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 MFDA Featured Associate Member: COMPASSUS 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. 20 | Directors Digest
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