Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care

Honoring the Dignity of Those we Serve

“When people stop bringing casseroles and the service is over at the church, sometimes bereaved families feel forgotten but with Hospice, we are continually checking on you,” says Ginger Sirkin, Area Market Executive. Many people who have used hospice for their loved one, assume that when hospice services are no longer needed, they will disappear. But Compassus has a bereavement program, and the fact is they keep in contact with their families for 13 months. During this time, they get a card or a phone call or the chaplain checks in on them, periodically.  Jack Kern is the Chaplain and has been with Compassus for 17 years. He builds amazing relationships with the families and helps ease their heartache. Additionally, they have a memorial service each year for families that lost loved ones in the previous year.

Hospice care is a type of health care that focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient’s pain and symptoms and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs at the end of life. Hospice care prioritizes comfort and quality of life by reducing pain and suffering. Compassus provides hospice care at home, in long term care, in assisted living, and in the local hospitals. Serving 6 counties, Clarke, Jasper, Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba and Newton, they have been able to offer their assistance especially with long term care facilities. During COVID, they have helped so many families.

 



 

Respite care that provides short-term relief for primary care givers is so important. It can be arranged for just an afternoon or for several days or weeks. Care can be provided at home, in a health care facility or at an adult day center. Being able to help families going through a time of death with their loved one, and letting them know what to expect, is one of the goals of Compassus. 

Compassus Hospice began as Horizon Hospice in 2003 and was bought by Compassus in 2007. It is a nationwide organization with 7 offices in MS. With 36 employees including RN’s, CNE, LPN, social worker and chaplain, they believe in honoring the dignity of those they serve. Did you know that hospice is fully covered by Medicare? The services of nurses, the cost of medications, and necessary supplies and equipment are all covered by Medicare.

Compassus is a member of the chamber. “We want to support our local community and small business. We focus on shopping local and love being on North Hills Street in the middle of the people and the community. We get most of our business by word of mouth from the families we care for. We frequently hear people say, I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been here,” adds Ginger.

Compassus employees are specialists, helping families through this period of transition and being there for them spiritually, physically, and mentally.  Hospice is not about dying, it’s more about living a good quality of life in the final days we have on this earth. 

Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care
2340 N. Hills St., Meridian, MS