Hospice of Virginia has served the state of Virginia for over 20 years and has many employees who have been with the company since the early days. Here is what longtime Hospice Consultant Vicky Garrison has to say about working for such a great organization:

“When I came to work at Hospice of Virginia in 2005 I was new to understanding the sudden onset of many terminal diseases.  I learned quickly the stress so many families experience when a loved one becomes very ill and curing the disease is no longer the goal.

My job is important because it’s the introduction to the hospice experience.  It is an honor to meet families as they learn about how Hospice of Virginia helps patients and families.  I meet each family right where they are in the journey.  

I help get a family comfortable with how the services and different disciplines help them.  I help the medical team at hospitals get patients ready to discharge and transition to hospice in a seamless way.  We try to reduce the stress a family has to go through.

When I finish my day, I know I have helped a smooth start of hospice services for each family and I keep each in my prayers.  I feel lucky to have met each patient and family.”

Sometimes patients and their loved ones are unaware that they have a choice. It is a patient’s choice to select when to stop aggressive treatment that may no longer be effective in slowing a disease process or illness. They can elect to receive treatments to keep them comfortable and at home leading to a more peaceful end-of-life experience. In fact, studies have shown that people who choose hospice often live longer and have their symptoms better managed than those who continue aggressive treatment.

Ideally patients are referred to hospice when their life expectancy is approximately six months. Choosing hospice earlier allows the patient and their loved ones to make the most of their end-of-life journey. The hospice team is always there to guide them through the process and provide support – neither prolonging life nor hastening death.

Please fill out our contact us form or you can call us at 804-281-0451 to learn more about how Hospice of Virginia can help you and/or your loved ones, today. We have hospice offices in Richmond, Tappahannock, Farmville, and Newport News and serve many surrounding counties.