About Us

Mission Statement

The mission of Essence Hospice is to provide compassionate, quality comfort care that enhances the lives of people with life limiting illness and their families.

History

Essence Hospice was started in 2016 after owner Aran Shelley's beloved grandfather was placed on hospice. Aran was raised by his grandfather in Newport Beach, CA. He knew of hospice as he owned a non-emergency medical transport company and frequently partnered with different hospices to transport their patients. With his grandfather Aran was literally blown away and deeply moved by the complexity and level of care he saw the hospice team provide. Realizing the opportunity to have this profound of an impact on people through a business venture was the spark that started Essence Hospice. Aran talked to his wife Heather and with her support and after obtaining advice and direction from a few select hospice professionals in Orange County he sold his medical transport company and started Essence Hospice. It was a rocky start as there are so many hospices in Orange County and many steps to take including getting medicare certified and CHAP accredited. Aran, Heather and their team at Essence were further challenged when covid hit as they were in the beginning phases of this heartfelt venture. With a continued commitment he and Heather made personal sacrifices so that Essence remained stable. They then recruited and hired some great leaders to work with them who have been able to bring Aran's original vision to fruition. The majority of hospice companies in the country (over 75%) are owned by private equity firms. As an independently owned and owner operated hospice organization the patient and their family can expect to receive that same quality and standard of care that Aran saw with his grandfather as he is committed to helping as many families as possible have that same experience.