Hospice House
Humble Beginnings
The story of the Foundation begins in a most humbling way. When local Hammond businessman Richard Murphy was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1982, he wanted to live his remaining days in the familiar surroundings and comfort of his home. Since the area did not have a bona fide hospice provider, Richard’s family, friends and medical team learned about hospice care and established the first hospice network in Hammond, Louisiana. Following Richard Murphy’s death, and the exposure it created for hospice care, the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation was established to create a funding mechanism for families of the terminally ill who wanted hospice care, but did not have the insurance or funds for hospice care.
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What Keeps Us Going
The Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of community and business leaders who have been touched by hospice care for their family members or friends. Today, the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation has grown to be one of the largest non-profit foundations in Southeast Louisiana. Each year through its fundraising efforts, the Foundation provides funding for hospice care for terminally ill patients who do not have the means to pay. It is the mission of the organization to ensure that everyone who has a desire for hospice care will receive the care they deserve during their final days.
Dear Resident and Family
We know that there is no place like home, and we try to make the Richard Murphy Hospice House feel as much like home to you, your family, and your friends. We are the state’s first independent hospice house. We are not owned or operated by any hospital or facility. Although, Hospice Services will be provide from a certified approved Hospice Agency. We are a three bed facility. We have a trained sitter caring for the residents 24 hours a day. A Registered nurse is on call 24 hours a day.
There will be no fee charged for residency or charges made to your insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. We operate off of donations, fund raising efforts, and memorial donations alone.
Quality of Life
Each resident will have their own private suite and bathroom. Each suite is beautiful decorated, but we do encourage you to bring items from home to make your suite feel more familiar and comfortable. Each suite is equipped with a TV, cable and a telephone. Each room has a thermostat to control the temperature in that suite. We want to bring each resident a sense of comfort and control in their daily care.
Admission
Upon admission you will need to bring:
Clothing, night clothing, necessary under garments, socks, and slipper or shoes if needed.
Personal toiletries. Example toothbrush, paste, shampoo, razors, lotion, hairbrush, etc…
Any additional home medical equipment that you are currently using.
Any medications and over-the-counter medications currently being used.
Pictures and personal items to place in your room to make you feel more at home.
Favorite pillows or blankets that make you feel more comfortable. This is not necessary.
Favorite foods or drinks. A small refrigerator is provided in each suite. We do have food donated, but it always nice to have your favorites present.
If you are a smoker, you will need to supply your own cigarettes. You will only be able to smoke on the back patio. There will be No Smoking inside of the house. There is a curfew from 11pm to 5am where no one is permitted outside.
Alcohol is permitted if approved, and must be provided by the resident or family.
Please DO NOT bring more than $20.00 or expensive jewelry. If it is necessary to bring more money than $20, it will be locked in the Director’s office and signed in and out as needed.
Family Support
Family members and friends will be welcome and encouraged to spend as much time with the resident as they are able. Remember the residents will usually require more sleep than normal, and visitation times should be limited. Visitation hours are 7 days a week from 8am to 9pm. We ask that each guest sign in as they enter the house. Please coordinate visitation times so that there is not a large amount of people at one time visiting the resident. This can be overwhelming to the resident.
Comfortable accommodations in the resident’s room will be available for an overnight guest, ONLY if necessary. The family needs to get their rest as well.
Thank you, Donna, Jodee, and Staff