Three Things You Thought You Knew About Hospice

Three Things You Thought You Knew About Hospice

Hospice is often and unfortunately misrepresented to the general public. Often seen as the people who “come at the very end” or when someone is “giving up”, hospice is very much the opposite.

1.       Did you know hospice services can be utilized for up to 6 months?

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s NHPCO’s Facts and Figures on Hospice, “The median length of service in 2012 was 18.7 days. This means that half of hospice patients received care for less than three weeks. The average length of service increased from 69.1 days in 2011 to 71.8 in 2012.” These statistics tell us that a large percentage of patients are not receiving the full benefits of hospice care. Although we are seeing a slight increase in the average length of service, why don’t we see more people utilizing the hospice benefit longer? Some could be attributed to disease criteria, acceptance, or access to care. If patients, however, had 6 months to fully reflect and experience their end-of-life journey, maybe more people would have the opportunity to die their way: with dignity and grace.

2.       Choosing quality of life does not mean giving up.

When people elect their hospice benefit, it definitely doesn’t mean they are “giving up”. It can be hard for family to see that.  Their mind says, “Treatment means fighting for life”. Consider weighing the pain, suffering, and symptoms that may be associated with treatment. Choosing to forego curative treatments could alleviate certain stressors, symptoms and expenses. This is different than giving up. This is simply choosing quality of life, which take tremendous courage. Celebrate that decision and celebrate the time there is left with loved ones, while feeling as good as possible.

3.       Dying can be peaceful and graceful.

Death is very sad to accept and discuss. It is, however, unavoidable that we will all die. It is difficult to accept and reflect on this time and plan for a peaceful and graceful journey. Further, it is definitely not easy to understand how dying can be peaceful and graceful, but it is possible. Hospice of Southern Illinois can make it easier to understand, especially the longer the service is utilized. Nurses and hospice aides can address the physical/medical needs of patients; the counseling team can address emotional and spiritual wishes of the patient and family; and volunteers can provide companionship and relief of caregiving to let the family focus on being a family during the important time that is left. All members of the team are instrumental in assisting the patient and their family to honor the goals of care until the end of their journey. When the goals of care are honored, dying then becomes more peaceful and graceful.

Source: http://www.nhpco.org/sites/default/files/public/Statistics_Research/2013_Facts_Figures.pdf

Not all Hospices are the same. Ask for Hospice of Southern Illinois by name. 

Learn about Hospice of Southern Illinois, getting hospice services, and having your questions answered. Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 800-233-1708 or visit our website for more information, www. hospice.org. 

5 Ways Hospice of Southern Illinois Celebrates Life

     

• Compassion

Compassion is what the hospice team does best. They offer comfort, love and respect for the patient which allows the patient to reflect on their life journey without feeling stress that can be associated with the end-of-life experience. They can focus on what really matters in life to them!

• Support System

Hospice becomes part of the support system which includes a team of physicians, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, counselors, and volunteers. This additional support allows family and friends to remain the family and friends who celebrate the moments of life with their loved one, rather than be caregivers providing care during those special moments with their loved one. This also gives patients their support system back. They can live as actively as possible with their family and friends until they pass.

• Family and Friends

Family and friends now have the opportunity to find relief, reduce stress and be the people celebrating life with the patient. Hospice gives them the opportunity to enjoy the precious time with their loved ones during the end-of-life journey they need and want.

• Building Memories

The best way to celebrate life is reflect on our past memories and building new ones. Although the end-of-life is a unique time, beautiful memories can still be made. Hospice of Southern Illinois' mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. Quality of life is all about building memories with those you love.

• It’s About How You Live

The number one way hospice helps celebrate life is showing everyone that life is about how you live! Whether there is 60 years, 6 months or 6 breaths… the final moments are those cherished most. If Hospice of Southern Illinois helps others be pain free, peaceful and loved, the end-of-life journey was a serene one. It isn't about the length of time, but the moments that filled that time that matter most. 

Hospice of Southern Illinois Homerun: All Good Things Come With Fredbird

Hospice of Southern Illinois Homerun

“All Good Things Come With Fredbird”

Fredbird arrived at Patsy’s home on Friday, June 13, 2014. Although Friday the 13^th is usually recognized as a superstitious day, this day definitely wasn’t an unlucky one and will be considered “super” for this patient and family who will always cherish the memories Fredbird made in their home that day.

 

{Click Here or Click The Photo to View Video}

 

Hospice of Southern Illinois’ patient, Patsy, has been less responsive in the recent weeks. There is a joy of summer that still excites her, St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, as many who live in the metro-east can relate. Patsy’s caregivers and hospice interdisciplinary team learned about her love of Cardinals Baseball during their visits to her home and conversations with her children, noticing it was one thing that would bring her joy. In an attempt to bring some fun-loving excitement which the family hasn’t seen lately due to caregiver stress, Patsy’s terminal illness, and the inconsistencies of day-to-day living, the employees at Hospice of Southern Illinois  reached out to Fredbird, who without words, said it all!

