Q&A
What is the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation?
The Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to raising hospice awareness, as well as funds for hospice patient care. The funding that the Foundation secures pays certified hospice providers to care for terminally ill patients in either their home or in the Richard Murphy Hospice House. Because of the generosity of volunteers and the community at large, less than 10% of funds raised are spent on administrative or operational expenses. Recipients of Richard Murphy funds and ancillary services are typically uninsured or otherwise have no ability to pay for this care themselves. The Mission of the Foundation is to ensure that no terminally ill patient, regardless of their ability to pay, is refused full hospice care services.
Why do we need a Hospice House?
Many terminally ill patients are without a primary caregiver or are at risk in their current home environment. Ordinarily, these patients would be unable to reap the benefits of a full hospice care program. The Richard Murphy Hospice House provides a safe and comfortable home to these people in their final days.
Where is the Richard Murphy Hospice House?
Hospice House is located at 1109 South Chestnut Street on the edge of beautiful and historic downtown Hammond, Louisiana. The land upon which the House is located was generously donated by a Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation benefactor.
What services does the Richard Murphy Hospice House offer?
- 24-hour Visitation
- 3 private suites with bathroom
- Kitchen
- Dining room
- Family room
- Meditation garden
- Pet visitation
- Management by registered nurse
- Volunteers
Who provides hospice services in the house?
Hospice care and services are provided by licensed and certified hospice providers, specially trained volunteers, and, when possible, family members of the patient.
Where does the funding for the house come from?
The Hospice House was built and receives operating money through the fundraising efforts of the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation. The Foundation has established a fund for home maintenance and continues to develop programs to raise money for the Hospice House and hospice care. Events such as the annual Hospice gala, memorial gifts, planned giving, community donated cash and services, and volunteers are all vehicles used to ensure the perpetuity of the house.
How is the House managed?
A registered nurse is available at all times in order to efficiently manage the day-to-day operations of Hospice House. This manager coordinates all operations of the home including scheduling sitters, aides, volunteers, housekeeping and gardening.
What service area does the Hospice House cover?
As long as a patient has been admitted to a Certified Hospice Provider, meets the admissions criteria for Hospice House, and there is space available, the patient can be admitted.
Who is the governing body of the House?
The Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation’s Board of Directors is the ultimate governing body of the House. Policy and maintenance issues are directed by a House “committee” made up of members of the Board and other local community leaders.
How are volunteers selected and trained?
The Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation and North Oaks Health System have developed a volunteer drive and training program. Volunteers for the House are selected from this pool.
What is the fee for residency in the Richard Murphy Hospice House?
If a patient is admitted to a Certified Hospice Provider and they meet the criteria for admission into the Hospice House—there is absolutely no fee or charge assessed for residency.