Introduction
You may not be able to choose when you die, but you are able to decide how you want to live.
- National Hospice Organization, Caring Connections

Hospice is a key end-of-life service that surveys continue to show people know little about even though last year hospice helped over one million Americans live their last months and weeks with dignity, comfort, and compassion. Hospice interdisciplinary teams of health care professionals and trained volunteers provide pain management, symptom control, emotional and social support, and spiritual care for patients-and their families-coping with life-limiting illness. The hospice team considers the needs of the entire family and offers a support system to help people live as actively as possible until death and provides bereavement/counseling to family members before and after.

Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine both represent a set of services that we may all need one day - if not for ourselves, for someone we love. We would like to take this opportunity to share with you the exciting vision we have for hospice and palliative care, why our current hospice project needs your help and how your gift can make a significant impact.

Project Vision

The Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice (SSR Hospice Center) project is not about dying, it is about living with respect and dignity, and without pain. It is about living life to its fullest, including the final stages and moments after we are diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness. For the SSR Hospice Center, it is about receiving comfort and care when a cure is no longer possible, or symptoms and pain will need to be managed for an extensive period of time. It means surrounding yourself and your loved ones with medical, emotional, and spiritual support.

There will be an intentional atmosphere and culture in our Hospice facility, one of peace and spirituality. The concern shown for each patient by every member of our staff will be different…there will be fewer layers of distraction between the staff and patients. There will be an unspoken understanding and the goal of care will be clearly understood, as our responsibility is to be responsive to the needs of our patients and their families.

For the staff who will provide hospice and palliative care, they are carrying out more than just a job - it is their passion and mission. And, each one of them will value the special privilege to care for each patient. Hospice is a true picture of our desire to care for life. SSR is not just about a new building or finances; we are about caring for ALL people who come to us in need.

A residential hospice home and palliative care program for Sheboygan County residents would be the answer to so many prayers. Families with loved ones would appreciate nothing more than a warm, inviting residence in a country setting overlooking the Mullet River where they could create lasting memories and say good-bye to loved ones.

Our vision of hospice care includes:


· A bright and cheery home like setting with the serenity of gardens and walking pathways
· Quality medical care and professional staff
· Pain and symptom relief
· Emotional and spiritual support
· Bereavement services for family members

The new 30,000 square foot residential hospice & palliative care home provides 18 patient rooms, (20 resident beds) with associated patient/family support spaces, hospice care staff offices and a community/staff education conference room in one convenient location.