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:
Journaling Through Grief Series Hosted in Irvine
News & Events
Hearts for Hospice in February
For the entire month of February, area banks are hosting Hearts for Hospice. The fundraiser gives customers the opportunity to request a memorial heart for a donation of at least one dollar. The donor writes the name of the person they are remembering on the heart, and the banks display them throughout the month. All…
And the Winners Are . . .
Hospice Care Plus held its annual dinner on Tuesday, December 9, and recognized several organizations and staff for their outstanding support of the hospice mission. Each year, Hospice uses its annual dinner as a forum for thanking those who go to great lengths on behalf of the organization. Two sets of awards are announced during…
Hospice Radio Day Dec. 1
For the first time ever, Hospice Care Plus is partnering with WWAG-FM for a special Hospice Radio Day event on December 1 from noon until 4pm. The WWAG-Hospice Radio Day will feature several special guests, including families who have received hospice care and want to share their stories. The phones will be open during the entire…
Remembrance Tree Dec. 6
The annual Remembrance Tree ceremony is set for Sunday, December 6, 2:00 p.m., at Richmond Mall inside the former JC Penney’s. The event is a long-standing tradition for Hospice Care Plus and the community. The Remembrance Tree ceremony gives the community a chance to remember loved ones during the holiday season by placing a personalized…