Hospice of Cincinnati

01/07/2026

Celebrating the kickoff of Hospice of Cincinnati’s (HOC) campaign to build its team for the American Heart Association 2026 Heart Mini-Marathon and Walk.

As a symbol of TriHealth’s commitment to this year’s Heart Mini, the passing of the torch began Monday at Bethesda North and today was passed on to Laura Alexoff, HOC Specialty Programs Nurse Coordinator.

You can join the HOC Navigators team on Sunday, March 15 for the American Heart Association's Heart Mini-Marathon & Walk. Visit www2.heart.org for more information and to sign up, click here: https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=12692&pg=company&company_id=544398

01/06/2026

12/26/2025

Born out of state and having had no contact with family for over a decade, Ronald found himself residing in a long-term care facility with no friends or family to visit. His only support network consisted of facility staff and a team from Hospice of Cincinnati dedicated to giving him the most comfortable and meaningful end of life experience possible. Ronald served his country for three years as a United States Marine. The team knew that Ronald was proud of his service to his country and of the particular pride he felt being a swim instructor, a role unusual for a black American in the service at that time.

The team arranged for Ronald to receive a Veteran pinning ceremony, where he was presented with a certificate of gratitude for his service and the Vietnam Eagle lapel pin as part of the United States Vietnam War 50th Commemoration. Ronald, who spent most of his days in his room at the end of a hallway, expressed his gratitude, commenting it was “nice to be seen.”

Over time, Ronald and his hospice social worker, Angela, began talking about his wishes for his final arrangements. Having limited resources and facing the possibility of needing an indigent burial, Angela set about pursuing a dignified burial suitable for one of our Nation’s heroes. With his agreement, she was able to secure burial arrangements at Dayton National Cemetery. When the time came, there were enough funds to cover a cremation and then Angela personally transported his cremains to Dayton National Cemetery where she attended his burial service with the military honors she had requested for him. With no family to receive it, Angela was presented with Ronald’s burial flag. After ordering his marker and returning home with the flag, Angela felt compelled to find a place of honor for the flag and asked if it could be displayed at the West Region field office. The team eagerly agreed, a flag case was purchased along with a plaque engraved with Ronald’s name and dates of service, and a dedication held at the team’s holiday gathering.

HOC team members plan to mount the flag in a prominent place, honoring Ronald’s service to our country and standing as a testament to one hospice worker’s commitment that no one’s service should ever be forgotten.

12/23/2025

Earlier this month, TriHealth Young Professionals had a volunteer day at our Blue Ash inpatient care center, helping us put together more 'About Me Boards'!

12/15/2025

A big thank you to First Financial Bank - their Harrison Branch employees recently participated in a service project to create 'About Me Boards' for HOC patients/families!

These boards help tell about each patient's life story, some of their favorite things and what really matters to them. In turn, the 'About Me Boards' assist caregivers and visitors in making a connection with the patient - many of whom can't speak for themselves.

The project was an overwhelming success, with 30 boards being created. There was much reflecting and sharing of experiences between the co-workers as they constructed the boards. Most of all though, the employees found the process rewarding, and a great way to give back!!

12/10/2025

It was very nice visiting Barrington of Oakley last week for our Milk and Cookies Bar!!

12/09/2025

We at HOC were honored to be part of The Season‘s annual Winter Wonderland celebration, which promotes education and networking in a unique and enjoyable environment. Every year features a distinct theme and this year‘s Winter Wonderland centered around Fire and Ice, which was exceptionally well executed, with Elizabeth Bangel-Stehlin delivering a standout performance.

HOC was also fortunate enough to send several team members to this educational event, as well as providing Goldstein Grief Counselor Donna McCartney to present an education CEU to those attending.

12/02/2025

As many of us gather with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season, many others are, or know someone who is facing advanced illness or end-of-life. Those feelings of warmth and togetherness can be replaced by pain, worry, and loneliness. Hospice of Cincinnati provides those people and their families the best possible care and peace of mind.

