Pet Therapy

Connecticut Hospice is America's first Hospice. It was founded by Florence Wald, and a group of nurses, doctors, and clergy, in 1974 and it was the first of its kind in the United States. A few years prior, Wald, then an Associate Professor and Dean of the Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing Program at Yale University, was inspired by a palliative care lecture given by Dr. Cicely Saunders, the founder of St. Christopher’s Hospice, the first hospice in the world.Throughout our history, we have remained true to our original mission, and continue to uphold our founding principles. Our hospice concept encompasses both home and inpatient care for persons diagnosed with a terminal illness with a limited prognosis, normally six months or less. We uphold the central Hospice commitment to enable the patient to live as fully and completely as possible during the time of the illness. We support the entire family as the unit of care rather than just the patient. Our home care programs make it possible for families to keep the patient at home if such care is appropriate, and marshal community resources to help deepen support and keep care costs as low as possible.Volunteers have always part of our history! We are looking for volunteers who are comfortable sitting with patients in their home, transportation, environmental musicians to play in our lobby, certified pet therapy.