Lower Columbia
Hospice
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
“In the absence of a cure, care makes
all the difference.”
Most People know what kind of
health care they want at the end of life,
but few know that it is called hospice.
The vast majority of Americans say they
want to die at home in comfort and
dignity, but many are unaware that this
is the kind of death hospice can facilitate.
Despite its many advantages, more than
25 years after its introduction in this
country, hospice remains a mystery to
most Americans. Hospice encourages
referrals early on, so that the patient and
family may benefit from the compre-
hensive services that we provide.
The gift of hospice is its capacity to
help families see how much can be
shared at the end of life through
personal connections. Many families look back on their hospice experience with gratitude, as a time of unique connection and sharing.
Hospice is designed to help families make the most of this time together and to do everything possible to promote a peaceful dignified
death.
Hospice programs offer dying people medical care that emphasizes comfort, but hospice care extends beyond strictly medical
concerns. Using a team approach, hospice also provides emotional and spiritual support to address the needs of the whole family, the
dying patient and the grieving relatives. Most hospice care is provided at home unless that is not possible. When home care is not
feasible, hospice care is provided in nursing homes, foster homes and assisted living facilities.
Everyone facing terminal illness struggles to come to terms with death in his or her own way. For many families, few decisions are
more difficult than determining whether and when to invite hospice in. Recognizing this, hospice welcomes inquiries from families
who are unsure about their needs and preferences.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Hearts for Hospice: This event, held in November & December, allows community
members to purchase a beautiful handmade ornament in honor or memory of a loved
one. Ornaments are displayed in Christmas trees at Columbia Memorial Hospital with
the names of those being honored on them.
Race to the Bar: This fundraiser, held the Saturday after Labor Day each year, is a
5K/10K running/walking event that occurs on the beach at Fort Stevens. Participants
run or walk from the Peter Iredale toward the South Jetty (ie Columbia River “Bar”)
and back as a way of remembering loved ones who have passed away.
DONATIONS
Donations allow us to provide end of life care to all residents of Clatsop County
despite their financial situation. Donations can be mailed to Lower Columbia
Hospice at 2111 Exchange Street, Astoria, OR 97103
Lower Columbia Hospice
2111 Exchange Street
Astoria, OR 97103
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to provide compassionate
end of life care to those we serve.
Vision/Goals:
Our Vision is to:
• Recognize that individuals and families
are the true experts in their own care
• Support our staff so they can put our
patients and families first
• Find creative solutions which add
quality to life
• Strive for excellence beyond accepted
standards
• Increase the community's awareness of
hospice as part of the continuum of care.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mary Brown
2111 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103
503-338-6230
marybrown@columbiamemorial.org
VOLUNTEER
Hospice Volunteers are caring and
compassionate people who give from
their hearts to people in need. They offer
support to patients and their families
with visits providing presence and
companionship, listening, shopping,
housework and/or caregiver support.
Volunteers also assist in the hospice
office to provide in-direct patient
support.
SPONSORED BY:
Del’s OK Tire Point S
Tire & Auto Service
GIVING BACK 2017-18 • 39