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....a volunteer program of cost-free, non-medical comfort care to the terminally ill, the grieving, and their families.
Down East Hospice serves Washington County, Maine. |
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Contact Down East Hospice at
Calais Regional Hospital
24 Hospital Lane
Calais, Maine 04619
(207) 454-7521 ext. 126
or (207) 726-5087
downeasthospice@yahoo.com |
What is Hospice?
Hospice is a team approach to care that addresses the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of dying patients and their families. Hospice emphasizes concern for the quality of remaining life, and seeks to ensure that people do not die alone, in pain, and as a burden to their families.
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What is Down East Hospice?
Down East Hospice is an all-volunteer, non-profit program licensed by the state of Maine, serving residents of Washington County. Support services are provided to the terminally ill and their families, as well as to those people who are experiencing grief. Volunteers must have completed a very thorough training program to prepare them for hospice work.
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What does a hospice volunteer do?
- A lot of listening
- Provides companionship and emotional support
- Respite care for the caregiver
- Coordinates outside resources
- Continues contact during bereavement
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How can I obtain hospice services?
Referrals to the hospice program may be made by anyone, and acceptance of service is voluntary. Volunteer assignments are a mutual arrangement between patient/family and the volunteer. Most hospice work occurs in the home, but it may also take place in a hospital or nursing home. Costs for services are met by memberships, donations, grants and fundraisers. There is no charge for volunteer hospice care.
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How can I make a donation to Down East Hospice?
Down East Hospice was established in 1981 as a non-profit corporation. We depend heavily on the contributions of supporters. Donations may be made in any denomination and are always gratefully accepted. Become a "Member" with a gift of $10; a "Patron" with a gift of $50 or a "Benefactor" with a gift of $250 or more. You may also make a donation as a Memorial Gift in memory of a loved one. Checks should be made payable to "Down East Hospice" and can be mailed to:
Down East Hospice
24 Hospital Lane
Calais, Maine 04619
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How can I become a Hospice volunteer?
Anyone interested in becoming a hospice volunteer must first fill out an application and be interviewed. After acceptance, you must complete a 30-hour training program. Down East Hospice conducts these training programs annually, usually in the fall. Contact Barbara Barnett at (207)-454-7521 ext. 126 for more information.
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What other services does Down East Hospice Provide?
Down East Hospice sponsors support groups for people with life-threatening illnesses and for people who are grieving. We also have a lending library of books and journals available to the public. Down East Hospice also conducts educational programs for the communities we serve on a regular basis. Contact Barbara Barnett at (207)-454-7521 ext. 126 for more information.
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Where can I learn more about Hospice?
Contact Downeast Hospice at
Down East Hospice
Calais Regional Hospital
24 Hospital Lane
Calais, Maine 04619
(207) 454-7521 ext. 126
or (207) 726-5087
e-mail: downeasthospice@yahoo.com
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Hospice Related Links
- Maine Hospice Council
- National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
- American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute
- Last Acts
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