Hi - We are trying to rework our policy of soliciting hospice family members after their loved one has passed away. We had been marking them as do not solicit while the patient is on our service, then changing them to solicit after the death. We are now rethinking that policy and think we would like to wait a certain length of time after the death before soliciting the family members. I personally am thinking around the 11-12 month time frame because it might plant the seed for an anniversary memorial donation. How do other hospices work with soliciting family members? Do you even solicit them and, if so, how long do you wait? Thanks for any input. Feel free to e-mail me directly if you'd prefer. Lori Del Nero Administrative Assistant VNA/Hospice of Monroe County East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania [Email Removed]

Lori- This is actually a subject we've been working with lately. Frankly, I've been surprised by the reactions and involvement of our Hospice staff (Hospice is a part of our eight hospital system). They're embracing memorial giving as a part of the bereavement process. We're in the process of rolling out a tribute fund program (just like regular honor/memorial giving but it establishes a virtual fund e.g. The Great Aunt Sally Tribute Fund benefiting Cardiology Research at xxxxx hospital). They have been eating it up and have found that gifts help people to grieve. If you'd like, I'd be happy to connect you with our gift officer most involved in the process. Regards, Mitch Gibbs Director, IS Advocate Charitable Foundation

Mitch - This sounds like a great idea and would help to incorporate two things for us as we have also considered memorial (anniversary) donations for consistent and/or large donors who are also family members. I'd love to hear more about the program. Feel free to pass along my e-mail to your gift officer for more information if he/she doesn't mind. Many thanks! Lori Del Nero Administrative Assistant VNA/Hospice of Monroe County East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania [Email Removed]

 I'm a little late picking this up.  We have always coded Hospice survivors as DNS for a year, but several families have pointed out to us recently that they want to give immediately - validating the idea that it helps sooner rather than later.