Speaker: James Dismond, CEO
How has Hospice Care of the Lowcountry impacted the community over its 41 years?
James Dismond: Hospice Care of the Lowcountry has impacted the community for over 41 years. We have been the premier hospice care provider here since before the town of Hilton Head incorporated.
Heather Graham : I believe that Hospice Care of the Lowcountry has impacted the community by just being part of the community for the last 41 years. I mean, it's amazing to have so many people in the area know about us know about our programs that we're doing and just wonderful outreach that we have going on.
Sharonica Gavin: We operate off of our three core values. The first one being, it's not about dying. It's about living here at Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. The second being, you know, we are connected and committed to this community. And the third one here at Hospice Care of the Lowcountry is that our pursuit of excellence never ends. So the 1st 41 years were great, but we are excited for what's to come.
In the next 41 years, what growth/changes do you hope to see in hospice and palliative care? How will HCL grow?
James Dismond: Over the next few decades, we are going to be very intentional as an organization for serving the community better. We want to have a higher impact on our community as a whole, specifically paying attention to the service gaps that the health care industry has here in our area. We also want to make sure that we're striving for quality excellence and making sure we're providing the top quality care that everyone in our community deserves.
Chrissena Cohen : Hospice Care of the Lowcountry to pursue more individuals reach out to our minorities and locals in the area and also focus on growing our certifications and just being the best possible hospice and palliative care provider in the low country
Sharonica Gavin: We want to continue to be forward thinking and innovative to ensure that we are continuing to provide the core services that our community needs. One thing that we value here at hospice care of the low country is filling those gaps. One thing about it is that we are out and we're in the community. We want to ensure that our community knows who we are and that we're here to serve them at all given times. It's their right to choose a hospice and palliative care agency and it's our privilege to serve them.
Why is it important to have a month dedicated to raising awareness for Hospice and Palliative Care? How can people get involved?
Heather Graham : I think it's very important to have a month dedicated. It really um lets people know what we're doing. It, uh, still talks to the, the patients. It brings family in. It's just an important um element to add um to, to life really as we all age and, and go through this with family. It's just important to get the message out there and what we have to offer.
James Dismond: Each year, November is dedicated to hospice and palliative care. This is vital to hospice and palliative care organizations because of the stigmas that are associated to the care that we provide. Although everyone knows that hospice and palliative care is vital to the community, often it can be hard to talk about. So this year's theme is courageous conversations. We challenge everyone listening in our community to have a courageous conversation with your loved ones and your friends by knowing what their wishes are at the end of life or how or when end of life is approaching, it will help you better prepare and better plan for what they need in one of the most vital times in their lives.
What does Hospice Care mean to you?
Sharonica Gavin: What does hospice mean to me? Hospice means end of life, your way with individualized care, surrounded by a team of individuals who love you. Um and who are providing compassionate care. This just doesn't mean your family members but individuals who have now become a part of your family. And that means your hospice care team. Hospice is different for every individual. However, one thing about every member of a hospice care team is that they have that compassionate heart and they truly care.
James Dismond: But in March of 2023 of this year, hospice care took a whole new meaning as my mother passed away, receiving compassionate hospice care. So the new meaning for me is individualized care that my mother was able to choose and elect as her, right. So that her family had their resources in order to accept that she was at her end of life where she passed peacefully and pain free.
Chrissena Cohen : Hospice care means to me when I think of hospice care, I think of quality compassionate care. I think of community. I think of all the services inclusive that can help a patient and their loved ones at the end of life get through a difficult time.
Happy Hospice & Palliative Care Month from All of Us!
Hospice Care of the Lowcountry
James Dismond: It's Hospice and Palliative Care Month. And I'm so excited to be celebrating with our team and our community. We've been here for 41 years and we're excited for another 41 years. But this is a month to celebrate the services that are in our community and celebrate all the lives that have been honored service and will be on our service in the future. Know that hospice and palliative care services are here for you when and if you ever need it and we are just a phone call away. So happy hospice and palliative care month and be on the lookout for a lot of education on courageous conversations.
