Hospice of Wake County and their Benevolent Care Program Help Patients and Families In Triangle

RALEIGH, NC, September 14, 2012 (Press-News.org) Hospice of Wake County's philosophy says it all. "Every individual deserves the quality of life that he or she wants near life's end. Although we receive reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, no family is ever denied care due to lack of payor source."

One of the many programs that Hospice of Wake County has is the Benevolent Care Program. As a non-profit organization, Hospice of Wake County was founded on the promise never to refuse care for any patient based on inability to pay. To fulfill that promise, Hospice of Wake County established and maintains the Benevolent Care fund from which the cost of extending care to patients without means can be paid.

"We frequently receive referrals on terminally ill people who, for a variety of reasons, have no health insurance coverage and limited or no ability to pay for services," said Jacque Grady, a social worker at Hospice of Wake County. "It is gratifying to explain to a patient and his/her family who may have struggled to access health care in the past that they will be able to receive hospice care and services without worrying about whether or not they can afford them. The relief they express and demonstrate is enormous and humbling," said Grady. "I recently spoke with a gentleman from a Latin American country who told me that only the wealthy in his country are able to receive hospice care. I am proud to work for an organization committed to providing comprehensive hospice care to all eligible people regardless of insurance status and ability to pay. And I am grateful for the generosity of this community for funding our Benevolent Care Program."

This year's 11th anniversary Big Bad Ball supports the compassionate services of Hospice of Wake County, which includes Benevolent Care Program. The 2012 Sophisticated Soiree will be held Saturday, September 29th from 7p.m. - 1a.m. at Raleigh's Capital City Club.

The gala raised more than $100,000 in 2011 for the Benevolent Care Program. The funds raised translate to 667 days of care to patients without means. Since 2001, more than $1 million has been raised through the Big Bad Ball.

Hospice of Wake County's campus is located in Raleigh and serves patients in Wake, Durham, Johnston, Franklin and Harnett counties. The William M. Dunlap Center for Caring (Hospice Home) provides care for patients and families when remaining at home is no longer a reasonable option. The Hospice Home offers two levels of care; hospice general inpatient care and residential hospice care. The professional staff includes physicians, spiritual care counselors, bereavement counselors, nurses, nursing assistants, clinical counselors, social workers and trained volunteers. The staff and volunteers provide expert medical care and supportive services to more than 1,500 families each year.

Mari Pitcher, Director at Hospice of Wake County says that she is always surprised by the response she receives when telling people she works for Hospice. Many people ask "How can you do that, isn't it hard?" Mari responds, "I see hospice work as a privilege, a privilege to walk with individuals and their families, at a very difficult, yet beautiful time in their journey. Each day, you get to see the strength, beauty and resilience of the human soul. You meet people who you never would have met and they teach you so very much; they teach you about love and laughter, about giving and receiving and about how to live."

Support groups, educational programs, memorial services and short term counseling services are available to any member of the community as well as to families served by hospice care teams. For more information please visit http://www.hospiceofwake.org.

About Hospice of Wake County
Your community hospice since 1979, Hospice of Wake County provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care to those living with advanced illness, their caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one, regardless of age, race, religion, or financial circumstances. Service areas include Wake, Durham, Johnston, Franklin and Harnett counties. Guided by community-based boards of directors and trustees, and supported by a dedicated professional staff, Hospice of Wake County provides compassionate hospice care allowing patients to enjoy their lives to the fullest. For more information, call 919.828.0890 or visit http://www.hospiceofwake.org.

About the Big Bad Ball
Presented by The Capital City Club's Young Executives, the Big Bad Ball is an annual black-tie gala benefitting Hospice of Wake County. The events raises funds to support Hospice of Wake County's Benevolent Care Program and Horizon's Grief Center, providing necessary end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families. To learn more about the Big Bad Ball, please visit http://www.bigbadball.com or call Hospice of Wake County at 919.828.0890.