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For some time now, the services offered by Rockbridge Area Hospice haven’t been just for those facing the end of their lives, and their families.
Staff members have been helping those with serious illnesses receiving medical treatment. RAH has also been providing professional grief counseling for anyone in the community.
In recognition of its evolving mission, the health care organization is changing its name to ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice.
The organization will welcome the new phase in its decades- long history of service with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. on Feb. 22, at its Myers Street home.
For nearly 40 years, the local nonprofit has served Buena Vista, Lexington and surrounding communities with nationally recognized local hospice care. ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ has become the well-known tagline, and will continue to be its model of supporting those with declining health.
“In the past several years, we have provided hospice services, plus more,” explained Tasha Walsh, CEO. “We needed a name that better represents all of what we provide and all the ways we can help – even if someone isn’t ready or does not want hospice care.”
The recent rebranding comes as a result of a community needs assessment, an increased demand for greater access to serious-illness care and a growing need for services not covered under the hospice benefit.
“We’re no longer just hospice,” explained Kim Connolly, board president, “We’re still that, plus more.” ConnectionsPlus remains the same local nonprofit that the community has trusted since 1984, run by the same volunteer board of directors. Known for providing a specialized integrated care team and receiving Medicare’s highest hospice rankings for patient and family satisfaction, the organization will continue to offer homebased hospice support allowing patients and families to focus on quality of life.
Services provided by ConnectionsPlus continue to be offered at little to no cost to the patient and extend past professional health care at home. Services may include home delivery of medication and supplies, patient and family advocacy, an integrated care team and practical support from experienced local volunteers.
“Connections Plus also cares for seriously ill patients receiving medical treatment, and this can continue for years,” Connolly explained. “This is something we have been doing for several years, but our name did not reflect that, and some families were resistant because they were not ready for hospice care and could not get past the name.
“In this program, patients dealing with a serious illness and their families receive home focused treatment, resources, and practical help,” Connolly continued. “We have found that those who receive our integrated services have fewer visits to the emergency room.”
In addition, the new name reflects the ways the organization goes beyond just medical care, but offers comfort care and support from nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers to help sustain quality of life, said Connolly. Professional grief counseling, whether one-on-one or through support groups, is also offered, not just for patients and families, but for the local community.
“While the ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice name is new, we’ve always focused on connecting with our patients and families and helping them enjoy life for as long as possible,” continued Walsh, “that will not change.”
The organization’s Lexington office at 315 Myers Street and phone number (540) 463-1848, will remain the same. The website is now ConnectionsPlus. care.
