November is National Home Care and Hospice Month

Augusta, ME, November 03, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Around the nation, more than 11 million Americans each year benefit from the work of home care and hospice caregivers, who are receiving special recognition this month, National Home Care and Hospice Month.

Throughout November, the Home Care & Hospice Alliance of Maine is highlighting the benefits of home care and hospice and the opportunities that lie ahead to increase access to care while reducing unnecessary costs. “Providing home care and hospice services in the home promotes patient dignity and independence, and supports the patient’s quality of life,” said Vicki Purgavie, executive director of the Home Care & Hospice Alliance of Maine.

Today, the combined need for continued acute care services with an expanding need to provide end-of-life care and care for those with chronic illnesses, places significant burdens on already stressed health care system. Clearly, the future of our health care system relies upon home care and hospice, which combine quality of care, compassion and cost effectiveness.

In addition, home care and hospice agencies throughout the state are saluting the professionals and volunteers who are dedicated to providing physical, spiritual and emotional support to patients, and raising public awareness about the value of home care and hospice.

In honor of the caregivers in Maine, the Home Care & Hospice Alliance of Maine and the Maine Hospice Council have joined together to host the Annual Blaine House Tea on Wednesday, November 7th to honor professionals and volunteers for their compassion and dedication to providing exceptional home care and hospice services for patients across the state. Providing welcoming remarks at the event will be First Lady Ann LePage, who will also be presenting the Governor’s proclamation declaring November as National Home Care and Hospice Month.

About the Alliance
The Home Care & Hospice Alliance of Maine (Alliance) is a nonprofit organization that represents the providers of home care and hospice services throughout the State of Maine. The Alliance advocates for the provision of in-home services to those who are infirm, chronically ill, disabled, and terminally ill. Along with its advocacy, the Alliance provides information to help its members provide the highest quality of care and is committed to excellence in every respect. To learn more about the Alliance, visit www.homecarealliance.org.