When people drive past the beautiful Ogeechee Area Hospice facility, they often admire its peaceful setting, but some may not realize the heart of what Ogeechee does happens not just within its walls—but in the homes of families across the community.
"Because we have this beautiful facility, people think we don’t do home care,” said Tinker Lanier, Business Development Manager. “But the truth is, we’ve been providing care in patients' homes for over a decade—long before the inpatient facility was ever built.”
Home care is, and always has been, a cornerstone of Ogeechee Area Hospice’s mission. As the only non-profit, locally run hospice in the region, their approach is deeply rooted in compassion, community connections, and personalized care.
“Unlike other providers, our focus is not on revenue—it’s on people,” said Vanessa Ramirez, Executive Director. “We’re able to spend more time in patient homes, helping with everything from hands-on medical support to funeral arrangements and applying for benefits.”
And that local connection goes beyond staff. Volunteers are often neighbors, church members, or lifelong friends. “That familiarity brings comfort to families in a way that larger, corporate hospices just can’t match,” she added.
Despite the facility’s visibility, there’s still a critical misconception that needs clearing up: families have a choice in hospice care.
“A lot of people think that hospitals or doctors automatically choose a hospice for them, but that’s simply not true,” explained Lanier, Business Development Manager. “You can, and should, ask for Ogeechee Area Hospice by name—especially if you want a provider that has served this community for over 30 years.”
Being community-based also gives Ogeechee a better understanding of local needs. “When we heard families needed a longer-term care option under hospice, we built a residential unit,” Lanier said. “That was Phase Two of our inpatient facility. Every step we’ve taken has been because our community asked for it.”
Kelli Murray, a longtime staff member, shared what she finds most meaningful: “The most rewarding part is being with patients in their homes—where they are surrounded by love, comfort, and familiarity. We see every emotion on this journey, and it’s an honor to be there through it all. Working at Ogeechee has made me a better person.”
Still, the greatest tool for spreading the word about Ogeechee’s work isn’t advertising—it’s you. “Word of mouth is the most powerful thing,” Ramirez said. “If you’ve had a great experience with us, please tell your friends, your family, your church groups. Let them know who we are and what we do.”
Ogeechee Area Hospice is more than a name—it’s a community legacy, built by neighbors, for neighbors, delivering comfort and care where it’s needed most: at home.
For more information on Ogeechee Area Hospice and its services, please visit oahospice.org.