He was welcomed with a yard sign created by Patsy’s granddaughter and friend and a warm, yet quiet family in the living room, for Patsy did not know who was visiting that day. Patsy’s daughter had told her that she was getting a special surprise visitor that day, but she wouldn’t say who. As Patsy patiently waited for this “super” surprise guest, everyone’s excitement was building because we all knew what was about to happen.

 

Fredbird entered the kitchen where Patsy was waiting. Her face was in total shock. She had no idea what to say or how to respond to this 6’ 3”, red bird character we all know and love! He instantly was able to make her smile with a, “Whoot woo,” and boy did she blush. It was so beautiful to see her eyes light up and joy in her face. He proceeded to serenade her, dance with her, and shake his tail feather at her. Fredbird decided there was not enough laughing and decided to go through the pantry, gulp some milk, and share a round of high fives with Patsy, the family, and the Hospice of Southern Illinois team.

The volume in the house then exploded. All stresses and illness at that moment were nonexistent. Everyone was laughing, taking photos, and shaking a tail feather. “I have never seen anyone turn a room so fast. It was an epic moment to capture and moment to experience,” explained Christine Litteken, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Print and Social Media Coordinator, who was taking photos. Fredbird turned his attention back to his guest of honor to give her one final kiss before he left. Of course he couldn’t leave without a bang. In a cabinet he found a blow horn which a family member blew his way. It knocked him off his feet as he stumbled down the hall and out the door leaving us all with a smile and memory to cherish in our hearts forever. As a Hospice of Southern Illinois’ employee, Kim Oplet mentioned when she saw the photos, “All good things come with Fredbird.”

A few days later some Hospice of Southern Illinois’ employees went back to deliver photos from the day to Patsy and her family. The same joy was reignited from Friday as she was sitting in her room waiting for the game to start. We knew it was a hospice homerun! With Fredbird’s help, we were able to eliminate all stress, pain, and worries in that moment; give the family a memorable day together; give our patient, Patsy, the experience of a lifetime that few get to have.  

That night the Cardinals played the Nationals with a 1-0 victory. We all know that Patsy’s love for the Cardinals, especially Fredbird, Yadier Molina and Matt Holiday, helped play a part in the win that night. A special thank you goes to the St. Louis Cardinals, Fredbird, and his team for the above-and-beyond effort that impacted someone’s life at such an important and critical time. That day he was a vision of our mission, to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. It meant more to them and us than he will ever know.

Hospice of Southern Illinois Circle of Care

Hospice care is so complex, but so simple all in the same. All hospices are regulated by Medicare Guidelines to provide a certain level of care.  Yet each hospice provides individualized care based on the patients’ end-of-life wishes. For this reason, there are many components that make up hospice care. These complex components all work together to make hospice care simple. How can that be? Describing hospice care as a full circle helps paint the picture of how it all works.

Medical directors, physicians, registered nurses, hospice aides, social workers, bereavement counselors, and volunteers make up the outer ring of the circle.  The outer ring builds the foundation for the support and care involved with hospice. The simplicity lies in the center of the circle, the hospice patient. All support and care provided is focused around the needs and wants of the patient at the end of life. Surrounding the patient are the family and friends who make the wishes known and supports the patient through the physical, emotional and spiritual needs through the end-of-life journey.

The end-of-life journey can bring changes in the patient’s physical or emotional condition, patient and family concern, changes in medication, changes in emotional or spiritual needs, or need for medical equipment and supplies. These changes are why hospice care is so important. The hospice team works together to meet these needs. Further, hospice care and the hospice team have the expertise about what to expect at the end of life.  Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Team has compassion for an individual’s dignity, and the experience of working with others who are going through the same things. Hospice services are so unique because they can provide all of these benefits with the help of so many, to those who need it when they are ready, patients and families at the end of life. This is why hospice care is complex, but simple all in the same: unique with so many parts, but simply for patients who need the individualized hospice care.

Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message: Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org

Intake Nurses Improve Customer Service

     Hospice is a special healthcare option for patients and families who are faced with a terminal illness. A multi-disciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, bereavement counselors and volunteers works together to address the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient and family. The hospice team provides care to patients in their own home or a home-like setting regardless of the patient’s age or ability to pay. There are many things to consider when making a decision about hospice, including how you were treated when you called for the first time.
     Hospice of Southern Illinois focuses on patient and family-centered care and we want to make sure the transition into hospice care is a smooth one. No one has to die alone. One way we are working hard to make sure that with your first contact, whether it’s a question about hospice care or a loved one who needs hospice care, we have consistency, compassion, efficiency, effectiveness, and experience. To ensure this happens, we have hired intake nurses. The intake nurse has a responsibility to:
         
- Consistently be a point of contact for people who make a referral

- Coordinate our team and transition individuals smoothly into hospice care

- Show compassion and be friendly

- Use their hospice expertise to assist healthcare professionals and community members with the best plan for the patient’s individual needs

     This new position has proved successful and has improved our customer service. You can always be at ease calling Hospice of Southern Illinois because you know we are committed to be with our patients and their loved ones through the changing needs of the end-of-life process and grief experience, starting with the initial phone call!

