Relief Fund Established For Hospice Patients And Families Affected By Southern California Fires

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 02 Nov 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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The California Hospice Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, established the California Hospice Families Relief Fund to ease the extra financial burden of the Southern California fires on people who are receiving hospice services in fire-affected areas. Among the thousands of people displaced by the fires were hundreds of people facing a terminal illness, along with their family caregivers.

According to Laura Miller, past chair of the California Hospice Foundation and president and CEO of The Elizabeth Hospice, which serves some of the hardest hit areas in North San Diego County, "These families are in the midst of one of the most emotionally difficult periods possible - the impending loss of a mother, father, spouse or other family member. In the aftermath of the fire, they are urgently trying to restore a sense of normalcy, for their loved one's comfort. They were already facing special expenses but now face new financial pressure."

Tax deductible donations made out to California Hospice Families Relief Fund may be sent in care of the California Hospice Foundation, 3841 North Freeway Boulevard, Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834, where a restricted fund has been established for this purpose. The California Hospice Foundation will cover all administrative costs so that 100 percent of donated funds will be used for the direct benefit of hospice patients and their families. Those who wish to help may also contribute directly to a hospice of their choice in areas affected by the wildfires.

Families of hospice patients who wish to apply for funds may download an application from the California Hospice Foundation website.

As the fires grew nearer, caregiver families packed up critical short-term supplies such as medicines and portable oxygen, and relocated to relatives' or friends' homes, healthcare institutions or an evacuation center. To provide as much comfort as possible at the end of life, most hope to return quickly to homes that were spared. In many cases, these homes will have to be professionally cleaned to remove smoke residue that is particularly challenging for these frail patients.

Other families incurred unexpected expenses associated with medical transportation service for their loved one. While skilled nursing facilities and hospitals have access to state and federal funds to evacuate patients, families may have had to hire medical transportation to relocate someone receiving hospice care.

Under the auspices of the California Hospice Foundation, a three-person committee comprised of hospice leaders from outside of the affected fire areas will review applications for legitimacy, and determine the appropriate level of financial relief.

The California Hospice Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation dedicated to improving access to quality hospice and palliative care services through education and public awareness. Hospice is a form of health care provided to people who are confronting a serious illness when cure is no longer a reasonable goal. It includes all of the services needed to manage someone's symptoms and complications. By providing pain and symptom management, and emotional and spiritual support for the whole family, hospice helps people to be comfortable and retain their dignity at the end of life.

http://www.hospicefoundation.info/