History
Hospice of the Calumet Area, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to improving the quality of life through compassionate care for individuals and families facing an end-of-life illness. Now entering it’s 30th year, it was the first hospice in Northwest Indiana.
In 1979, Bishop Andrew Grutka of the Diocese of Gary appointed local medical leaders and clergy to investigate a new concept for end-of-life services. “Hospice,” a specialized home care program, was staffed by an interdisciplinary team of professionals and trained volunteers, designed to help persons in the last six months of life and their loved ones live with dignity, regardless of diagnosis, age, race or ethnicity.
The establishment of a hospice became a grassroots effort, facilitated by a major gift from the East Chicago Knights of Columbus. The resulting non-profit agency, then known as Hospice of Northwest Indiana, admitted its first patient in October 1981.
As knowledge of hospice care grew, its need in the bordering communities became evident. The agency applied for and was granted Medicare and state certification, changed its name, and began providing care to Illinois families as well.
A long-standing dream of building a “hospice house” became a reality in August 1997 when the William J. Riley Memorial Residence opened its doors. The eight-bedroom Residence provides a peaceful, home-like setting for patients who are alone or unable to remain in their own homes safely.
Unique to this area, the Transitions program, launched in 2001, meets the needs of individuals with life-limiting illnesses who are likely in their last year of life. Transitions is free, serving clients who are not yet hospice ready or appropriate and their family members. It fills an important unmet need in the community.
To date, Hospice of the Calumet Area has provided services to nearly 13,000 patients and families throughout our region. Most importantly, it remains a mission-based organization. The initial Board of Directors approved a core value: “No patient would be excluded from hospice care because of the inability to pay for services.” This value has remained at the heart of the organization and still guides its decision-making and strategic planning.
Hospice of the Calumet Area is grateful for the generous support extended over the years from the community, which helps the entire hospice team provide the highest quality end-of-life care to those in need.
