Hospice of the Sacred Heart

 Every year, Hospice of the Sacred Heart observes National Hospice Month
in November in an effort to raise awareness about the benefits and services of
hospice care for people facing late-stage illnesses. It is also a time to
salute all that hospice professionals and volunteers do every day to manage
symptoms and provide comfort to patients and families during difficult times. 2023
marked the 20th year that Hospice of the Sacred Heart has provided
the best of hospice care to patients and families in eight counties of
Northeastern Pennsylvania. Each year, nearly 1.5 million people in the United
States received hospice care, and almost 50 percent of Medicare enrollees were
in a hospice program at the time of their death.

Since former President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation in 1979 recognizing
the value of hospice, National Hospice Month has been commemorated in November.
This distinction highlights the growth of hospice care and expands awareness of
the great benefits it provides to patients, families and caregivers. This
month is also a time to shine a deserving light on the 500,000
professionals and volunteers nationwide who contribute their expertise in
medical, emotional, spiritual and social services to patients and families
every day.

Hospice of the
Sacred Heart staff and volunteers can reflect on another year of providing
expert end-of-life care and personalized support to families across Northeastern
Pennsylvania. We are committed to delivering care and dignity at the most
challenging times, while ensuring families have all the information to navigate
the various situations that arise with late-stage illnesses.

 

Hospice of the Sacred Heart
is a not-for-profit, freestanding hospice offering care to the residents of
Northeastern Pennsylvania in eight counties. Founded in 2003 by local
ophthalmologist surgeon, Dr. Frank A. Bucci, Jr., the hospice has served to
date over 21,000 patients. With a main office located in Moosic and a 10-bed
Inpatient Unit in Dunmore, Hospice of the Sacred Heart remains dedicated to its
mission of providing Comfort, Care, Hope and Choice to
patients and their families while guiding them through the end-of-life journey.

Our service includes
state-of-the-art hospice care for patients with a terminal prognosis, expected
to live six months or less. The staff of nurses, social workers, bereavement
and pastoral counselors, physicians and volunteers are dedicated to providing
patients and their families with exemplary care addressing spiritual and
psychosocial needs as well as the physical effects of the dying process. Care
is provided in the patients' homes, wherever that may be, including private
residences, community group homes, assisted living and skilled nursing
facilities. Patients experiencing a burden of symptoms incompatible with
in-home care have the option of a short stay at our Inpatient Unit in Dunmore.
Our 10-bed facility features a home-like and tranquil environment for both
patients and visitors.

 

Programs offered by the
hospice are open to all members of our community, and remain free-of-charge
since their inception. With a dual focus of providing information to help lead
a healthy life and targeting underserved populations experiencing the effects
of grief and mourning, Hospice of the Sacred Heart remains committed to
providing community education.