about us
Thirty years ago the first hospice in Central Oregon became a reality with the birth of Partners In Care (formerly HospiceCenter & Central Oregon Home Health and Hospice.) Tucked away in an inconspicuous closet in St. Charles Medical Center a group of volunteers became the first to deliver a unique method of care to patients with a life-limiting illness. Their vision was influenced by a growing movement of holistic end-of-life care moving through Europe and they embraced the philosophy of Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement. Her principles focused on treating the whole person while keeping the patient and family at the center of the care-giving circle.
Today that vision has grown from a few volunteers caring for ten patients to a vibrant growing organization serving four counties and hundreds of patients annually. The residents of Central Oregon have been our only focus since 1979. Their trust and continued financial generosity in support of our mission and work allowed us to realize a dream in 2003 when we opened the doors to the first free standing Hospice House in the state of Oregon. This six-suite facility is available to any hospice patient in the region. Even those being served by another hospice program can come into Hospice House and be cared for if the need should arise.
Our distinction
Partners In Care is proud to be Central Oregon’s only independent, non-hospital based, not-for-profit home health and hospice agency. We’ve been certified by Medicare to offer Home Health services since 1986 and Hospice services since 1979. Combining both services under one roof allows us to offer the most comprehensive home care in Central Oregon. In most cases, our patients have the unique option to keep the same agency and care-giving team as their health conditions change.
At Partners In Care, our skilled health care professionals provide the highest patient-centered quality of care with respect, compassion and dignity. We encourage patients and their families to actively participate in their health care decisions and work collaboratively with their health care team.
Partners In Care is committed to delivering excellence in care for every eligible patient and their family, regardless of age, race, religion, or complexity of their medical needs. Our name reflects our mission to Partner with the community for unequalled quality of care, devoted and expert staff, a full range of services and an in-patient facility like our Hospice House. By choosing Partners In Care you have the assurance that you or your loved one is being cared for by the oldest and finest hospice program in Central Oregon, emphasizing respect, compassion and support within a family centered full-service program.
Mission statement
We provide patient-centered care that honors the dignity and needs of those we serve. We sustain an organization that enriches the lives of our patients, families, team and community.
Board of Directors
Our board members are:
- Tom Ryder, Ryder Graphics in Bend, Chairman
- Steve Johnson, Central Oregon Irrigation District, Secretary
- Brendan Adams, Central Financial Services
- Lee Land, an independent businessman and pharmacy owner
- Karen Wolfe, a medical consultant
- David Fairclo, a state Veteran’s Administration official
- Cyndy Hatcher, a retired Boeing official