{Meet Bobbie from the Belleville location and Debbie from the Marion location}

Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org

We Love Social Media!

     Hospice of Southern Illinois is always working on ways to show our community involvement and commitment to be with our patients and their loved ones through the changing needs of the end-of-life process and the grief experience. That includes our online community. Read about what we are up to online!

CaringBridge
The newest resource we are promoting is through another nonprofit organization, CaringBridge. This nonprofit refer to themselves, "as an online space where you can connect, share news, and receive support. It’s your very own health social network, coming together on your personalized website... available 24/7 to anyone, anywhere, at no cost."

We want it to be an opportunity for patients, families, and friends of Hospice of Southern Illinois to have another support resource. Several health care organizations recognize www.CaringBridge.org as a reputable source, and encourage their patients and families to utilize it too. We encourage you to check it out: http://www.caringbridge.org/about. Feel free to share it with someone you know who needs it, or create your own if and when you need it! They have two services which you can explore below:

• CaringBridge Sites
  Our personal, protected sites make it easy to stay connected during any type of health event. Family and friends can visit the site to stay informed and leave supportive messages.


• SupportPlanner
  Our SupportPlanner is a calendar that helps family and friends coordinate care and organize helpful tasks, like bringing a meal, offering rides, taking care of pets and other needs.

Social Media
As most of our online community is aware we are on social media, however may not know all the places you can find us online. We want to invite you to all our social media pages because we love social media! It is a great way to learn about you, stay connected, share stories, and give you what you need! We are posting on Facebook and Twitter to connect with the community for updates on hospice news, health care topics, Hospice of Southern Illinois upcoming events, and Hospice of Southern Illinois community involvement. We have a blog page and YouTube channel to educate the community about all topics hospice and Hospice of Southern Illinois. Finally, we have just joined Pinterest as a way to interact with the community and tell stories through pictures. Find us, get to know us, and interact with us so we can be the best we can for YOU!

     Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message: Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org

Grow St. Louis - Help Your Community

     Hospice of Southern Illinois has been chosen as a finalist in the Monsanto, Grow St. Louis, grant program. We have the opportunity to recieve up to $20,000 with your help! Vote daily through this Sunday to help us continue our mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness.

     To vote, visit www.facebook.com/growstlouis. At the top right of the Facebook page there is a button that says, “VOTE HERE”. Click that and accept the terms. After accepting terms, search, “Hospice of Southern Illinois,” click vote, and then share with your friends on Facebook. 
     We cannot say thank you enough to the patients and families who have entrusted us with their care. With opportunities like this, we can say thank you by helping more people and educating more individuals on why hospice care is an important and a beautiful step in the end-of-life journey. We appreicate your support and your vote during this new opportunity!
     Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message: Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org

 

Holiday Tradition

The holidays are a crazy time of year, but also the most wonderful time of year… ok that may have been a little cliché… but it is so true! I have been blessed with some wonderful Christmas memories this year that I don’t normally get to experience. I encourage you to either start new holiday traditions or revisit some old memories as I have done this year. It really helps bring the true spirit of the holidays back (just as we shared and accomplished with #GivingTuesday a couple Tuesday’s ago- in fact lets continue #GivingTuesday all December long!)

-          Visiting old friends you haven’t seen in a while. Social media makes it so easy. I recommend using #friendwithdrawls to drop hints of how bad you miss them!

-          Invite friends and family to attend events that raise money for local not-for-profit organizations to pay it forward- enjoy time with your friends to help others get what they want and need throughout the holidays and all year long like the Annual Red Carpet Gala coming in January in Marion, Illinois.

-          Drive a round and enjoy holiday lights and décor. Try to find the biggest blow up Santa you can find or get distracted by lights that flash to music. Now although not all light shows are this extravagant, this was truly amazing. Back in 2008 it popped up in my inbox and I saved it because I loved it so much! I will bring the best example I have to share with you:

-          Go back and remember all the things you loved as a child and reenact them with your closest friends and family like sliding down the hall with socks on, enjoying advent calendar chocolates, caroling or just exchanging stories about the good ol’ days of quoting every line of Benchwarmers and Home Alone.

-          Play games and the winners get a gift card donated to a local charity in their honor. Outside of just family and friends, this is a great idea to do with your co-workers as a team building experience too!

These are just a couple ways to honor those who have passed, remember those who are with you now, and lay the foundation for the bright future to come. Please share your suggestions to start new traditions, post your memories and explain how you contributed to the true spirit of the holidays.

Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message: Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org