In 1993, the agency responded to another need in the community . . . hospice. The nearest Medicare certified hospice was 100 miles away. The decision was made to begin a hospice program, and Ray Weglarz, RN, was asked to head the project. We admitted our first patient to hospice in October of 1993. In 1994, the agency chose to be accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP). CHAP ensures that agencies adhere to the very highest standards of excellence in the hospice and home care industry.

A lot has happened with Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice over the past 14 years. KHNH has kept the needs of the people of this community, as well as the needs of its employees, at the heart of its service. The number of patients and visits has grown, as has the number of employees. In 2003, KHNH has nearly 70 employees and 44 volunteers and has recently served its 4000^th patient. We have made more than 22,000 visits and received well over 600 referrals, of which 100 were for hospice patients.

The employees of KHNH are dedicated to serving their friends and neighbors in the Keweenaw and their excellence in home care is much of the reason the agency celebrates its success. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff works closely with patients and families to provide the exceptional care you have come to trust. Our staff of skilled nurses, certified home care aides, medical social workers, physical, occupational and speech therapists, and our interdisciplinary hospice team works with you to design a personal plan of care to promote your health, independence, and ability to stay at home. We also provide services that respond to the needs of the community such as Parkinson's Support Group, Adult Caregivers Group, Blood Pressure Monitoring Clinics, Grief and Bereavement Support, and a Speakers Bureau.

Growth, change, challenge, and innovation have led to the expansion and success of KHNH. We continue to set the standard for exceptional home care and hospice in the Keweenaw. "Who we are" at Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice can be summarized in our mission statement which expresses our commitment to our community, our employees and our agency:

Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice is dedicated to providing the highest quality home care services possible through the use of competent and caring staff. We strive for excellence in caring for our clients; the promotion of the employees personal and professional growth; and for long-term viability of the agency. All clients are treated with dignity and respect, allowing achievement of the highest level of independence.