Over 40 past and present employees gathered last month to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Housecall Providers Hospice.
Housecall Providers Hospice marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 2009, the hospice has provided compassionate end-of-life care to approximately 4,000 patients, demonstrating a commitment to providing patient-centered, end-of-life care throughout the Portland metro area.
The hospice was initially created to extend the continuum of care for Housecall Providers’ primary care patients, ensuring they received consistent and compassionate care at the end of their lives. In 2015, the hospice broadened its scope, opening its doors to serve adults who were not previously the organization’s primary care patients, thereby expanding its reach and impact within the community.
Rebecca Ashling, RN, who founded Housecall Providers Hospice, reflects on this milestone: “I feel so proud that the hospice has hit 15 years and been able to maintain a culture of love and hope throughout all levels of patient care. From small beginnings that were challenging, to how honored the team feels to be able to deliver hospice care to the community, I am excited and confident about the future.”
Former and current Housecall Providers Hospice employees celebrate the 15th anniversary with Founder Rebecca Ashling.
Housecall Providers Hospice stands out as one of the few nonprofit hospices left in Portland, maintaining its dedication to patient-centered care amidst a landscape increasingly dominated by for-profit companies. This dedication to quality care is evidenced by its remarkable achievement of earning all four rings in the 2023 Quality Connections program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). This accomplishment places Housecall Providers Hospice among the top providers of high-quality, person-centered hospice and palliative care in Oregon (one of two hospices to hold this honor), underscoring its commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Ramsay, MPH, expressed her pride in this achievement: “This is an incredible achievement for our hospice, and it acknowledges and validates the clinical excellence we are committed to when caring for our hospice patients and families.”
Housecall Providers Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pamela Miner, with former Hospice Medical Directors, Dr. Lara Garrett and Dr. Eric Walsh, and current Hospice Medical Director, Dr. Craig Tanner.
As a member of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), Housecall Providers Hospice adheres to a values-based approach that emphasizes "People Over Profits." According to the NPHI Blueprint, nonprofit hospices typically provide more comprehensive care, with 10% more nursing visits, 35% more social worker visits, and twice as many therapy visits compared to for-profit hospices. Nonprofits also spend significantly more on bereavement services and less on advertising. This dedication to patient care over profit is a core value that has driven Housecall Providers Hospice to become a trusted and respected organization in the community.
The NPHI blueprint further illustrates the urgent need for a transformation in health care, emphasizing that nonprofit hospices are uniquely positioned to lead this change. Their commitment to mission-driven, patient-centered care contrasts sharply with the profit-driven motives that often characterize for-profit providers. This commitment is not merely about tax status but about embodying values that prioritize patient well-being and comprehensive care over financial gain.
Rebecca Ashling, RN, Founder of Housecall Providers Hospice and revered as a ‘Hospice Legend,’ is surrounded by the members of the Housecall Providers leadership team. In the foreground is Terri Hobbs, who served as Executive Director from 2011 to 2017.
Housecall Providers Hospice's 15-year journey is a testament to the impact of compassionate, nonprofit care. As the organization looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its mission of providing exceptional end-of-life care, guided by a deep sense of responsibility to the patients and families it serves. Rebecca Ashling’s words resonate deeply with this mission: “Housecall Providers Hospice will continue to be a beacon of hope and love in our community, offering unparalleled care and support to those who need it most.”
Housecall Providers Hospice delivers care to many of the assisted living communities throughout the Portland metro area as well as within private homes. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about the benefits of hospice care or have questions whether hospice care is the right choice for you or a family member, please visit housecallprovidershospice.org for more information.
