North Oaks Hospice and Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation Formalize Partnership
North Oaks Hospice and the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation have formally partnered to provide care and compassion to individuals with life-limiting illnesses.

The groups have worked together since 1995. The new partnership will strengthen through the inclusion of services offered by the Richard Murphy Hospice House, tentatively scheduled for completion in summer 2007.

“Our hospice care services will not change. We’re here to help our patients live as fully and comfortably as possible. The only difference will be the availability of the Hospice House for patients who qualify,” explains North Oaks Hospice Director Joyce O’Brian, RN.

O’Brian also notes that North Oaks will continue training hospice volunteers, with recruitment assistance from the Foundation. And it is anticipated that the Hospice House will create additional volunteer opportunities.

“The association between the Foundation and North Oaks is extraordinary and critical to the success of the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation,” comments Ricky Masaracchia, Foundation President. “Through our partnership, we are able to fund hospice care services for any and all terminally ill patients in our community, regardless of their ability to pay.”

With respect to charitable donations, O’Brian and Masaracchia affirm that the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation will become the beneficiary of all memorial and recognition contributions.

“In addition to subsidizing hospice care, donations are used to cover additional services for patients, such as sitter assistance, utility bill payment and family member travel. Construction and maintenance costs for the Hospice House also are supplemented,” Masaracchia adds. All funding stays within the community with 6 percent allocated for administrative costs. The Foundation does not receive any federal or state assistance.

For more information on North Oaks Hospice or to request a consultation at no obligation, please call (985) 230-7620. If you have questions about the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation, donations, the Hospice House or the annual gala, please call (985) 386-0400.