The History & Mission Behind Hospice of the Chesapeake

What does the word “hospice” mean to you? That’s what the founders of this nonprofit, community-based organization asked themselves when the group formed as Arundel Hospice in 1979. Changing our name official to Hospice of the Chesapeake in 1992, we continue to ask this same question of our community today.

What is most fascinating about this healthcare group is how it’s evolved through the years. When it began as an all-volunteer organization, inspired by the work of Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, noted psychiatrist and author in the fields of death and dying, the collective group thought more about serving only in the present. Today the attitude among the volunteers and professional team is more job specific, streamlined and efficient, but still with a nod to our beginnings. Our history and iconic roots are still embraced.

The message of providing quality and compassionate care is still at the very core of our mission of caring for life throughout the journey with illness and loss. In a world economy such as the one we face today, it is a concept which is even more relevant than ever before. It is the antidote to the 24/7 lives we all lead. It continues to speak to the organizational values we live each and every day — empowerment, service, excellence and courage.

Since 1979, our Hospice of the Chesapeake team has and continues to provide physical, psycho-social, spiritual and grief support services to individuals living with and affected by advanced illness. These services are provided wherever the patient calls home, whether that is a personal residence, home of a loved one, a skilled nursing facility or assisted/senior living community. We are committed to providing the best possible care for all regardless of their ability to pay. Using an interdisciplinary team-oriented approach involving our Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers, Certified Nursing Assistants, Chaplains and Counselors allows us to ensure quality and compassionate care.

Hospice of the Chesapeake is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the State of Maryland, and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the Hospice Alliance, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice Network of Maryland.

Click here to view a full timeline with milestones of our organization.

Click here to see our most recent annual report.