Hospice is all about compassionate end-of-life care. It’s also about comfort — not just for patients, but also for their families.

Unfortunately, not every person in need of hospice care has a home they can receive it in. Maybe the place they call home isn’t suitable for the level of care they need, maybe they live alone, or maybe their caregiver needs a few days of respite.

These are the people that Mission House was created for.

The Mission of Mission House

At the core of Mission House is the belief that hospice patients deserve more than just medical care, they also deserve the space and support to face the end of their life with peace and compassion.

Centrally located in Redwood City, California, Mission House is specifically designed to provide intensive, round-the-clock hospice care for people in the last weeks of life — in the comfort of a homelike setting that is quiet, bright, and serene.

The home’s common areas and gardens offer a beautiful and welcoming environment. Each of the private rooms comes with its own bathroom and doors that open to the outside. Loved ones are always encouraged to visit and stay.

The focus is on patient comfort and keeping friends and family close without them being responsible for caregiving. The hospice team includes a medical director, nurses, and home health aides for medical care, as well as a medical social worker and spiritual counselor for emotional support. Volunteers provide Healing Touch, aromatherapy, massage, and pet therapy, or they simply visit with patients and families.

Why Comfort Rather Than Hospitals is Crucial in Hospice Care

Hospice care is as much about autonomy as it is about comfort. It empowers patients to make decisions about their care and to spend their final days in a way that aligns with their values and desires.

For many, this means avoiding the clinical, impersonal environment of a hospital.

Hospitals are inherently focused on treating and curing illnesses. While they play a vital role in healthcare, they are not conducive to the kind of reflective, peaceful experience that hospice aims to provide. The constant hum of medical machinery, the sterility of the surroundings, and the fast-paced environment can feel isolating and dehumanizing for someone nearing the end of life.

Mission House recognizes that dignity in death often comes from small but meaningful comforts: a quiet room, a warm bed, a compassionate caregiver, and the ability to spend time with family and friends.

By creating this space for individuals who would otherwise not be able to have it, Mission House helps patients and families truly make the most of their final weeks together. It also provides patients with three critical areas of comfort:

• Physical comfort: Pain management is a cornerstone of hospice care. By addressing physical symptoms effectively, hospice teams allow patients to focus on the things that matter most to them in their final days, whether that’s reconnecting with loved ones, reflecting on their life, or simply finding moments of peace.
• Emotional comfort: Facing the end of life can be emotionally overwhelming. Feelings of fear, regret, and loneliness are common. Hospice care teams provide emotional support through counseling and companionship, and they also foster a nurturing environment that reduces stress and anxiety.
• Spiritual comfort: Many individuals seek spiritual solace as they approach the end of life. Hospice care providers often include chaplains and spiritual advisors who respect and support diverse beliefs and practices, helping patients find meaning and comfort.

How you can support Mission House

As a nonprofit, Mission House depends upon the support of the community. Here are three ways you can offer that support:

1. Donate: Financial contributions help provide comprehensive medical, emotional, and spiritual support for patients, as well as bereavement services for family members.
2. Volunteer: Volunteers play a crucial role in creating a warm and supportive environment. Whether it’s providing companionship or assisting with administrative tasks, there are many ways to get involved.
3. Advocate: Raising awareness about the importance of hospice care can help Mission House expand its reach. Share their mission with friends and family as well as on social media to amplify their impact.

By the Bay Health is celebrating our 50th anniversary of advocating for hospice and palliative care. You can help us continue our mission by donating. Visit our 50th anniversary page to learn how you can contribute.