Beth Hoffmann answers your hospice questions
Q: When I make the choice to start hospice service, does my insurance company direct which hospice I use?
A: No. Patients have the right to choose their hospice provider. Physicians or other caregivers may recommend a hospice, but patient choice must be honored. When looking for a hospice provider, it's important to know all your options.
Light Up A Life 2009 at The Marketplace in Bakersfield
Photos by Henry Barrios
Light up a Life, Hoffmann's annual remembrance ceremony, is a much-anticipated holiday tradition for many in Kern County and the Antelope Valley who wish to honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away. More than 800 guests attended the Bakersfield ceremony at The Marketplace this year to enjoy the camaraderie, the poignant reading of names and the joyous lighting of the Christmas tree.
Angela Dickinson and her children listen as names are read at Light up a Life
Hoffmann hosted Light up a Life at The Marketplace on December 1. Remembrance ceremonies were also held December 3 in Palmdale and December 8 in Kernville.
Phillip Romley ponders the light.
The annual tree-lighting ceremonies are free and open to the public. Attendees may honor or memorialize a loved one by placing a symbolic light on the tree. Guests are asked to make a $10 donation for each individual they honor. Those who donate $100 in memory of a special family member or friend are recognized at the ceremony as Starlight Sponsors and receive a commemorative ornament.
For more information about Hoffmann's annual Light up a Life call 410-1010.