Please tell us about Compassus. What makes the company unique?

Compassus is a national health care company specializing in hospice, palliative and home health care. Its primary mission is to provide compassionate, patient-centered support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and complex needs. Operating hundreds of community-based locations across the United States, including Montana, Compassus brings together medical experts, caregivers and support staff to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. 

What makes Compassus unique in Montana is its locally operated teams of healthcare professionals who understand regional needs and values, ensuring continuity of care through integrated services. Patients receive comprehensive medical, emotional and spiritual support in the comfort of their homes, while Compassus Montana is recognized for its dedication to quality, integrity and community involvement, tailoring end-of-life care to meet the unique preferences and circumstances of Montana residents.

What service areas do you cover in Montana?

Compassus Hospice generally provides care within a 60-mile radius of our Bozeman and Billings offices, but we are always looking for ways to say “yes” to patients who live outside those areas. Our goal is to offer the gift of hospice to all who need it; if we are unable to serve a patient due to distance, we are committed to helping families connect with other resources and support within their community. Below is a list of counties we can provide care and serve patients in: 

• Big Horn 
• Broadwater
• Carbon
• Gallatin
• Golden Valley
• Jefferson
• Madison
• Meagher
• Musselshell
• Park
• Stillwater
• Sweetgrass 
• Wheatland
• Yellowstone

What would you like funeral directors to know about your profession?

Funeral home directors should know that hospice care focuses on quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses, providing comfort, dignity, and emotional and spiritual support rather than curative treatments. Hospice uses a multidisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides and volunteers to help both patients and families through the end-of-life journey. Importantly, hospice offers counseling and bereavement support for families before and after a patient’s passing, which can be a valuable resource for funeral directors to recommend.

Hospice staff often help with advance care planning and funeral preferences, making coordination with funeral homes smoother. It’s also important to note that hospice serves patients with a wide range of illnesses, not just cancer. Trained in cultural and spiritual sensitivity, hospice teams can assist in honoring family traditions and rituals. At the time of death, hospice typically handles medical notifications and provides initial support, communicating directly with funeral homes as needed. Through open collaboration and communication with hospice organizations, funeral home directors can more effectively support families and ensure seamless care during this challenging time.

In creating a continuum of care for families, what, in your experience, is the best way to build relationships with funeral homes, and vice versa? 

The best way to create a continuum of care for families and build strong relationships with funeral homes is through open communication, early collaboration and shared commitment to supporting families holistically. Hospice providers can work with funeral homes by initiating conversations about end-of-life planning early, ensuring families understand their options and receive guidance before a crisis occurs.

Joint education efforts, such as workshops or informational sessions for the community, foster mutual understanding of each organization’s role and available resources. Hospice teams should share bereavement support, grief counseling and other services with funeral homes, so families continue to receive care even after funeral arrangements are complete. By honoring families’ wishes, respecting cultural or spiritual values and maintaining compassionate, open lines of communication, hospice and funeral homes can build trust and provide truly comprehensive support through every stage of end-of-life and beyond.

Are there any commonalities amongst hospice and funeral professionals?

Hospice and funeral professionals are dedicated to supporting families with compassion, empathy and respect during end-of-life and bereavement. They provide guidance, education and resources to help families navigate choices and cope with loss, including grief support. Both professions value teamwork and clear communication to ensure seamless, high-quality care for families.