Thirty years ago, Beth and Tom Hoffmann took a leap of faith. What began as a response to a single patient in need has grown into one of Kern County’s most trusted hospice providers, touching thousands of lives along the way. 

 

It began with a moment—one that Beth and Tom Hoffmann would never forget. In 1994, while running a home health and infusion agency, they met a young mother battling AIDS. She was exhausted, overwhelmed, and in need of hospice care. But when she reached out for help, she was turned away. The reason? Fear. Cost. A lack of options. 

 

Tom and Beth refused to accept that answer. They stepped in, ensuring she received the dignity and comfort she deserved in her final days. That experience stayed with them, shaping their vision of what hospice care should be. It wasn’t just about medical treatment—it was about compassion, presence, and ensuring no one faced the end of life alone. 

 

Determined to make that vision a reality, they founded Hoffmann Hospice in 1995. Today, as they mark 30 years of service, their commitment to providing exceptional, patient-centered care continues to define the organization’s mission. 

 

For three decades, Hoffmann Hospice has stood as a sanctuary for families, providing comfort, care, and unwavering support during life's most delicate moments. Beth Hoffmann reflects, "What we do isn’t just about medicine—it’s about being there, truly being present for patients and their families in their most vulnerable moments. That’s what makes hospice care so sacred." 

 

From its early beginnings, Hoffmann Hospice has grown into a respected and trusted provider, serving thousands of patients while remaining Kern County’s only locally founded non-profit hospice. The choice to remain a non-profit was intentional, prioritizing patient care over profit.  

“I never wanted to wonder if we could afford to provide the best care. I wanted to go to bed each night knowing we had done what was right for every patient,” Beth explains. "Our mission is to celebrate the sanctity of life, provide compassionate end-of-life care, and comfort the grieving."

As the need for specialized hospice care grew, so did Hoffmann Hospice’s vision. One of its most significant milestones was the creation of Kern County’s first hospice inpatient unit (IPU), an 18-bed facility designed to provide around-the-clock care for patients experiencing severe symptoms. The IPU offers a peaceful environment where families can focus on their loved ones without the sterility of a hospital setting. 

 

The idea of the inpatient unit wasn’t born in a boardroom; it was born from years of listening to families. Beth traveled across the country, visiting hospice homes, sitting in quiet rooms where final goodbyes were said, and taking notes on what made them feel like home. She wanted to create a place where patients and families could feel at peace, supported, and never alone. 

 

Hoffmann Hospice also achieved CHAP accreditation, a prestigious recognition that signifies excellence in hospice care.  “CHAP accreditation is like the Good Housekeeping Seal of healthcare,” Beth explains.  “They evaluate everything—patient care, policies, finances—and they don’t just assess, they help us improve. That commitment to excellence benefits every patient we serve.”

Hoffmann Hospice is the only hospice in Kern County with an own in-house Transport Team, ensuring patients arrive safely, with dignity and compassion, as well as the only local hospice with a pediatric team, the Starlight Pediatric Program, which supports and celebrates even our youngest patients.

As Hoffmann Hospice continued to grow, a new challenge emerged—patients and families who wanted to remain in a supportive environment even beyond hospice care. Many families found themselves wishing they didn’t have to leave. They had built connections, found comfort in familiar faces, and trusted the care they were receiving. 

 

In response, Hoffmann Hospice established a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE), ensuring long-term care with the same level of compassion and expertise. “We identified the need and expanded in a way that stayed true to our core mission: providing high-quality, patient-centered care,” Beth says. “It wasn’t about growing bigger—it was about 

growing better.” 

 

Facilities and accreditations matter, but Beth emphasizes that Hoffmann Hospice’s strength lies in its people. “The real reason Hoffmann Hospice is a leader in Kern County is our staff. They show up every day with hearts full of compassion and a commitment to providing the best care possible.” 

 

Hospice work is not easy. It takes a special kind of person to walk with someone through their final moments, to offer comfort in times of sorrow, and to celebrate life even in its closing chapters. Beth believes that the people at Hoffmann Hospice aren’t just employees—they are a family of caregivers.

Their dedication is evident in the experiences of families who entrust Hoffmann Hospice with their loved ones. One family member shared: “When my auntie was in her final days, she was placed at Hoffmann Hospice, and the care and support that was given was amazing. The staff were kind and very understanding. The atmosphere was ‘gentle.’ The whole family was able to be there to visit, gather, and support one another during that very difficult time.”

Thirty years of Hoffmann Hospice represents not just a milestone, but a promise—one to continue serving the community with excellence, dignity, and compassion. “I don’t need to expand unless God calls us to expand. I just want to find new ways to serve,” Beth reflects. 

 

For three decades, Hoffmann Hospice has been a beacon of dignity and compassion for patients and families. As the organization looks to the future, one thing remains clear: its commitment to doing what’s right, ensuring that every person receives the care, comfort, and respect they deserve.