Beginning in 1996, responsibility for fund development efforts to support services and programs of Hospice of Acadiana was placed in the hands of the Hospice Foundation of Acadiana.

Indigent Patient Fund

As a non-profit organization, Hospice of Acadiana was founded on the promise never to refuse care for any patient based on inability to pay. To fulfill that promise, Hospice of Acadiana established and maintains an indigent patient fund, from which the cost of extending care to patients without means can be paid. Support for that fund comes to the Foundation from the community, primarily in the form of foundation and corporate grants, private donations, memorial gifts, membership fees, and special events fundraising.

Non-Funded Services

In addition, gifts to the Foundation make it possible for Hospice of Acadiana to extend to patients many services that it deems essential but which are not reimbursed by Medicare or other forms of insurance and to develop new programs from which it receives no compensation. Prime example of such a program are Heart Prints, a service to children from birth to age 19 with a life-threatening condition and their families, and Improving Care, a case management approach of education and support for patients not eligible for hospice services.

 

The Hospice Foundation of Acadiana has identified several focus areas for funding. Donors may choose to designate their gifts for one of the following areas or may leave their donation unrestricted.

 

Indigent Patient Care. Patient services for persons not eligible for Medicare, not covered by private insurance, and having no other means of paying for hospice services. These services will include visits by physicians, registered nurses, home health aides, social workers, and chaplains and assistance with medications, medical supplies, and medical equipment. Hospice of Acadiana has prided itself to maintain it's commitment to never turn anyone away do to  inability to pay.

Bereavement program. Support for a program of individual and group counseling to surviving members of hospice families

Professional Education. To foster increased awareness and knowledge of hospice among physicians, nurses, social workers and other workers on health care and relates fields.

Patient/Family Education. Training on topics such as advanced medical directives, infection control, medication safety, nutrition, physical signs and symptoms, stress management, and caring for the caregiver.

Volunteer Programs. To provide continuing in-service education to hospice volunteers.

Heart Prints Program. Services for children from birth to age 19 with a life-threatening condition and their families.

Improving Care Programs. Provides a case management approach of education and support for patients not eligible for hospice services.

Camp Brave Hearts. Provides support for children who are faced with the challenges of grief thru a two-day summer camp.