enjoy puzzling through…