Sitting down with Greg Estes, executive director, Lutheran Hospice
(803) 461-0456
LutheranHospice.org
How did your business begin?
Lutheran Homes of South Carolina established Lutheran Hospice in 1995 to help people with life-limiting conditions and their families focus on quality of life and comfort when they no longer choose or can benefit from curative treatment. Lutheran Hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of compassionate, person-centered care provided to people wherever they live.
What differentiates your business from other specialists in the field?
As a locally owned, non-profit, ministry, we serve people of all faiths and beliefs. Our care specialists have more than 500 years of combined service. They live and work in their communities offering support to patients and their caregivers. For those we touch, our work is a calling. Each individual we care for leaves a lasting impression on our team. Families tell us that the quality of our care makes all the difference during their journeys.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you or your business?
Many believe hospice is only provided during the final days of life. Studies have proven that patients and families receive the most benefit when hospice is involved much earlier. Choosing hospice does not mean giving up — it’s about quality of life. Many hospice patients live longer than expected with comprehensive support. Our care specialists understand that hospice care is about how to live.
Hospice care is fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance. Hospice provides all medications and equipment needed related to the terminal illness, including services to embrace the spiritual, emotional and psychosocial needs of the patients and families.
How does your company give back to the Columbia community?
In addition to providing direct patient care, Lutheran Hospice supports families, and offers community grief support programs for others who are grieving. We offer a wide variety of educational programs to help people better understand available resources for wellness and coping strategies. We support professional development for future healthcare leaders through student internships and volunteer opportunities. Our team considers it an honor and privilege to serve our community.
