Community Hospice Ready to Open its Doors

Community Hospice of Bergen County, a nonprofit group based in the offices of the , is on the verge of opening up to the public and increasing the number of patients it can help.

Four former hospice employees and volunteers decided to start the nonprofit group after the Pascack Valley Hospital closed in 2007, according to Donna Bott, one of the co-founders. Over the next four years, they raised $500,000 and provided free care to a limited number of patients. The hospice received a license from the state last June, was recently accredited and will soon be receiving a Medicare number, allowing them to pursue some reimbursement for their work while still not charging patients.

It is unusual for a hospice to start as a grassroots effort, Bott said. It was the community's support that has allowed the group to come so far.

"We could have never done this if the community had not trusted us," Bott said. "It's actually pretty amazing."

Community Hospice of Bergen County offers a variety of services for its patients, including therapies, medications and alternative therapies. Their philosophy is that "everyone matters until the last moment of life." The group has numerous volunteers, including doctors, home health aids, clergy, social workers, speech therapists, dieticians and physical therapists. The hospice's team works with patients wherever they live, including nursing homes and hospitals. Bott said she hopes to work closely with when it opens next year.

Support for the group has come from a variety of local governments, restaurants, schools, churches, civic organizations and senior groups, Bott said. She noted some examples, including a kindergarten class in Tenafly which collected pennies and a pizzeria in Westwood which donated a dollar for every pie sold. They also hold various fundraisers, including an upcoming oldies dance April 28 at the at 8 p.m.

The group is also holding a ribbon-cutting at 6:30 p.m. May 1 at 105 Fairview Avenue to celebrate their success and thank area residents for their support.

"For the past four-and-a-half years, people have been there and not left our side," Bott said. "They continue to believe in us, continue to trust us and they have walked the journey with us. When we open the door, it is really to say 'thank you' to everyone."

The hospice will need to continue to fundraise because Medicare will not fully cover their costs, Bott said. Anyone who is interested in purchasing tickets to the oldies dance can call (201) 666-2954 or (201) 664-8126.