The Samaritan Difference

“As healthcare has changed, so has Samaritan. We are now more than a hospice, supporting the community earlier in the process of care, providing primary care at home, palliative medicine and all kinds of supportive services. We are acknowledging that we can do more and we are leading the way in serious illness care navigation.”

As Samaritan celebrates its 45th year of caring for the South Jersey community, a look back at its history shows an evolution of services, from solely offering hospice care to now offering an array of life-enhancing care. A look to the future shows how much their impact will grow.

“As healthcare has changed, so has Samaritan,” says Lisa Dutterer, Samaritan’s Chief Operating Officer. “We are now more than a hospice, supporting the community earlier in the process of care, providing home-based primary care, palliative medicine and all kinds of supportive services. We are acknowledging that we can do more, and we are leading the way in serious illness care navigation.”

The foundation of Samaritan’s services is based on patient-centered care. “We establish a circle of caring,” Dutterer says. “At the center of our circle is our patient and family. We meet them where they are. We focus on what is important to them, what brings them joy. What healthcare decisions will they be making, and how can we help with that? Samaritan Care Pathways provides advanced clinical expertise and extraordinary compassion for every stage of their healthcare journey.”

Samaritan also provides extensive social services for families and patients in primary, palliative and hospice care. “And we have many additional programs that are 100% donor supported – so there is no coverage from insurance or Medicaid. Services like music therapy, art therapy, pet therapy, spiritual counseling and grief therapy, which is offered to any community member who has experienced a loss,” Dutterer adds. 

The We Honor Veterans program connects veterans to Samaritan patients who have served. A veteran will call or visit the patient so the two can make a special connection because of their shared life experiences. 

Other community members can receive visits or calls from volunteers as part of Samaritan’s comprehensive social connections program. “So many people feel socially isolated or disconnected, even though they may be surrounded by people. Those feelings can impact your health, and it can affect anyone. A new mom might feel isolated. Someone caring for a person with dementia might. Our Social Connections program brings core team members to the table, because we have an opportunity as a community to come together to help solve this problem.”

With the array of services Samaritan provides, Dutterer recognizes that families may be unsure of how to access their healthcare services and supports. No need to worry, she says.

“The first step is to call us or go to samaritannj.org and click the ‘Refer Now’ button. A nurse care navigator will talk with you about your needs and guide you to care that is right for you. If you think you could benefit from our services, contact us. We’re here to help.”

Since 1980, Samaritan’s team of clinical experts has been providing our neighbors in Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, Mercer, and Atlantic Counties with compassionate care and help for every stage of serious illness and aging.

856-596-1600 | samaritannj.org