Frequently Asked Questions
The Residents are people who have been given a terminal diagnosis and need a place to call home and 24/7 care. Each Resident is under the medical care of a hospice agency of their choice, has a DNR, and has a prognosis of three months or less (approximate/based on symptoms). They either do not have family who can be with them during this time, or their family is unable to care for them. This may be due to distance, finances, time, or the physical ability to assist. Our Residents may have been homeless prior to living at the Heart of Mary House, or may have been living in a home of their own. Admission is based on need regardless of race, gender, religion, or age.
Studies have shown that people live longer than their prognosis once they are comfortable, feel purposeful and have appropriate loving care. If a person stabilizes or improves, together with their hospice team, we will help them find a housing environment which would be best suited to their new needs. When a resident is accepted into the Heart of Mary House, the Resident, or their representative, agree to undergo a placement review at two months.
Our referrals come from multiple sources: Hospice agencies, physicians, hospitals, social workers, friends, and family. Admission into the Heart of Mary House is made after careful consideration by the Heart of Mary House director.
Our mission is to care for those who need a safe, comfortable, and peaceful home-like setting to spend their final days and to ensure all their needs are met, both physically and spiritually. Most importantly, we want our residents to know the love and mercy of our Dear Lord, Jesus Christ.
The Residents are under the care of the Hospice Medical Director the day they are admitted into Heart of Mary House. Hospice provides all medical needs, including medical equipment, personal care supplies, medications, and an intradisciplinary team, including a physician, registered nurse, CNA, social worker, and chaplain.
The Hospice nurse often sees the resident twice a week and if there is an emergent need, they are available 24/7 by phone and will make a visit as needed. Heart of Mary House is not a medical facility; it is a home and provides care as a family member would for their own loved one.
We follow the individualized plan of care designed by each Resident’s Hospice team. We are aligned with the teachings of the Catholic Church and follow the Healthcare Directives of the Catholic Church. More information on the Catholic Church directives can be found here. https://www.catholicendoflife.org/church-teaching/
Correct! Hospice is covered under a person’s insurance! If they have insurance, the costs are paid at 100 percent through the hospice benefit. However, insurance does not pay for room and board costs, nor does it offer 24-hour care.
Since we are a 501c3 non-profit, we rely completely on the time, talent, and treasure of our volunteers and private donors. Staff members will always be present and available to volunteers present in the home.
Since we are a non-profit, we rely completely on the time, talent, and treasure of our volunteers. Staff members will always be present and available to volunteers.
Time – Spend time with the residents by praying for them or with them, doing light cleaning, assisting with mealtime, providing hands-on care, and companionship. No amount of time is too little. You can give an hour once, a reoccurring hour, or a dedicated block of time. To volunteer, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4AAAAA22AA8-heart.
Talent – Talents cover a wide range of needs. Volunteers can clean, sing, play musical instruments, cook a meal, make blankets, do laundry, pray for our residents, provide games and reading material, garden, and even contribute to a snack basket for residents and volunteers.
Treasure – Donations can be made online at https://osvhub.com/stedwards/giving/funds or checks may be mailed to St. Edward Church, 188 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37211. In the memo line, write “Heart of Mary House.”
Or you can purchase an item off our Amazon Wish list. New items are added as needs arise.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UL1HTXWITAKL?ref_=wl_share.
We do not offer a formal orientation. You can imagine it being similar to showing up to a family member’s house who is taking care of another family member. and you walk in and say, “Hey! I am here. How can I help!”
You will never be expected to do something you are not comfortable doing. We are always willing to accompany you in learning a new skill or supporting you in participating in a more challenging task at the house.
Yes! We love having high school students serve our residents. We prefer that high schoolers under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult, at least on their first visit.
If students are volunteering to obtain service hours from their school, they must input stedwardhomh@gmail.com as the email and supervisor as Kim Derrick, for verification of time. While at the home, they are expected serve. They should not be on their cell phone while serving.
FAQ for Clinicians
No, Heart of Mary House (HOMH) is a home. It is not a facility. When a patient is being discharged from the hospital or skilled nursing care, or needing to be transferred from their current home, everything is organized the same as a home discharge with hospice would be planned.
HOMH is the first home under the direction of the 501c3, Catholic Comfort Care Homes, founded by Kim Derrick in September, 2022. We have bedrooms in our home, which we offer to people who qualify for entry. (See: Who are the Residents? above)
The Resident, nor their family, are asked to pay anything in order to stay and be cared for at HOMH. We supply everything our Residents need, but also welcome personal items to be brought to the house, as well as outside food.
In order for a person to be accepted into HOMH, they must have a prognosis of 3 months or less, have a DNR, and be under the care of hospice.
No, HOMH serves people who are in need. “Need” is variable and can be defined in many different ways. Although, we have a preferential option to serve the poor and underprivileged.
No, we do not conduct a financial assessment. We trust that those involved are correct in stating that the patient has a need for our services.
No, we do not accept payment for services. We do, however, accept donations in remembrance of our past Residents.
If a person requires care that involves tubes or drains, the director will assess their proposed plan of care on an individual basis.
Please see the tab labeled, Referral Resources, under the Menu on the home page.
Once accepted, the hospice orders the needed medical equipment to be delivered to HOMH. Hospice also arranges for transportation of the new resident to HOMH. Once the Resident arrives at HOMH, admission into hospice takes place and their service begins.