Hospice of Southern Illinois Saves the Day

At Hospice of Southern Illinois, the community education team is always thinking of new ways to educate the community and spread our mission, to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. We never thought this nifty little item would save the day for one of our fellow community healthcare providers. It just shows the power of a  little burgundy and a phone number. Thank you Kim for sharing your great story with our readers!

A little over a year ago, Hospice of Southern Illinois came by my office to drop off a very cute business card holder that was to attach to the back of my phone.  I almost didn’t put it on, because I was just sure I wouldn’t use it to tell the truth!  I did, and then off I went.

A few weeks later, I went to Colorado for a little vacation.  My best friend  and I had a fantastic week. On the last full day we had we took a picnic up the mountain!  We stopped and took picture of little creeks, elk, and deer all along the way.  It was a perfect day, until we got to her house. I was packing to leave for the next day.  I went to get my phone to call my children, and guess what? No phone!!!  I was frantic, of course, and looked all over – the house, my pockets, the car, driveway, etc.  Nothing.  We got back in the car and drove back up the mountain and spent two hours retracing our steps until it was dark.

The next day, I called my phone service and had it turned off.  We were just about to leave for some coffee when I remembered the lovely business card holder on the back of my phone!  I called them from my friend’s phone and explained my situation.  All of a sudden, the woman on the other end starting laughing!  She said “Well, you’re not going to believe this, but we just got a call from a woman in Colorado who has your phone!!! She left her number in case you called!”  Needless to say, I was thrilled!  I called her and we agreed to meet about halfway, which was about 45 minutes away.  Unfortunately, it did turn out that she found it on her PRIVATE lane that we had driven up just to get some pictures (ok, blame it on the wine!), but she thought it was such a good story that she only said, “You’re lucky I didn’t see you that day when I had my gun!”  Yikes! 

 
Happy ending with this happy girl and her FABULOUS business card holder from Hospice of Southern Illinois!

 

Kim Patterson,

Guest Blogger from The Colonnade Senior Living

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year

For many, the new year is a time to renew, refresh, and reflect. We want to take this time to thank you! Thank you for the many memories, support, and most importantly, trusting us with the care of your loved one. We appreciate everything you do for us and we are honored provide excellent hospice care to you and your loved ones.

Having trouble viewing? Click this link to watch: http://youtu.be/xgvGU1-PNoc. 

Wishing you the very best in the new year!

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. #GIVINGTUESDAY

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. #GIVINGTUESDAY

           Hospice of Southern Illinois has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving back that will harness the collective power of a unique blend of partners – charities, families, businesses and individuals – to transform how people think talk about, and participate in the giving season. Coinciding with the Thanksgiving Holiday and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to charities and causes they support and help create a better world. Taking place

December 2, 2014 – the Tuesday after Thanksgiving - #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create a national moment around the holidays dedicated to giving, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days that are, today synonymous with holiday shopping.

Consider Hospice of Southern Illinois as not-for-profit of choice to give to this holiday season. You can become a volunteer, apply to join our team, attend an event, or donate online at www.hospice.org or call 1-800-233-1708. You can also download our app and donate right from your cell phone. Your gift will help us continue our mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. Please help us spread the word about #GivingTuesday and the true meaning of the holiday season!

Seeing an opportunity to channel the generous spirit of the holiday season to inspire action around charitable giving, a group of friends and partners, led by the 92nd Street Y (92Y), came together to find ways to promote and celebrate the great American tradition of giving. Thought leaders in philanthropy, social media and grassroots organizing joined with 92Y to explore what is working in modern philanthropy and how to expand these innovations throughout the philanthropic sector. The concept gained steam, and with the help of the United Nations Foundation and other founding partners, more than 10,000 organizations have joined the movement and are providing creative ways people can embrace #GivingTuesday and collaborate in their giving efforts to create more meaningful results.

Hospice of Southern Illinois is committed to being with our patients and their loved ones through the changing needs of the end-of-life process and the grief experience. For more information contact Christine Litteken, 618-235-1703 or clitteken@hospice.org, or visit www.givingtuesday.org.

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What does compassionate care mean?

"Compassion" is a word that is used commonly to describe hospice care. But what does compassion really mean? According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, “compassion is a feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc.” Hospice care provides just that. With a mission “to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness," compassion defines the mission of Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Compassion is the person who visits a family in crisis at 2 a.m. Compassion is a person who stays an extra hour to calm a worried child. Compassion is holding someone’s hand when no one else is there. Hospice of Southern Illinois wants to help our patients and families. Here are some examples describing how Hospice of Southern Illinois provides compassionate care:

·         Patients and families are our number one priority. We have special programs, like the We Honor Veterans partnership, to extend to patients and families to give them a personalized hospice experience catered to their needs and wishes.

·         Physicians work together to make sure patients’ wishes are carried out.

·         Nurses take time to educate patients and families about giving medications, how to care for a patient in their home, and what to expect in the future, which can relieve patients’ pain and reduce some families’ fear.

·         Social Workers/Counselors prepare patients and families for the stress and emotions that are in the journey ahead. They lend a listening ear to concerns and feelings at any stage of the end-of-life journey.

·         Bereavement counselors, in addition to routine follow-up after the loved one's death, reconnect with families on special occasions and holidays, because those times can be especially hard for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

·         Volunteers offer companionship and can allow for caregiver relief so the family can function as a unit and stay united during a difficult time.

·         Support staff works hard to make sure patients and families get the care they are entitled to regardless of age or ability to pay through education, community involvement, fundraising, and supporting daily operations.

