Our Model of Care
Long before our mission started, communities across the country were already leading the way in providing visionary approaches to caring for terminally ill people and their families. Through passionate grass roots efforts, community-supported homes have been established offering a place of warmth and loving care for people who can no longer remain in their own homes during the last months of life. Dating back to 1984, these homes have proven their importance, sustainability, and success, and are mentoring the next generation of end-of-life homes in various stages of development nationwide.
End-of-life homes are known informally and collectively by many different names: Comfort Care Homes (of which there are twenty-five in upstate New York), Homes for the Dying, and Social Model Hospice Homes. Varying in size, appearance, and internal policies, and located in multiple states across the country, they all share a common holistic foundation and philosophy. Additionally, each home reflects the spirit of the people and the culture of the community that came together to create and sustain it.
Pappus House is aligned with the founding principles of these homes. We believe that experiencing a good death is best accomplished not in an institution, but in the home or a home-like setting with the loving kindness of many. Furthermore, a community distinguishes itself when it is able to mobilize and engage its best resources, and is courageous enough to reach out and accompany its most vulnerable people during the challenges of their parting journey.
Community-supported homes for end-of-life care…
- are special places to live and be cared for during the last months of life
- are non-denominational, inclusive, and open to all people
- are fundamentally grass roots in nature
- are raised by the community and proudly belong to the community
- are independent and freestanding
- are non-funded by Medicare / Medicaid
- are staffed by paid caregivers and volunteers who are considered “extended family”
- are in a collaborative working-relationship with the resident’s hospice provider
- are complementary and unique to what already exists in the community
- are not a hospital, nursing home, hospice, or medical facility
- are simply “home and family” and carry the heart of everything that means
Examples:
- Francis House, Syracuse, NY
- Clarehouse, Tulsa, OK
- Abode Home, San Antonio, TX