Our History

Hospice became available in the Joliet area in 1982 through the combined efforts of St. Joseph Medical Center, Silver Cross Hospital and several community groups and individuals. Joliet Area Community Hospice became the first Hospice established in the community. In 1983 the first hospice volunteers received training and Joliet Area Community Hospice admitted its first patient.  In 1984 a volunteer group was formed called the Hospice Guild. Joliet Area Community Hospice became a United Way member in 1985.  

By 1986, Joliet Area Community Hospice received Full Licensing from the State of Illinois Department of Health.  By 1989 over 1,000 patients had been served by the Joliet Area Community Hospice. In October 1990, the Joliet Area Community Hospice became the first Hospice in Will County to qualify as a provider of Medicare Hospice benefits with its Medicare Certification. By 1994, Joliet Area Community Hospice had served nearly 2000 dying patients and their families both in the home and in nursing homes.

In 1999, the Board of Directors began pursuing the dream of building the first free-standing Hospice Home in Illinois. In 2001, a $3 million capital campaign began and the groundbreaking ceremony was held in September of 2002. The Joliet Area Community Hospice "Hospice Home" opened in January 2004. By 2003, the Joliet Area Community Hospice served over 10,000 patients, which have been served by 150 employees and 275 active volunteers.

What We Do

Hospice is a special kind of care designed to provide sensitivity and support for people in the final phase of a terminal illness. Hospice care seeks to enable each patient to carry on an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality at home or in a home-like setting.

How Hospice Works

Hospice services are available to persons who can no longer benefit from curative treatment; the typical hospice patient has a life expectancy of six months or less. Most receive care at home. Services are provided by a team of trained professionals - physicians, nurses, counselors, therapists, social workers, aides, and volunteers - who provide medical care and support services not only to the patient, but to the patient's family and loved ones. (Click here to learn more about the Hospice team - team members) The patient is usually referred to hospice by the primary physician. Referrals can also be made by family members, friends, clergy, or health professionals. For information or referrals call 815-740-4104.

Hospice Offers Palliative Rather Than Curative Treatment

Under the direction of a physician, hospice uses sophisticated methods of pain and symptom control that enable the patient to live as fully and comfortably as possible

Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death; it affirms life and regards death as a normal process. The hospice movement stresses human values that go beyond the physical needs of the patient.

Quality of Life at the End of Life

Joliet Area Community Hospice’s mission is based on a commitment to bring expert care, comfort, and dignity to patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses. Physical, emotional, and spiritual support is provided through teams of specially trained doctors, nurses, social workers, bereavement counselors, chaplains, aides, and volunteers, to help patients and their caregivers live each day to the fullest.

Joliet Area Community Hospice is an option for people with a terminal illness, an anticipated life expectancy of six months or less, and a desire for comfort and symptom management rather than curative treatment. Joliet Area Community Hospice serves patients of all ages, incomes, and ethnicities, with any type of illness.

Most Joliet Area Community Hospice patients receive care in their own homes or other home-like settings including residential, assisted living, or skilled nursing facilities. For those with complex or acute care needs that can’t be managed at home, inpatient care will be available at the Hospice Home as well as local hospitals.

Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies provide comprehensive hospice benefits. Thanks to the generous support from our community, Joliet Area Community Hospice is able to provide care to those who are uninsured or underinsured. No one is ever turned away because of inability to pay.

Hospice Considers the Entire Family, Not Just the Patient, the "Unit of Care"

Patients and their loved ones are included in the decision making process, and bereavement counseling is provided to the family after the death of their loved one.

Joliet Area Community Hospice Specializes In:

• Nursing care/Personal care

• Medical appliances and supplies

• Symptom management and pain relief

• Short-term inpatient and respite care

• Physical and other therapy

• Counseling/Bereavement