Northwest Indiana’s first hospice

In 1979, Bishop Andrew Grutka of the Diocese of Gary appointed local medical leaders and clergy to investigate a new concept for end-of-life services. Hospice, a specialized home care program, would need a diverse team of professionals – doctors, nurses, therapists, counselors – as well as trained volunteers.

They would focus on a mission to help persons in the last six months of life, and their loved ones, live the last chapter of life with dignity, regardless of diagnosis, age, race or ethnicity.

It was a grassroots effort, facilitated by a major gift from the East Chicago Knights of Columbus. The resulting nonprofit agency, then known as Hospice of Northwest Indiana, admitted its first patient in October 1981.

As knowledge of hospice care spread, the need in bordering communities became evident. The agency was granted Medicare and state certification, changed its name to Hospice of the Calumet Area and began providing care to Illinois families as well.

We now have provided services to more than 23,000 individuals and families, proudly staying true to a founding value: No patient is excluded from care because of the inability to pay.

We are grateful for the generous support extended over the years from the community, which helps our entire team provide the highest quality end-of-life care to those in need.