Raleigh, NC (October 28, 2013) — Wake County’s population is both growing and aging.  According to North Carolina census, the area experienced a 37% population increase in the past 10 years.  US News and World Report predicts the Triangle region will be the fastest-growing metro area through 2025 and this includes the 75-and-over population as retirees move closer to children and grandchildren.  Hospice of Wake County says the time to plan is now.  Last month, the organization kicked off a capital campaign designed to help Wake County–and the four neighbor counties it services–address the demand and plan for growth.

“Hospice of Wake County serves people in Wake, Durham, Johnston, Franklin and Harnett Counties and the demand for services has steadily increased in recent years,” said CEO John Thoma. “When we opened our Hospice Home in 2010, we knew it would be a challenge to keep up with demand.   If we act now, we can ensure that patients needing care at the end of life won’t be turned away.”

Hospice of Wake County provides care to terminally ill patients and their families through a comprehensive program of medical care, emotional support and spiritual guidance.  Those who come to the Hospice Home are provided care 24 hours a day by a trained team of physicians, nurses, home health aides and volunteers.  For some, the home is the most appropriate setting because they live alone and have no primary caregiver, or because a caregiver is no longer able to perform the physical tasks required, or because they simply have no other home.

Hospice of Wake County hopes to raise $6 million to increase interior living space, and this would provide the opportunity to serve an additional 300 patients and their families each year in the Hospice Home.  This demonstrates the Power of 10, a campaign that aptly recognizes the power that ten extra rooms will provide to those needing caring and comfortable end-of-life services.  In addition, the non-profit agency serves nearly 3,000 patients each year in their own homes, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, and nursing homes.

“The addition of 10 patient rooms will mean we won’t have to tell people there’s a waiting list,” said Brenda Gibson, campaign co-chair.  “Just last year my own mother became a Hospice of Wake County patient and received the wonderful, quality care she needed.  Everyone in the local community should take an interest in their hospice to ensure appropriate care is available for future generations.”

Overall growth in the number of patients served by Hospice of Wake County mirrors the changing demographics of the region.  Over the past 10 years, patient census has risen by 213%, from an average of 107 patients each day in 2003 to 335 patients in 2012.  By the end of September 2013, the Hospice Home had welcomed over 2,200 patients and their families since opening in 2010.

“We are grateful for the generosity the community has shown Hospice of Wake County through the years,” said Dr. William Dunlap, campaign co-chair and founder of Hospice of Wake County.  “We hope the community will continue to demonstrate its support as Hospice of Wake County plans for the future.”

For more information and to find out how to support the campaign, contact Major Gifts Coordinator, Jeanne Lawson at jlawson@hospiceofwake.org or call (919)-719-6716.

About Hospice of Wake County 

Your community hospice since 1979, Hospice of Wake County provides physical, emotional and spiritual care to those living with an advanced illness, their caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one regardless of age, race, religion, or financial circumstances. Our service area includes Johnston, Franklin, Durham, Harnett and Wake counties, as well as Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Guided by community-based boards of directors and supported by a dedicated professional staff, our goal is to provide compassionate hospice care that allows patients to enjoy every moment of their lives to the fullest. For more information on Hospice of Wake County you may call 919-828-0890 or visit www.hospiceofwake.org.