The tradition of hospice as a place of comfort and respite predates medieval times. The word "hospice" stems from the Latin word "hospitium" meaning guesthouse. It was originally used to describe a place of shelter for weary and sick travelers returning from religious pilgrimages.

During the 1960’s, Dr. Cicely Saunders, a British physician, began the modern hospice movement by establishing St. Christopher’s Hospice near London. St. Christopher’s organized a team approach to professional care-giving and was the first program to use modern pain management techniques to compassionately care for the dying.

The first hospice in the United States was established in New Haven, Connecticut in 1974.

This tradition is carried on by Klamath Hospice in our community today. We fill a very special need, not only in our community, but in the lives of those experiencing life-threatening illnesses.

Hospice is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-threatening illness no longer responds to cure-oriented treatments.

Hospice care neither prolongs life nor hastens death.

Hospice staff and volunteers offer a specialized knowledge of medical care, including pain management, with the goal of improving the quality of a patient’s last days by offering comfort and dignity.

Hospice care is provided by a team-oriented group of specially trained professionals, volunteers and family members, addressing all symptoms of a disease. Hospice deals with the emotional, social and spiritual impact of the disease on the patient and the patient’s family and friends.

The Hospice team works in a variety of settings which include patients’ homes, Adult Foster Care Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Residential Care Facilities and nursing homes.

Hospice offers a variety of bereavement and counseling services to families before and after a patient’s death.

About Klamath Hospice, Inc.

For over 28 years, Klamath Hospice has been providing quality hospice care designed to create a natural and comfortable end-of-life experience. We offer your choice of care, control over pain, assistance for your family and caregivers, spiritual and emotional support, and the option to remain at home. 

Klamath Hospice, Inc. is patient/family focused, mission driven and community owned. We are Medicare certified and licensed by the State of Oregon and California.