Charity Hospice Inc.: A growing nonprofit hospice

WINTERSVILLE - When a patient or family member hears devastating news that they have a terminal illness, it is extremely hard to cope. There are so many questions that need to be answered, such as "what do I need to do to get my affairs in order?" And most of all there is the fear of the unknown at the end of life's journey.

Cathy Cich, founder and administrator for Charity Hospice, states that most patients have many of the same fears, concerns and anxieties, yet the dying process is totally unique to that person.

It takes a real support system to help a patient and family get through the crisis in their lives, and that is what hospice is about.

Charity Hospice is located on Luray Drive and began in April 2006. In the three years it has been open, the business has more than tripled in size, including staff, operational space and number of patients served.

"There are so many people in our growing elderly community who are very ill and who truly need our help. Many people think that to qualify for hospice, a patient must be essentially bed bound. We have found that when referrals come in earlier in the game, it gives the staff a chance to establish a trusting relationship with the person and his or her family. It also gives us the chance to feel we have made a difference in their quality of life," Cich said.

Charity Hospice is a Medicare and Medicaid Certified Hospice Organization.

"In 2009, we completed two staff and volunteer training sessions as required by Medicare. We are also member of National Hospice and Pallitive Care Organization, Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and our local Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. In 2009, we served 145 patients and their families with an average length of stay of 85 says," Cich stated.

Cich said there is a need for end-of-life care in the community, especially because "we live among such a growing elderly population with a decline in our youth as family caregivers have moved out of the area."

She expressed her gratitude, love and respect for each of her employees who have truly displayed the same passion and ministry she felt when she served those who were dying.

"I am so very proud of our staff and can't help feel pride every time another family member or patient tells me how much they love the staff member who is caring for them. They have made Charity Hospice the success it has become in our community and have truly made a difference in the care of those who truly deserve compassion and love at this time in their lives," Cich said.

"We are currently looking for more volunteers to help us out in our mission. Volunteers can either do patient care, work in the office or help in any capacity with which they feel comfortable," Cich noted.

Another volunteer training session will be starting March 9. Charity Hospice has been called the "Hospice with the Heart" and follows its motto, which states, "Where charity and love prevail, there God is ever found."

Those interested in becoming a volunteer or serving can call the office at (740) 264-2280 or toll free at (866) 884-8008 and speak with Steve Seminara, director of volunteers.

Charity Hospice also will be sponsoring its first fundraiser this year, a spaghetti dinner from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 11 at Blessed Sacrament Church Hall. Monetary donations can be sent to P.O. Box 2483, Wintersville, OH.