Compassionate care is a team effort that takes passionate, dedicated and warm people. These people work together to provide the best end of life care possible, so no one goes through the dying process alone.

There comes a time... for compassionate care.  

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.

(Reference: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compassion) 

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. 

A Step-By-Step Guide: How To Get Hospice Services

A Step-By-Step Guide: How To Get Hospice Services.

Hospice care is a specialized healthcare option for someone with a terminal illness that wants no further aggressive treatment or is not a candidate for curative treatment. Not only can hospice help patients, but it includes their family as well. Below are eligibility guidelines set forth by Medicare Regulations. If a person is not sure if they can get hospice services, Hospice of Southern Illinois is available to answer questions with no obligation. No one has to go through the end-of-life journey alone. Please review this step-by-step guide of what to expect when you call for hospice services.

1. Eligibility.

• A prognosis of 6 months or less, if the disease takes its regular scientific course. No one really knows a definite time frame. 
• Curative treatment is no longer the patients’ choice or option. (Treatment is not always going to make a person better. Sometimes patients decide not to continue with expensive or experimental treatment options, but prefer to focus on quality of life and control of symptoms.)
• Comfort care, symptom management, and goals of care are the primary focus. (Oftentimes, pain is one of the most severe symptoms hospice can help control. Hospice also helps treat wounds, evaluate medications, assist with personal care, and address emotional needs.)

2. Call today to set up an appointment.

Although anyone can make a referral, there are three people you can call to complete a referral to hospice. Call your primary care physician, your specialist physician, or call Hospice of Southern Illinois directly, because a doctor’s order is required to get hospice services. Making an appointment is as easy as calling to schedule an informational talk with Hospice of Southern Illinois to review hospice services.

3. Ask questions of yourself.

There are many questions that may come to mind or decisions that need to be made when you are considering hospice services. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help you with these questions and answer many more that may arise in an informational meeting and/or assessment. Ask yourself:

• “What concerns do I have about what lies ahead?”
•  “How do I want to spend my time as medical treatments become limited?”

4. Receive an informational meeting and/or assessment.

A hospice nurse or representative will come out and review the hospice eligibility requirements, assess the patient and their diagnosis, and order medical equipment and medications needed. They will also discuss the goals of care determined by the patient and family. The hospice team is made up of physicians, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, bereavement counselors and volunteers that work with the patient and family to achieve those goals.

5. Your first visit.

Within one day after your informational meeting and assessment, a nurse will come out to visit (unless the patient and family requests otherwise). The nurse will address physical and emotional needs of the patient, review medical equipment and medications for effectiveness, and see if the patient or family needs anything before the next scheduled visit. The main thing to remember during these visits is to be honest and share any concerns because you are in charge of your healthcare and end-of-life wishes. Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to help make sure they are carried out.

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. 

Why Does Hospice of Southern Illinois Fundraise?

“Why does Hospice of Southern Illinois hold so many fundraisers?” is common question from people within the community, agree Jennifer Vinyard and Kathy Wilson, Event Coordinators for Hospice of Southern Illinois.  Most of our events are brought to us by individuals or organizations in the community who have experienced the loss of a loved one and who want to show appreciation for the care that was provided. 

Your gift makes a difference.  There is no gift too small.  Fundraisers and community support are additional resources that allow us to continue providing the highest quality end-of-life care regardless of a patient and family’s ability to pay for hospice care.



How can you help?  Attend fundraisers…Share events…Sponsor…Donate…Host an event…Volunteer

Click here to check out upcoming events at Hospice of Southern Illinois!

To speak with someone in the Development Department for more information,
please call 1-800-233-1708.

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 Announces New Medical Director

Hospice of Southern Illinois Announces New Medical Director

 

Hospice of Southern Illinois is pleased to announce the hiring of Ellen Middendorf, M.D. as a full-time, on-staff Medical Director. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Middendorf to our organization. She will play a critical role to ensure the highest quality end-of-life care in the area to patients and families.  

Hospice of Southern Illinois’ President and CEO, Rebecca Wisdom, announces, “Dr. Middendorf will continue to maintain positive relationships with the medical community as well as the mission of Hospice of Southern Illinois. The addition of Dr. Middendorf to our staff confirms our commitment to end-of-life care in our communities.” All hospices are required by the government to have oversight from a Medical Director, or physician who reviews the needs of patients, but a full-time, on-staff Medical Director will play a more integral role for Hospice of Southern Illinois’ patients and families. Dr. Middendorf will be managing symptoms related to the diagnosis, visiting patients, and providing our professional staff with direct access to a doctor for on-the-spot medication and symptom management. Additionally, she will work with other healthcare physicians, advocate the importance of hospice care at the end-of-life, and educate the community on hospice services for their loved ones.

Dr. Ellen Middendorf shared, "I am excited to begin this next chapter in my career as the medical director of Hospice of Southern Illinois. I have always found it my passion to take care of families and their loved ones as they grow and thrive. As the lives of those we care for change, it is imperative to ensure that medical, emotional and spiritual issues continue to remain a priority, even, and particularly, at the end of life. Thus, I am eager to coordinate with Hospice of Southern Illinois to continue to provide this level of care to the families that need it most."

Hospice of Southern Illinois is your community not-for-profit hospice program serving 27 counties in southern Illinois since 1981. Our commitment at Hospice of Southern Illinois is to be with our patients and their loved ones through the changing needs of the end-of-life process and the grief experience. For more information about Hospice of Southern Illinois, visit our website, www.hospice.org, or contact Lisa Phillipson, 618-235-1703 or lphillipson@hospice.org.

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