Compassus

Compassus — Southside is a hospice care provider serving Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah, and Marshall counties in Alabama. The program provides compassionate end-of-life care 24/7, with a physical office open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is Medicare-certified through geographically assigned teams for faster response times.

The hospice care includes physical, practical, and emotional support focused on managing pain and other symptoms, reducing unnecessary hospital visits, and enabling patients to live with dignity. Nursing services, medications, supplies, and equipment are covered when a diagnosis requires hospice care. Care is provided wherever patients call home, whether in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, or personal residence.

The care team emphasizes symptom management, spiritual and emotional health, and support for the patient's family and friends. The hospice program includes ongoing grief counseling for patients, families, and friends, and operates according to four levels of care carried out by a team of professionals to ensure dignity and comfort at the end of life.

Compassus — Southside achieved Community Health Accreditation Partner renewal under the Hospice Standards of Excellence, recognizing the program's commitment to quality care. Volunteers play a valuable role in the hospice team, providing assistance such as reading to patients, preparing meals for families, and helping with household tasks. All volunteers receive free training at a local office.