A compassionate hospice team that’s experienced and trained for end-of-life care is vital for caregivers and patients, including education, training, and medical and emotional support. But what about the needs that aren’t covered by insurance, like transportation, utility bill assistance, emergency household goods and food, or counseling for those requiring financial assistance? That’s where the Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation comes in, offering hope and resources for families in need.

Mission and Vision

Founded in 2008, the Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation was created to honor those nearing the end of life through greater care, greater education, and a commitment to celebrate life! The Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for those with life-limiting conditions and those nearing the end of life. This mission is carried out by: 

  • Educating healthcare professionals and community members.
  • Providing support to those with critical unmet needs, including Veterans, patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and those facing financial hardship.

Based in Plano, Texas, the Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation provides support where Heart to Heart Hospice serves patients, families, and communities. The Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Heart to Heart Hospice and overseen by the company leadership and board of trustees. From charity events to healthcare scholarships to unique programs for Veterans and Alzheimer’s patients, the Foundation educates the community at large and provides family support and services. 

Foundation Programs

How does the Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation help change lives? Through financial resources and partnerships, Heart to Heart Hospice staff, volunteers, generous donors, and families help make the following programs a reality. 

Patient and Family Need Program — Not all needs are covered by insurance or Medicare. Non-medical expenses and stress can pile up, and families that financially qualify can seek the Foundation’s assistance to:

  • Pay for a utility bill, home or auto repair, groceries, or hygiene needs
  • Assist with bereavement and grief counseling services
  • Provide travel expenses to reunite family and friends

Veterans Care Program — Honoring our Veterans is a privilege, and many have unique end-of-life needs. Working closely with veterans hospitals and organizations, the Foundation can provide:

  • Emergency financial support, transportation, and critical unmet needs
  • Wounded veteran support
  • Legacy and honoring programs

Education — Many families wait too long to take advantage of hospice services, they don’t understand the financial structure, or they’re afraid of the finality of the word “hospice.” Education, then, is vital to show how hospice helps alleviate the burden of caring for someone with life-limiting illnesses and a life expectancy of six months or less. Education is provided for the community, health care professionals, caregivers, patients, and family members. This is achieved through:

  • Endowed scholarships at universities in Hospice and Palliative Care
  • Continuing education for health care professionals
  • Caregiver support and education programs
  • Bereavement education
  • Training for direct care workers at their job sites
  • Educational programs in local ministries for patients and family members

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support — Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia often creates an added layer of stress with unpredictable symptoms. As the top primary diagnosis for patients receiving Medicare hospice benefits, caregivers report 40% higher cases of depression, and 60% have high levels of stress. The Foundation can help caregivers through:

  • Critical needs grants for qualifying patients/family members
  • Providing caregiver support programs 
  • Offering community education through partnerships and programs for Alzheimer’s and dementia
  • Continuing education for health care professionals

Cancer and Cardiovascular Related Illnesses Support — Cancer and heart-related terminal illness are two of the top primary diagnoses for Medicare hospice patients. With an aging population and screening risks for ages 75 and older, cancer in older patients is often discovered at a more advanced stage. Coupled with other physical frailty and cognitive issues, the burden of caregiving is heavy. The Foundation helps provide:

  • Respite care and adult day program grants
  • Bereavement program grants
  • Critical needs grants for qualifying patients/family members
  • Caregiver support and community education programs
  • Continuing education for health care professionals

How to Donate

Many hospice families, like the Mowreys, give back to honor the loved ones they’ve lost. The Mowreys’ son, Justin, lost his battle with cancer after a years-long battle. Read their heartwarming story here. They donated to the Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation to help encourage other families during their difficult hospice journeys. 

You can change lives by making a tax-deductible donation to the Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation online or call 1 (855) 432-7826 to set up a recurring gift. You can donate in honor of someone’s loved one, and we will notify the family if you desire we do so. Read more FAQs about the Foundation.