Blue Ridge Hospice

How do you help people in my community?

Over 180 staff members and 300 volunteers ensure Blue Ridge Hospice is able to provide quality end-of-life care to individuals and families.  Services are provided to all, and non one is turned away.  We are called upon to provide the best in symptom control and comfort when the benefit of curative treatment has been exhausted.  We focus on quality of life for our patients and support their families and those in the community affected by death, dying, and loss.

Blue Ridge Hospice offers the following services:  Residential Services, Medical & Social Services, Grief & Loss Support, Palliative Care, Pain & Symptom Management, Spiritual Support, and various alternative therapies to include music, art, and pets.

Why do you need my support?

Blue Ridge Hospice is a not-for-profit organization that relies predominantly upon donations for its operation.  While insurance companies and Medicare do cover hospice care, many of our patients lack this coverage and the ability to pay.  Community support in the way of donations allows us to care for these individuals.

Blue Ridge Hospice provides a number of programs that are non-reimbursed, for which we seek funding through donations and fundraising.  These include Bereavement Services, Music Therapy, Internships, and our Chaplain Services.  Our Bereavement Services include individual counseling, crisis-intervention with local schools, various support groups, and several hospice sponsored events for the community which include an annual bereavement conference, remembrance gatherings, and our annual “Camp Hope” for grieving children.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

Blue Ridge Hospice is dedicated to providing quality end-of-life care to all our patients, regardless of their ability to pay.  No one is turned away.  Expenses for these individuals are paid through our Patient Care Funds for which we rely on donations, grants, and fundraising activities.  Blue Ridge Hospice anticipates the need to raise over $200,000 to cover the costs of 100 or more patients in 2008, who may not have the ability to pay for our services.

Blue Ridge Hospice offers a number of services to our patients and families, as well as the community, which are non-reimbursed expenses.  These services include Music Therapy, Chaplain Services and Spiritual Support, and Bereavement Services.   Blue Ridge Hospice anticipates the need to raise $600,000 to cover the costs of these services for our patients, families, and members of the community.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Absolutely!

As a Blue Ridge Hospice volunteer, you will become an important member of the hospice team.  Whether you choose to work directly with patients and families, or to volunteer in other ways, you will be making a difference in someone’s life.

Volunteer opportunities at Blue Ridge Hospice include Patient/Family Support, Patient Care, Companionship Through Music, Bereavement Support, Pet Therapy, Administrative Support, Community Services, Thrift Shops, Center for Hope, and our Teen Volunteer Program.

Blue Ridge Hospice Volunteer Training is offered at no cost.  Training requirements are based upon specific volunteer activities, and training classes are held throughout our service area several times a year.

For additional information regarding our volunteer opportunities, please contact Kelly Bucher at (540) 536-5210.