Delaware Hospice

02/27/2026

Ladies and gentlemen, our Love Never Dies Memorial Services, which were postponed due to the recent snowstorm, have been rescheduled.

Our Sussex County service will now take place on March 15 at 3:00 PM at Crossroad Community Church.

Our New Castle County service will follow on March 16 at Seeds of Greatness Church. This service will begin promptly at 6:30 PM.

If you have any questions, we welcome you to view the event listings below, visit our website, or contact our Bereavement Department at Bereavement@delawarehospice.org.

We look forward to gathering together in remembrance and support.💙

02/25/2026

We are beyond grateful to share some exciting news once again!

Our Delaware Hospice North Division (serving New Castle County) has earned a 4-Star Hospice Provider rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Rating System. This ranking is the latest recognition of the compassionate, high-quality care our team provides every day.

This distinction now unites all three of our divisions — Southern (Sussex County), Central (Kent County), and North (New Castle County) — each holding a 4-Star rating.

With all three regions recognized, Delaware Hospice is the top-ranked CMS rated hospice provider in the state of Delaware.

These ratings are based on family caregiver surveys and quality-of-care measures, meaning this recognition is rooted in what matters most: the experiences of the families we are honored to serve.

From Wilmington to the beaches and everything in between, we are so proud to call Delaware home. Thank you for trusting us to care for your loved ones and walk beside you during some of life’s most meaningful moments.

Learn more about the CMS Quality Rating System or compare providers here: https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/all-results?searchType=Hospice&page=1&state=DE&sort=alpha&returnAllResults=true&fbclid=IwY2xjawQKobBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETIwcnl1NnU3WlNNcUo5UlpPc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHisjoOMej0q9FicprB5qUkrZILPkuNll2Q_3WSueycJaZ6gqcFI9V4jp_MT5_aem_7Xwe9Td9LKNZn-pTKHMwpg

02/24/2026

When heart disease leads to repeated ER visits, sudden symptom flare-ups, and constant worry, it may be time for extra support at home.

February is recognized as American Heart Month. For many caregivers, the stress of managing advanced cardiac disease is real and ongoing.

Delaware Hospice’s Helping Hearts Cardiac Care Program provides specialized, in-home hospice care focused on proactive symptom management, preventing avoidable hospital trips, and helping caregivers feel more confident and supported.

If your loved one is living with advanced heart failure and care is becoming overwhelming, call us today to learn how our Helping Hearts Program can help.

Contact us anytime by dialing 302-478-5707 or visit us online at https://delawarehospice.org

02/21/2026

Due to weather conditions and out of concern for everyone’s safety, the Delaware Hospice Memorial Services scheduled for February 22 and 23 have been postponed. New dates and times will be announced.

02/20/2026

It’s completely okay to ask about hospice, even before your doctor brings it up. You do not have to wait.

One of the most common reasons families connect with hospice care later than they hoped is because they’re unsure who should initiate the conversation.

If you and your doctor believe a loved one’s time may be measured in months, that’s the right time to explore hospice services. Starting the conversation early allows you to understand your options and plan with clarity rather than urgency.

When you contact Delaware Hospice, we take the time to answer your questions and schedule a personal visit to better understand your needs. There is no pressure—just information, support, and guidance.

You don’t have to have all the answers today. To learn more or start the conversation, visit delawarehospice.org or call 302-478-5707.

02/17/2026

Today, we would like to spotlight a newer member of our team. Registered Nurse Jennifer Gardner joined our organization last summer and has been an amazing addition.

Jennifer began her hospice career as a Case Manager in Kansas City in 2006 and eventually advanced to the role of Clinical Director. She later spent about 12 years working in managed care for an insurance company, but always said that once her children were grown, she would return to hospice case management—her true calling.

Jennifer and her family moved to Delaware in late 2023 for a new adventure and to be near the ocean. After researching new positions and with her background in the industry, she felt strongly aligned with our mission at Delaware Hospice.

“What I value most is the opportunity to truly make a meaningful impact in the lives of our patients and their families. I believe the end of life can be a beautiful and profound experience, and I strive to help create comfort, dignity, and peace for everyone involved.”

