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.
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 symptoms
- Has had repeated hospitalizations or emergency room visits
- Is finding it increasingly difficult to manage their illness at home
- Is overwhelmed by medications, appointments or decisions about care
- Has family members or caregivers who need additional support
- Could 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.