Hospice of Humboldt. | Submitted.
Press release from Hospice of Humboldt:
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the community, Hospice of
Humboldt has successfully raised the funds needed to expand its Home-Based Palliative Care
program, allowing more people living with serious illness to receive specialized care and support
where they are most comfortable, at home. [Editor’s note: it currently serves around 75 patients, and the hospice is hoping to double that next year.]
Hospice of Humboldt launched Home-Based Palliative Care in 2022 after recognizing a
significant gap in care for people who were seriously ill but not yet ready or eligible for hospice.
Demand has grown steadily since then, at times resulting in a waiting list for services.
“Four years ago, we started this program because we saw people in our community struggling
through serious illness and knew there was more we could do to support them,” said Karen
Ayres, Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Director of Palliative Care at Hospice of Humboldt. “Now,
because our community stepped up to help us grow, we will be able to reach more people and
families who need this kind of support.”
Home-Based Palliative Care is not hospice care. It is specialized medical care for people living
with serious or complex illness and can be provided while a person continues treatment for their
illness.
The Palliative Care team visits patients where they live, helping manage symptoms, coordinate
care, understand treatment options and goals, and provide emotional and practical support to
patients and their families.
When should you call?
We encourage people to reach out if they or someone they love is living with a serious illness
and:
Is struggling with pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea or other difficult symptomsHas had repeated hospitalizations or emergency room visitsIs finding it increasingly difficult to manage their illness at homeIs overwhelmed by medications, appointments or decisions about careHas family members or caregivers who need additional supportCould benefit from an extra layer of care and guidance while continuing treatment
You do not need a referral to call Hospice of Humboldt. And you do not have to wait until
someone is ready for hospice.
Anyone can call directly to ask questions and learn whether Home-Based Palliative Care may be
able to help. A physician or other health care provider can also make a referral, but a referral is
not required to start the conversation.
“If you’re wondering whether palliative care might help you or someone you love, call us,”
Ayres said. “You don’t have to know exactly what kind of care you need. We’re happy to answer
questions, learn more about what is happening and help determine what support may be
available.”
The expansion is possible because of donors, foundations, businesses and community partners
who contributed to Hospice of Humboldt’s campaign to increase the capacity of its Home-Based
Palliative Care program.
“This community saw the need and responded,” said Tia Baratelle, Director of Development at
Hospice of Humboldt. “Their generosity means more of our neighbors facing serious illness will
have someone walking alongside them, helping them feel better, understand their options and
remain at home whenever possible. We are incredibly grateful.”
If you or someone you love is living with a serious illness, you can call Hospice of Humboldt
directly at (707) 445-8443. No referral is needed to reach out and ask questions. You can
also learn more at hospiceofhumboldt.org.
About Hospice of Humboldt
Hospice of Humboldt is an independent, nonprofit organization providing hospice care, home-
based palliative care and grief support to the North Coast community. Since 1979, Hospice of
Humboldt has been committed to providing heartfelt care and support to people facing serious
illness, the end of life and grief.