News > Headlines


From Denise's Desk: Only 75 Planning Days Left to National Home Care and Hospice Month!

We may be deeply immersed in the dog days of summer, but National Hospice and National Home Care Month (the entire month of November) is rapidly approaching. And, for those of us who have been through a few of these, it's no secret that making the most of this special occasion is a golden opportunity you won't want to miss.

To help you make an even bigger impression with your referral sources, volunteers, employees and community, we've created a campaign that is perfect for a November launch and will still be able to carry you throughout the year. Please note, however, that if you are interested in ordering T-shirts, mugs or candy jars we will need six to eight weeks for delivery. So, to ensure that you get delivery in time for November, you'll want to place your order before the end of the month.

November is also the time when you'll be the most likely to get valuable media coverage and you'll want to make your first contact with your local assignment editor (television) and/or features editor no later than the first of September to get the ball rolling. I've listed below three ideas to consider, to make an even bigger splash this November!

1. Faith-Based Breakfast - Celebrate National Hospice & Palliative Care Month and/or National Home Care Month with a free informational/educational breakfast. Invite ministers, priests, rabbis, etc. A popular format has been to create a roundtable discussion on how they can assist their congregation in getting the help they need. (Remember to invite the media as well.)
2. Feature Article - Contact your local newspaper (find out the Feature Editor's name and contact him/her directly). Do your background work first and find out whether they prefer email or snail mail and then simply send a cover letter (it doesn't have to be formal) suggesting an article on how Home Care/Hospice is making a difference to individuals throughout your community. Avoid "selling" your agency but rather offer three specific examples of individuals your agency has served. Of course, you will need to make certain you have your clients' permission prior to providing their names.
3. Referral Relationships - Fill the "Celebrate Life" candy jars with candy and distribute them to your best referral sources - physicians' offices, discharge planners, ALFs, nursing homes, etc. Each month thereafter, you can return to refill the candy jar with their favorite treat. This is a low-cost marketing program with a very high shelf life.