About Us & History

Our Mission

Hospice of the Upstate provides compassionate, quality care to seriously ill and terminally ill patients and their families, while offering leadership and community education for end of life.

We were founded by community leaders to serve a community need.

Hospice of the Upstate has been caring for terminally ill patients and their families since 1988. Our priority is to provide the highest quality end-of-life care and to do that regardless of ability to pay.

We provide hospice home care services in 7 counties; Anderson, Pickens, Oconee, Greenville, Abbeville, Spartanburg and Laurens and our Rainey Hospice House is located in Anderson, right off of Interstate 85. Each year, we are honored to care for nearly 1,000 patients and their families annually and grief support services for more than 600 adults and children in Upstate South Carolina.

Our work goes far beyond the numbers. The heart of Hospice of the Upstate is the love, compassion, and personalized service we bring to every patient and family in our care.

Counties in South Carolina we service

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Patients we care for each year

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People we provide grief support services for

Our Core Values

Quality Time

Because our patients and their families come first, we are committed to providing excellent care. Spending quality time with patients will always be a priority.

Compassionate Care

We will preserve the spirit of compassionate care, which is our foundation, in the face of change.

Integrity

Integrity will continue to guide our actions.

Care for Our Staff

We care about our staff, their health, happiness, development and their future. We are committed to a free and open exchange of ideas in a culture of trust.

Stewards of Resources

We will be good stewards of our resources while striving to fulfill our mission.

Community

We are rooted in our community as a resource, and we value our responsibility to give back to those around us.

Brief Overview of Our History

During the fall of 1987, a small group of visionary leaders began work on starting a hospice program for our community. Having experienced the whole-person care given to family members in hospice elsewhere, they spoke with physicians, clergy, and anyone else who would listen to decide how to proceed. Following is a summary of the milestones that moved their dream into reality.

1988

Hospice of Anderson founded as a non-profit for the benefit of the community.

1990

First Remembrance Service held in celebration of the lives of loved ones. Long range plans for a Hospice House begin.

1994

Name changed to Hospice of the Upstate, Inc. to better reflect our coverage area. 1st annual Camp Sunburst children’s bereavement camp was held in the spring.

1995

Hospice Medicaid Benefit was initiated in South Carolina.

1998

The Callie & John Rainey Hospice House was completed. On July 26, the first patient was admitted.

2002

The Rainey Hospice House Palmetto Wing was completed, bringing our total patient capacity to 32.

2003

Volunteers from faith communities joined Hospice of the Upstate to form “Faith in Action,” which helps spread the word about what hospice care is and the opportunities for volunteering at Hospice of the Upstate.

2005

Rose Dining Hall completed, providing for meals and family gathering space. The “Wall of Continuing Life” is installed in the Rainey Hospice House – a woodland scene that grows over time as families add flowers, animals, and birds to the mural.

2006

Randall E. Sadler Bereavement and Education Center opened to provide critically needed space for Community Education on End-of-Life issues and Bereavement. Church, community, and school volunteers construct the Outdoor Chapel in the Woods, which provides a quiet space for worship and reflection. First “Sounds of Peace” annual bell fired, celebrated at the Memorial Tree Lighting in Rose Hall

2007

Friends of Hospice of the Upstate give the Rainey House Meditation Gardens and Barbara Craft Garden, which provide seasonal beauty and a relaxing environment.

2008

20th Anniversary Celebration, celebrating care for over 1100 patients! New volunteer programs begin, including Ambassadors and 11th Hour Volunteers

2009

CareAnyware implemented, with electronic medical records that provide a tool for quick response to patient needs. First “Wings of Hope” butterfly and dove release in May.

2012

Renewal at the Rainey House completed. Pet Peace of Mind grant provides financial help, volunteer care, and fostering families to care for patients’ pets.

2013

25th Anniversary Celebration, including ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Renewal at the Rainey House.