Hospice. In a word, health care for your loved ones as they enter the last phase of their life.

Many locals equate the word hospice to Hospice of Chesterfield County (HCC).

It's a familiar word and one that may seem generic to you.

It might surprise you to know that Hospice business is growing as new centers spring up all over the country. While there are mega-hospices located outside our area trying to serve from four to 44 counties at once, HCC remains the only local provider for end-of-life care.

For many, Hospice care offers an alternative to facing one's last days in an institutional or hospital setting. Hospice staff and volunteers provide pain and symptom control, as well as the emotional and spiritual care that allows patients to retain dignity through their final days.

November is National Hospice/Palliative Care Month. This month, hospices all over the country take time to recognize those who provide end-of-life care to patients and families.

This month HCC salutes over 200 staff and patient care volunteers, plus thrift store volunteers and board members serving patients in Chesterfield County. “There are 200 reasons why HCC is number one in care. Our home health aids and volunteers come more often and stay longer than any in the country,” said Cindy Beard, community-relations development and volunteer coordinator. “We are good listeners. We serve the whole family, not just by preparing everyone for what is to come. We can mop and wash dishes too. Many Hospices don't do that.”

For more information on this story, please read the November 16, 2006 edition of the Cheraw Chronicle & Chesterfield Advertiser.