While death and dying can be difficult conversation topics, Oregonians are straightforward when it comes to dealing with them, according to Deborah Jacques, Oregon Hospice Association CEO. Addressing mid-valley philanthropists, civic and business leaders at the Evergreen Hospice House campaign kickoff in Albany, Jacques described the hospice philosophy as a source of pride for Oregon – a leading state in end-of-life care.

“We have a higher hospice usage rate than 46 other states, and the average cost for end-of-life care is $10,000 less than anywhere else,” she said.  “Nearly half of Oregon’s terminally ill on Medicare experience the end of their lives under hospice care, compared to only 37 percent nationwide.”

“From these statistics, you can see how Oregonians deal with death,” Jacques said.  “We make plans, prepare advanced directives, and designate health care representatives to speak for us when we can no longer speak for ourselves.”

Hospice is about providing highly specialized care, saving precious family resources and going above and beyond quality-of-life expectations.  Jacques said the most common thing people say when they learn about hospice is, “If only I had known all this sooner, I would have called hospice a long time ago.” She praised Samaritan Health Services as well as mid-valley residents for stepping up to create the Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House – the third such facility in the state.  “It speaks volumes when communities join together to make this kind of commitment in helping people as they age,” she said.

The facility will greatly expand the Evergreen program now serving families at home, in nursing facilities and hospitals.  An inpatient hospice house will offer an additional care setting that will help make the end of life a human experience instead of a clinical event.  Patients and their families will continue to help make choices about every aspect of care, from medical and pain treatment to the desire to be surrounded by the people, pets and things they love. Most families prefer to keep their loved one at home as long as they can manage the care, according to Jacques.  But in cases where care becomes too difficult, or the family needs a much-needed break, this setting will be a wonderful alternative. 

“Evergreen will offer an option to mid-valley residents that not all Oregonians will have,” she said.