At Alabama Hospice Care of East Alabama in Anniston, the mission goes far beyond medical care. Through a range of volunteer-led programs, the hospice provides holistic support to patients and their families. These efforts include honoring veterans, offering comfort to grieving loved ones and extending care to patients’ pets.
“We offer several programs here,” says Shemika, volunteer manager at the Anniston hospice. “Each agency under our umbrella chooses which programs to offer.”
Between the lines: Optum’s integrated clinical model emphasizes whole-person care, addressing medical, behavioral and social needs. Home & Community programs reflect this philosophy by recognizing the emotional and psychological importance of pets in patients’ lives, highlighting the value of compassionate, community-based support.
One of the most impactful initiatives at the Anniston agency is their connection to Pet Peace of Mind® (PPOM), a national non-profit program that educates and supports hospice providers in ensuring their patients don’t have to worry about what will happen to their beloved furry family members when they can no longer care for them.
“Our pets are our family members too,” Shemika explains. “Sometimes they’re forgotten when a caregiver passes away. PPOM makes sure their needs are met, whether it’s walking the dog, treating an ear infection, or finding a new home.”
“We’ve had patients say, ‘I need help with placement when I’m gone.’ That’s where PPOM steps in,” says Shemika.
A volunteer's heart
One of the program’s most dedicated volunteers is Lu. After retiring, Lu was looking for meaningful ways to spend her time and found the Anniston hospice agency’s PPOM program was a perfect fit.
One story that stands out for Lu involves a hospice patient with no family or friends to care for her dog after she passes. “I compiled a list of rescues in Alabama and Georgia, sent out pictures and a narrative, and two rescues responded saying they’d love to take him,” she recalls.
The process is thoughtful and thorough. “We don’t just hand the dog off to anyone,” Lu Moseley explains. “Rescues will take the pet back if the first adoption doesn’t work out. That way, the dog is always safe.”
PPOM’s emotional benefits are profound. “It takes a stressor off the patient,” Lu says. “They know their pet won’t end up in a shelter, that it will be loved and cared for. That peace of mind is priceless.”
Shemika and Lu
A legacy of love
Ultimately, PPOM is about preserving the bond between patients and their pets. “The goal is to keep the pet with the person as long as possible,” Shemika says. “We only remove the pet when the patient passes, and we make sure there’s a plan in place.”
For Lu, the work is deeply fulfilling.
Lu sits with a dog that is in the PPOM program
“To see the love between a patient and their pet, it melts your heart. And to know you’re helping preserve that love, even after the patient is gone, is incredibly rewarding.”
Lu | Pet Peace of Mind volunteer
The bottom line: At Alabama Hospice Care of East Alabama, programs like Pet Peace of Mind reflect a deeper commitment to holistic care. They challenge us to reimagine support and compassion, not just within clinical boundaries, but through the emotional connections that bring comfort and dignity when it matters most.
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