Appalachian Community Hospice

Ensuring Quality of Life at the End of Life

Hospice is a special way of caring for people with a life-limiting illness when a cure is no longer possible. Working with a team of health care professionals, hospice clients and their caregivers design a plan of care focused on promoting comfort and peace of mind during the last stage of life’s journey. In addition to the client’s personal physician, the Hospice Team includes:

● Hospice medical directors, Dr. Eduardo Robles, DO, and Dr. Tracy Marx, DO, Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Physician. Our hospice medical directors meet regularly with the Hospice Team to assist in coordinating client care. They are available to provide counsel on symptom management and other client and caregiver needs as they arise.

● Our hospice-trained nurses teach clients and their caregivers medication administration and additional skills to control pain and other symptoms. Nurses are available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, to support our clients and answer questions.

● Licensed medical social workers assist clients and caregivers with the practical aspects of end-of-life preparations and provide counseling and emotional support as well as assistance in obtaining other available community resources.

● Certified hospice aides assist with personal care tasks such as bathing and toileting. In addition, they may assist with homemaking tasks such as light housekeeping and meal preparation.

● Specially trained hospice volunteers provide support such as companionship and respite and help with errands, personal care, and household tasks.

● Bereavement counseling and support is available to caregivers for 13 months after the death of the client for help with moving through the grieving process.

In addition, Hospice is responsible for medications and equipment associated with the terminal illness. Additional services may include pastoral care and physical, speech, occupational or nutritional therapies.

Is Hospice Appropriate for You or Your Loved One?

When you and your doctor decide that it is time to focus your energy on managing your symptoms and maintaining the quality of your life rather than curing your disease, Hospice is available to offer the care and support you need.

Hospice allows you and your loved ones to participate in your care at this extraordinary time in your life, and allows you to be where everyone wants to be, in the comfort of your own home. Hospice services are also available in nursing and assisted living facilities.

Hospice team members are available to potential clients, families and caregivers for an initial informational or support visit, or to physicians at the time of diagnosis.

Payment Options

Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration, and many private insurance plans cover hospice services. Payment options will be discussed with you fully before the start of services at the time of referral.

For More Information

Call (740) 594-8226 to talk to Terri McKinley, Clinical Director (estension 228), or to Tammy McGuire, Hospice Coordinator (extension 409), or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about hospice or obtaining a referral.

Are you interested in helping to ensure that quality Home Health and Hospice care is available for everyone in our area?