Jennifer and her wife are passionate about supporting human rights. They love spending quality time with their family, which includes four adult children, five grandchildren, and five boxer pups. They also enjoy traveling, especially anywhere near the beach. 🏖️

02/13/2026

Concerns about cost are common and completely understandable. The good news is that hospice care is covered in most cases.

Delaware Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans. And thanks to the generosity of our donors, advocates, and volunteers, who help minimize expenses and fill coverage gaps, we never turn hospice patients away due to an inability to pay.

Finances should never stand in the way of receiving compassionate, quality end-of-life care.

To learn more about coverage or speak with someone about your specific situation, visit delawarehospice.org or call 302-478-5707.

02/12/2026

Through our We Honor Veterans program, we are always looking for meaningful ways to recognize and thank the men and women who have served our country.

The Lewes Senior Activity Center knitting group, Stitch In Time, lovingly creates red, white, and blue blankets to present to our veteran patients. Each blanket is handmade with care and serves as a heartfelt tribute to our veterans’ service and sacrifice. Our Volunteer Department recently began purchasing yarn to support these dedicated volunteer knitters, and the impact is already being felt.

Longtime volunteer, Joan Byrne, graciously serves as the liaison between our two groups and recently helped deliver a few boxes of yarn that will soon be turned into beautiful blankets.

These small, thoughtful gestures carry incredible meaning. To our volunteers and community partners, thank you for helping us honor those who have given so much.

Have a passion for serving those who served? Learn more about becoming a Delaware Hospice volunteer today by visiting our website!

02/10/2026

“The more we can work together, the better off we’ll be.”

Recently, our President and CEO, Charles McDonough, joined the Last Visit First podcast for a thoughtful conversation about the evolving definition of community care and what that looks like at Delaware Hospice.

During the discussion, Charles shares how we are redefining dementia care, as well as why investing in internal “upskilling” is one of the most sustainable ways to address the national nursing workforce challenge.

Check out the full episode here:

Live from Day 2 of the Last Visit First podcast at the 2026 Home Care 100 Leadership Conference in Scottsdale, Charles McDonough, President and CEO of Delawa...

02/06/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our longtime teammate and friend, Margaret “Peggy” Lavaique.

Peggy served as an Accounts Payable Administrator and a dedicated member of the Delaware Hospice Business Office for more than 15 years. Fiercely loyal, tenacious, and unapologetically herself, Peggy was known for her feisty spirit, quick humor, and deep love for animals and family, especially her nieces and nephews.

Delaware Hospice was also truly family to Peggy, and she believed deeply in our mission and the work we do. One colleague fondly described her as a butterfly — always stopping by, checking in, and brightening the lives of those around her.

Peggy will be remembered for her laughter, her heart, and the meaningful impact she had on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by so many.

We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to Peggy’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.

Until we meet again, Peggy. 💙

02/05/2026

Our 2026 Camp New Hope dates are officially set, and we’re looking for caring volunteers to help make these special weekends unforgettable for our campers!

Camp New Hope North: June 12 & 13
Camp New Hope South: June 26 & 27

No specific experience is needed—just a desire to help create a space where children and teens feel safe, seen, and supported. Through crafts, games, and thoughtful activities, volunteers help kids explore their feelings, build connections, and begin to find healing.

Apply to volunteer: https://delawarehospice.org/volunteer/

Have questions? Our Bereavement Team is happy to help! They can be reached by emailing: Bereavement@delawarehospice.org

02/04/2026

February 4th is recognized globally as World Cancer Day, a reminder of the power of early detection and the hope it brings. When cancer is found early, many cancers can be treated effectively, and some may even be prevented from progressing.

The encouraging news: Medicare covers many preventive cancer screenings, often at little to no cost. From mammograms and colon screenings to lung and prostate tests, these screenings are designed to look for cancer before symptoms begin.

We know even mentioning the word cancer can be terrifying. Gentle encouragement, understanding what’s covered, and having the right information can make these conversations with your loved one easier and much less intimidating.

Learn more about cancer screenings covered by Medicare:

National Cancer Survivors Day is coming up (June 4), which celebrates the fact that 66% of those ever diagnosed with cancer are still alive five years later. Help your loved one get a jump on any potential cancer by taking advantage of these free screening tests.