Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio Celebrates 40th Anniversary and Reflects on Providing Care at Its Inpatient Care Centers

This year, Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a local, not-for-profit hospice. Since 1982, we have been honored and privileged to serve the community, providing care for patients at home and in our inpatient care centers at the Selma Markowitz Inpatient Care Center at Licking Memorial Hospital and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.   

“Our inpatient care centers provide a comfortable setting for patients and their families to receive compassionate care when the patient’s care needs exceed what can be provided at home,” said Renee Sparks, executive vice president of Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio. “Patients are cared for by a team of healthcare professionals who maximize comfort and reduce symptom burden for the patient by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.” 

Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio cares for patients in the setting of their choice. Hospice care is provided wherever a patient calls home, whether that is a private residence, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility. When patients need acute symptom management, Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio offers care at two inpatient care centers. One is located in Newark, and the other is located in Columbus.  

Dedicated in 1997 and named for the founder of Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio, the Selma Markowitz Inpatient Care Center is located on the sixth floor of Licking Memorial Hospital. Owned and operated by Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio, the seven-bed unit is designed for patients who need more acute symptom management. 

Since its opening in 2019, our 12-bed inpatient care center at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center expanded our ability to meet the hospice and palliative care needs of patients at the center, including those at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. If hospice care is needed, patients experience a calm transition and compassionate care.  

Both of our inpatient care centers provide 24-hour care by trained hospice professional staff in a quiet, home-like atmosphere with private rooms that encourage visitation, accommodations for family overnight stays, a whirlpool bath with lift, family kitchen and living room, and a children’s play area.  

“Most hospice care is provided at the loved one’s home, whether that is a private residence, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home,” Sparks said. “Our inpatient care centers offer an additional option for care when a patient needs short-term intervention to enhance quality of life. It allows families to remain close to their loved one while the patient receives person-centered care from a group of healthcare professionals.” 

 Ongoing community support has enabled Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio to open and continue operations of compassionate care at both inpatient care centers.  

“Since our founding, we have offered care to anyone in our community, regardless of their ability to pay or complexity of care,” said Stacy Geller, vice president of philanthropic development at Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio. “We are grateful for the generous support of our community to allow us to continue operating and expanding our services over the past 40 years. We look forward to continuing to serve our communities throughout the next 40 years.”