With far-reaching effects into 2022 and beyond, considering the rapidly-aging population in California, there is a hospice need like never before. Something that Good Heart Hospice is quite aware of as it continues to modernize and enhance senior care.
In fact, According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the number of hospice patients in California covered by Medicare has increased 55 percent in 10 years—and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, in January 2021, the Los Angeles Times spotlighted that the number of hospices has risen six-fold in the last 10 years to meet the ever-growing need, making quality care tremendously important.
California’s Hospice Initiative, Let’s Get Healthy California, describes hospice as a form of palliative care. They cite the need to increase hospice care to ensure the state’s residents have a better quality of life in their remaining years. Focusing on elevating the importance of hospice care, the data found:
- In 2010, 39.0% of decedents with terminal conditions utilized hospice care.
- Data from 2014 shows that number jumped to 43.3 percent.
Good Heart Hospice hopes to reach a target of 54.0% or higher by 2022.
Moving California Forward
Good Heart Hospice, a Joint Commission-accredited hospice company in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., is serving patients with a heart-forward approach and hoping to help the state meet its goals. Started by Patrick and Maya Thona, the two conceptualized a new solution—one they wished was there when they needed it most. With Maya’s extensive experience in nursing and Patrick’s business expertise, the couple has sought to make a difference, from the ground up.
While Maya stays focused on the care side of running a hospice, Patrick leads the business with solid marketing acumen.
“We’re focused on not only changing the industry, but patients’ lives,” said Patrick. “We’re committed to caring for every patient—just like we wanted to care for Maya’s father.”
An immigrant from the Philippines, her mother found it difficult to provide for her family after losing her father. Although she always wanted to become a doctor like her father, she decided on nursing school and took her compassionate approach into the hospice she was building.
She quickly discovered that while she enjoyed the work, the environment around hospice care was fraught with scams and a lack of true compassion. Aiming to change the very industry that recently was called out by California’s government, Maya realized she could do better—one patient at a time.
Both Patrick and Maya are proud of what they have built and the care they provide. They regularly receive glowing reviews from patients and families, which keeps their commitment and heart in the right place.
“I have years of experience in larger, for-profit companies,” Maya said. “I never want our patients to feel lost in our system or as a number; this is about providing dignity-based, compassionate care to all.”
As one of the leading hospice care providers in Southern California, with clients in the San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties, Good Heart Hospice was just named as a preferred hospice provider by Loma Linda Medical University Medical Center.
Also just announced, the provider is offering an exclusive program, ‘No-Cost’ Family Hospice Consultation’, to provide families with proactive education around hospice care. The program includes a free consultation, bringing case managers to each family in need, allowing the professionals to assess the situation and create a personalized, adaptive care plan that can start in as little as 48 hours.
With all forms of insurance accepted, Good Heart Hospice doesn’t shortchange patients on supplies for the sake of higher profit margins and, according to Maya, “Every patient is treated with the dignity they deserve. We focus on maximizing comfort, reducing suffering, and bringing joy—whenever possible.”
As the need for hospice continues to climb in the ‘Golden State’, this healthcare institution is one step ahead, leading with compassion, grace, and better care for those most vulnerable.
“I see my father in everyone that comes through the door,” Maya said. “When you come to Good Heart Hospice, our industry-leading staff treat you as members of their family—and you become an extension of us.”
With exceptional care, well-trained staff, and a commitment to making hospice better, Maya and Patrick are paving a path to better options for Californians moving forward.
About Good Heart Hospice
Good Heart Hospice was founded by Patrick Thona and Maya Thona to promote quality of life, comfort, and convenience. Patrick Thona is an experienced marketer with extensive skills in digital marketing, helping companies to generate over $1B in Ecommerce revenue through digital marketing. Maya Thona has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Before founding Good Heart Hospice, Maya was involved in supervising healthcare-related programs for over 15 years for the Orange County Health Care Agency. For more information, please visit https://goodhearthospice.com/