Hospice Of Dubuque

Hospice of Dubuque History In 1981, a group of volunteers saw a need for specialized end-of-life care in the community and began organizing a new nonprofit organization, Hospice of Dubuque. In May of 1983, Hospice of Dubuque began serving the Dubuque County terminally ill and their caregivers. Volunteers provided care until the first staff member was hired in 1987. Medicare and Medicaid certification was attained in 1990 and care by the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team was fully developed. Hospice of Dubuque continued to respond to the needs of the greater Dubuque community by becoming licensed to serve families in Illinois in 1995, followed by Wisconsin licensure in 1997. Currently a staff of approximately 70 members serves clients in the tri-state area. Throughout Hospice of Dubuque’s history, the number of families served each year has increased. In addition to the organization’s growth, Hospice of Dubuque’s responsiveness may also be measured by its high referral conversion rate. Ninety-four percent (94%) of the patients referred to Hospice of Dubuque are admitted into the program, thus, comparing quite favorably to the referral conversion rates of 80% nationally and 81% in the state of Iowa. Hospice of Dubuque’s care, when measured by national benchmark data, exceeds both the state and national levels. Hospice Philosophy Hospice affirms life and recognizes dying as a part of the process of living. Hospice exists to provide support and care for persons with a life-limiting diagnosis so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. Hospice exists in the hope and belief that through appropriate care and the promotion of a caring community sensitive to their needs, patients and their families will be helped through the process of dying and grieving.