On Tuesday, July 29, 2008, at 10 a.m., Hospice of Southern Kentucky celebrates the opening of its new facility with a ribbon cutting and open house.

The Hospice Center will be an alternative setting available when patients have intense pain or symptom management needs that family caregivers are unable to provide for at home. The Center will also provide respite for caregivers who need a break. Additionally, the Center will serve families who need a brief transition period after hospitalization to prepare the patient for return to their home environment for hospice services.

The Center will provide professional care 24/7 in a home-like environment with privacy and comfort, and will be ready to receive its first patients on August 1. Currently the Hospice serves patients in their homes in Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Simpson and Warren Counties. Hospice also provides care in local hospitals and nursing homes.

The 16,000 square foot facility is located on the seven acre property of Hospice of Southern Kentucky, behind their office on Scottsville Road in Bowling Green. The Hospice Center provides 10 private patient suites each with private bathroom and patio and outfitted with a couch and recliner specifically for family members to be able to visit and room-in with the patient. The facility also provides a children's play area and lounge as well as nurse and physician stations, a meditation room and a family conference area.

“I am very excited to be able to help and provide inpatient hospice care in the Bowling Green area,” said Yolanda Hensley, Hospice Center Director of Clinical Services. “Hospice patients are the most rewarding patients I have ever cared for, as they share their priceless words of wisdom. Hospice staff are some of the most compassionate healthcare workers in the field of medicine.”

Hospice of Southern Kentucky is a private, non-profit United Way Agency. Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, VA and most private health insurance plans. However, service is provided to those who meet admission guidelines regardless of their ability to pay.

Hospice care addresses the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the patient, with a team of physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, volunteers and a chaplain working together toward providing the special kind of support and care that eases the loneliness and fear of death. Hospice also provides ongoing bereavement services for the family for the year following death. For further information on hospice services please call Hospice of Southern Kentucky at 800-344-9479.