HOSPICE SERVES CENTRAL INDIANA AREA

A simple goal guides the owners of Advocate Hospice as they care for patients.  Both Dwight Addison, CFO, and Linda Richardson, President, say “We want Advocate to make every day the best day it can be for our patients and their families.” 

Addison, Richardson and Greg Horton, a third partner, opened Advocate Hospice  after months of planning and an extensive licensing process.  Their focus is on educating the community about the benefits of hospice.  Addison said, “Many people are hesitant to learn about hospice because they don’t like to think about their own mortality or they may think it is about giving up”  Richardson added, “We tell them it’s about managing their symptoms so they can be as active as possible and live a functioning life for as long as they have left.” 

In addition to caring for patients, hospice offers support for family members during the illness and later through bereavement follow up after the loss of a loved one.

“Staff members experience the losses also, because of the bonding that occurs with their patients and families, but their desire and willingness to serve others is a driving force that keeps them going,” Richardson said.  

Advocate Hospice employs including nurses, chaplains, hospice aides/homemakers, therapists, social workers and a dietitian.  Advocate Hospice utilizes volunteers to act as companions and relieve caregivers who need some time away for a few hours. 

Advocate Hospice currently serves counties in the Central Indiana region with its current base of operation located in Danville, Indiana.   

Richardson said, “We love to go to work every day because we know what we are doing is helping others and ultimately that’s what really counts in this lifetime.”