For 38 years, The Hospice of Baton Rouge has garnered a reputation of being the most trusted choice among families in Baton Rouge and surrounding communities for hospice and palliative Care services. The organization was formed out of the dream of Mr. Don Berlin, Dr. David Lion, and Dr. David Kahn. Mr. Berlin and Dr. Lion, diagnosed with terminal cancer, wanted an option to pass away at home; however, there were no hospice services available in the community. So, together with Dr. Kahn, their oncologist, they successfully laid the groundwork for The Hospice of Baton Rouge. Since 1984, the organization has served three generations of residents in eight parishes with the highest quality end-of-life care. The Hospice of Baton Rouge remains the only non-profit hospice organization in the Greater Baton Rouge area.
Over the years, new programs have enhanced the patient and family experience. One of the programs, Palliative Care of Baton Rouge, formed in January 2018. This team of specially trained doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers provides an extra layer of support and comfort to patients at any age and stage of serious illness. This care is provided in-home, alongside ongoing curative treatment, and includes round-the-clock support services for patients enrolled.
Our Support
- Registered nurses make most visits.
- Small patient caseloads enable nurses to spend more time with each patient.
- Prompt admission after referral.
- Many Hospice and Palliative Care Certified Nurses (CHPN) are on staff and helping families.
- Bereavement support is offered to anyone in the community, including short-term individual counseling.
- Hospice aide is available up to 7 days a week, including holidays and weekends, based on patient need.
- Registered nurses are available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays for emergencies.
Our Care
- The Hospice of Baton Rouge accepts ALL appropriate hospice patients. Medicare, Medicaid, ANY insurance, and patients who have no provider.
- Hospice care for all ages (youngest was three days old; oldest was 108 years old).
- The first and only non-profit hospice provider in Greater Baton Rouge.
- Preferred hospice provider for all insurance companies, most assisted living communities, and many nursing homes.
- We Honor Veterans® program to honor and serve veteran patients.
- CHAP accredited; Medicare/Medicaid certified.
- Pet Peace of Mind® program to support pets of hospice patients.
- Camp Conquer – bereavement camp for kids.
Our Experience
- 38 years of providing hospice care to the Greater Baton Rouge community (since 1984).
- Pediatric support for children with terminal conditions for more than three decades.
- For over 25 years, Dr. Gerald Barber has been the Medical Director for The Hospice of Baton Rouge.
- Our Medical Directors combined have 50 years of hospice experience.
- The first inpatient unit in the Greater Baton Rouge area, The Butterfly Wing® was opened in 2005.
The Butterfly Wing®, the first inpatient unit in the Greater Baton Rouge area, provides a full range of medical, emotional, social, and spiritual services for those patients who need more acute care, including symptom management in a closely monitored setting, 24/7. In addition to hospice and palliative care services, free patient care programs fulfill the hospice mission of providing supportive services to patients and their families. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying different groups of individuals and the support services that would serve them in the right ways. From veterans to children and the stages in-between, these programs are specially designed to support those who need it at any phase of their end-of-life or bereavement journey.
The Hospice of Baton Rouge continues to thrive today, thanks to the support of dedicated volunteers who provide a wide range of services including, but not limited to, administrative services, special events coordination, bereavement support, and direct patient care. As a non-profit organization, The Hospice of Baton Rouge relies on the generosity of the community they serve. Giving to The Hospice of Baton Rouge means becoming part of the mission to provide end-of-life care to anyone in the community who is in need, regardless of financial resources.
“In addition to the excellent care we provide, donors contribute the funds that enable us to offer our comprehensive Grief Support Services that are free to anyone in the area; ground-breaking palliative care services for patients not on hospice, and professional and community education.” – Catherine Schendel, CEO, The Hospice of Baton Rouge
For over three generations, The Hospice of Baton Rouge has continued to further its mission of serving the families of Greater Baton Rouge with excellence, compassion, dignity, and respect during their end-of-life journey. For further information on hospice or palliative care services, volunteer opportunities, grief support services, or opportunities for giving, visit www.hospicebr.org or call 225-767-4673.
