Our History

Hospice of Homer was started in 1985 after Jean Hatfield, a community member, experienced the caring support of a hospice program in another part of the country. She decided that we needed the same level of care in the Homer area. To lay the groundwork for the program, Jean formed a committee of community members, many of whom had experienced firsthand the stress of caring for a terminally ill family member. The founders envisioned a personal, neighbor-helping-neighbor program. Today Hospice continues to live out that vision offering a coordinated program of non-medical, supportive care that encompasses the physical, psychological, social, spiritual and emotional needs of those facing life-threatening illness or the transition process of dying and extends this support to their loved ones.

The medical equipment loan program began in the late 1990s as an informal agreement between the South Peninsula Hospital and Hospice of Homer. SPH had been loaning their old and excess equipment, mostly beds and wheelchairs, to patients upon discharge. In an effort to streamline operations, the hospital donated the equipment to Hospice and referred discharging patients to our office. This informal agreement evolved into a contractual agreement between the two parties and has served the community well for over 20 years. Since the program’s inception Hospice has amassed a respectable collection of hospital beds, wheelchairs, equipment to aid in walking, knee scooters, bathroom assisting equipment, a variety of patient transfer devices, and many other pieces of useful equipment, all of which are carefully maintained by a dedicated volunteer and offered to clients free of charge.

In 2000, Hospice of Homer added the Volunteer Visitor and Phone Friends Program. This program provides services to the frail and isolated. Over time services have been added as the needs have arisen in the community. These services include but are not limited to prescription pick-up, grocery shopping and delivery, light housework, and outdoor chores for all seasons.

Hospice relies on community involvement and support. The Hospice Board of Directors oversees the management of the organization with volunteer members drawn from all parts of the community. There are three part-time paid staff persons coordinating direct client services, public outreach efforts, training of volunteers, the medical equipment loan program, support groups, fundraising efforts, grants, donations, and office administration. Trained volunteers provide the majority of direct care services. Hospice of Homer extends these services to the communities east of Homer, residents across Kachemak Bay including Halibut Cove and Seldovia, and the communities up the Kenai Peninsula as far as Ninilchik without charge to the individuals.