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:
News & Events
Volunteer Training June 8
Hospice Care Plus is hosting an in-person training for new volunteers on Saturday, June 8, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at the Madison County Public Library in Berea. Register today to secure your spot!
Volunteers Honored for Years of Service
At our annual volunteer appreciation dinner on Tuesday, April 23, we were proud to honor the dedicated volunteers who choose to dedicate their time and skills to help Hospice Care Plus serve those with serious illness and their families. Numbers alone can’t show the value of the time and skills our volunteers bring to our…
National Healthcare Decisions Day
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is April 16. Hospice Care Plus is honoring the day by offering free resources to help individuals make and document their healthcare decisions for every stage of life. Advance care planning is the process of thinking through the care you want—and do not want—if a medical crisis strikes and you…
Donation is Inspired by Love Story
In January, Jamie Hull presented a check to Hospice Care Plus for $10,000 in memory of Dee and Frank Jezek, her parents. The story of how the donation came to be is ultimately a love story. “They would still hold hands when they walked,” says their daughter Jamie. “It was one of those old-fashioned love…