As we enter the holiday season, more individuals and families need Hospice of Cincinnati's support, but we need your help.

By giving to Hospice of Cincinnati this , you will help bring comfort and compassion to patients and families this holiday season. Click here to make a gift today: https://29829.thankyou4caring.org/hospice/givingtuesday

11/28/2025

Congratulations to Joan Schmitz on achieving her HOC Doula Certification! Joan began her journey in hospice care after taking a college class on Death and Dying. Her personal experiences with loss have deepened her empathy.

She shared, "I have walked in the shoes of a caregiver, a patient with a life-limiting illness, and a grieving spouse and mother."

Becoming a Doula was a goal for Joan, allowing her to extend her service and support to others.

She mentioned, "The best thing a Doula does is be present—to listen as patients reminisce, share stories, or just want a safe space to speak openly and honestly without judgment. They simply want to be acknowledged and heard."

Recently, Joan has developed a passion for offering Vigil presence, especially providing support to bereaved families at the bedside. An avid writer and storyteller, she enjoys creating "About Me" boards for each patient she visits. Congratulations, Joan, on this significant achievement! We are grateful for your dedication and service to those at the end of life.

11/12/2025

Hospice of Cincinnati is honored to recognize the Hatton Foundation for its generous and ongoing support of Hospice of Cincinnati. Over the past nine years, the Foundation has invested more than $51,000 in our mission, helping us provide compassionate care to patients and families across Greater Cincinnati.

Thanks to partners like the Hatton Foundation, Hospice of Cincinnati is able to provide more than $1.9 million annually in mission-based programs and services that are offered completely free of charge, including:

Holistic Therapies such as art, music, massage, and pet therapies reached over 1,800 individuals last year, enhancing comfort and dignity during end-of-life care.

Grief Services such as grief counseling, support groups, and grief series workshops helped over 1,100 individuals last year navigate loss with compassion and connection.

These programs reflect our commitment to patient-centered and family-focused care—addressing not only physical needs but also emotional and spiritual well-being. They are only possible because of our generous donors and partners like the Hatton Foundation.

11/11/2025

In honor of Veterans Day, here is a touching story about a veteran who experienced the true power of compassionate care:

Karl and Michelle Matson had some limited experience with hospice before admitting Karl’s mother to Hospice of Cincinnati. Karl and Michelle were able to witness firsthand the loving, multi-faceted care provided to their family member. As time went on, the Matsons became familiar and friendly with two key members of the HOC interdisciplinary team—the STNA (State Tested Nurse Assistant) who showed up at 6:30 a.m. at least twice a week to bathe, dress, and help with their mother, and Susan Schmidt, the volunteer assigned to provide companionship via weekly visits. Karl recalls thinking, “When I get on the other side of this, I can picture myself doing this work.” And that is exactly what he AND Michelle did. They completed the volunteer orientation, including a patient shadowing visit with staff. After his visit, Karl asked how he had done and was told, “You’re a natural.” To which Karl replied, “I learned from the best,” which was a glowing endorsement of his mother’s volunteer, Susan Schmidt.

As an Air Force veteran, Karl found his niche by becoming involved with HOC’s Veterans Program. He frequently participates in bedside pinning ceremonies where the veteran patient is recognized and honored for their service. These patients also often receive a handmade, stuffed “Buddy Bear “outfitted in camouflage. Karl fondly recalls one patient who named his Buddy Bear “Johnny” after his best friend who served two tours of combat with him. (Johnny was shot and killed the day before they were due to return home.) As the patient shared more about this time, he remarked, “Johnny is coming with me.”

Karl often reflects on his time as an HOC volunteer and is reminded of the words of gratitude shared by an STNA who cared for his mother in her final days. During conversation, the STNA said, “There’s no greater privilege than spending time with people at the end of life.” Karl couldn’t agree more.

If you’d like to learn about the services provided by HOC Navigators, including becoming a volunteer, please call 513-891-7700 or visit www.hospiceofcincinnati.org