Hospice provides families with a different kind of hope
This is the hope that Hospice of the Upstate provides as we serve terminally ill people of all ages, with all types of progressive diseases—from heart, lung, kidney, vascular and neurological diseases to AIDS and Alzheimer’s.
As a not-for-profit, community-based organization with a 31 bed in-patient facility, our vast array of services allow us to stand out from other hospices.
Hospice of the Upstate has been caring for terminally ill patients and their families since 1988. Our first priority is to provide the highest quality end-of-life care and to do that regardless of ability to pay. We were founded by community leaders to serve a community need. Today, Hospice of the Upstate serves over 1000 families each year in Upstate South Carolina through our homecare program and at the Rainey Hospice House.
Our Mission
Hospice of the Upstate provides compassionate, quality care to terminally ill patients and their families, while offering leadership and community education for end of life.
How Do We Reach Our Mission?
Hospice emphasizes palliative rather than curative treatment, choosing quality rather than quantity of life. Support is offered through a personalized plan of care to ease the many different types of pain facing patients and families during such a difficult period of time.
Under a personalized plan of care, our professional team provides medicines, medical equipment, and education for families, as well as help with managing pain and other symptoms. Our aides also assist with personal hygiene and light housekeeping. Social workers support the family in problem resolution and planning, and our bereavement counselor provides family grief counseling. Trained volunteers provide emotional support, take care of errands, and allow caregivers some much needed time for themselves. Emotional, spiritual and practical support is given based upon the patient’s family needs.
Our Core Values
- 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.
- We will preserve the spirit of compassionate care, which is our foundation, in the face of change.
- Integrity will continue to guide our actions.
- 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.
- We will be good stewards of our resources while striving to fulfille our mission.
- We are rooted in our community as a resource, and we value our responsibility to give back to those around us.
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
Long range plans for a Hospice House begin.
1994
1st annual Camp Sunburst children’s bereavement camp was held in the spring.
1995
1998
2002
The Rainey Hospice House Palmetto Wing was completed, bringing our total patient capacity to 32.2003
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 fake rolex and a relaxing environment.2008
New volunteer programs begin, including Ambassadors and 11th Hour Volunteers
2009
First “Wings of Hope” butterfly and dove release in May.
2012
Pet Peace of Mind grant provides financial help, volunteer care, and fostering families to care for patients’ pets.
2013
Partners
- Prisma Health (Greenville, Easley, Oconee, & Laurens)
- AnMed Health (Anderson & Pickens)
- Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Assisted Living Facilities
Associations
- Lance Armstrong Foundation
- NAIPC
- Curriculum for Congregations
- Hospice Foundation of America
- Anderson Chamber of Commerce
- Greenville Chamber of Commerce
Licensing
- Medicare License # 42-1506
- SC Inpatient License # HPF 0001
- SC Home Hospice License # HPC 0017