We are a locally owned and operated practice with more than 25 years of combined experience in hospice care. Our founding directors are not just silent or absent partners in an entity, but healthcare practitioners who are intimately involved in the delivery of all hospice-related services. Working closely with patients and their families and caregivers, our interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, counselors, and other medical professionals help patients live with their symptoms under control, in comfort and dignity.

Hospice Associates also has a music therapist available in certain areas. The American Music Therapy Association defines music therapy as "...an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals of all ages." Music therapy improves quality of life by treating pain, anxiety, depression and dementia through the use of live, patient-preferred music. Research has shown that music reduces the perception of pain, decreases nausea, and improves mood. Sound is the last outside sensation that registers with a dying patient. Some techniques utilized include lyric analysis/discussion, live singing/instrumental, music relaxation, and personal recording for legacy.

FOUNDING MEMBERS
Demetria Ally, RN, Chief Nursing Officer
Ricardo Febry, MSc, MD, Chief Medical Officer
Edgar Guedry, LCSW, Chief Social Work Officer

ADMINISTRATION
Edgar Guedry, LCSW, Administrator
Judy Dudenhefer, Business Manager
Hope Himel-Benson, LCSW Bereavement Director
Dominique Duronslet, Executive Coordinator


MEDICAL DIRECTORS
Mario Moreno, MD, Medical Director (Baton Rouge)
Ricardo Febry, MSc, MD, Medical Director (New Orleans)

NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Barb Liscum, RN, APN
Anne Favret, RN

NURSING DIRECTORS
Donna Appel, RN, DON (Baton Rouge)
Demetria Ally, RN (New Orleans)

FIELD STAFF
Our extended staff consists of nurses, social workers, nursing aides, music therapists, spiritual counselors, and volunteers trained in our hospice mission to provide compassionate care with the highest level of knowledge, professionalism, and accessibility.

We service a 50 mile radius around each of our growing number of locations. For more information, or to request a referral, please contact us at info@hospiceassociates.com, or at one of the locations below.