Hospice of the Sacred Heart recently received a grant for $5,000 from the Scranton Area Community Foundation to support the Live Alone Program. This program makes it possible for patients, especially elderly patients living alone, to maintain their independence while receiving hospice services in their home. The program is specifically designed for patients who do not have an available, primary caregiver.

 

Upon admission, the hospice staff develop a plan to care for patients living alone, including the coordination of regular meals,shopping or transportation, as required. Participants in this program are given medical alert systems, ensuring prompt emergency help and a door lock box enabling hospice staff to gain entrance to a patient’s home at all times. As none of this equipment can be deemed medical in nature, the expenses are paid for by the hospice, not the patient’s insurance payor source. The grant was funded in 2019.

 

“This generous grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation will go a long way to ensure the safety and security of our patients living alone. It funds a mission-driven program that helps in our effort to better meet the needs of these often marginalized patients,” said Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

 

The mission of Hospice of the Sacred Heart is to provide comfort, care, hope and choice to patients and their families, while guiding them through their end of life journey.

Photo caption left to right: Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation, Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart and Cathy Fitzpatrick, Grant and Scholarship Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation