Understanding the Circle of Care

Hospice of Southern Illinois Circle of Care

            At Hospice of Southern Illinois it is our mission and goal to keep patients, families and caregivers at the heart of the circle of care and then surround them with a specialized, compassionate and multi-disciplinary team including physicians, nurses, social workers, bereavement counselors and volunteers. This team supports the center of the circle of care and works together to address the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient and family. The circle of care should always keep the patient’s needs and wants first and foremost.

This special healthcare option for patients and families who are faced with a terminal illness seems like an overwhelming process, however with the support of the multi-disciplinary team and providing care to patients in their own home or a home-like setting regardless of the patient’s age or ability to pay offers comfort and relief that is often needed at the end-of-life. 

Physicians, including your primary doctor and our Medical Director, play a role in the plan of care. They can either work together or independently (based on patient’s needs and wants) to determine care options, medications and equipment. Registered Nurses and hospice aides work together to provide care through regularly scheduled visits. Nurses, who specialize in end-of-life care, provide the highest quality of compassionate care to patients. Hospice aides offer assistance with everyday needs like personal care and feeding. Social workers, bereavement counselors and spiritual support offer a unique system which addresses challenges as end-of-life nears, providing stress relief to patients and families that may be associated with terminal illness and offering support before and after the death of a loved one. Last but not least, volunteers complete the circle by offering their time and talents to help patients and families. Furthermore, they assist clinical and clerical staff with various projects and care with special training.

Hopefully this helps explain the circle of care and who is involved in the hospice process. We are here to surround the patients and families with quality services, compassionate care and peace of mind. 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

The Home Is Where The Heart Is

The Home Is Where the Heart Is

      On January 18^th, 2012 a couple inspired a wonderful story of bringing love to the Community Hospice Home, Relais Bonne Eau. Kent and Jennelle’s inspiring story stems from Kent’s mother who was a patient of Hospice of Southern Illinois spending her final days at Relais Bonne Eau.

     Kent’s mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness and he wanted for this mother to be present for his wedding day. Together, Kent and Jennelle decided to bring their wedding to their mother keeping the ceremony very warm and reserved. They could not think of a better place to bond their hearts than in the home where Mom resided.

     With Mom present, this intimate ceremony celebrated the union of Kent, handsome in his black suit, and Jennelle, breathtaking in her white gown. They were married in the Relais Bonne Eau chapel, Chapelle des Eaux Apaisantes (which stands for the chapel of the soothing waters). A small reception followed the ceremony in the family room at Relais Bonne Eau where family enjoyed dinner and wedding cake.

     Hospice of Southern Illinois was honored to be a part of this beautiful matrimony and help this family host a beautiful celebration of life. Although the intention of the Community Hospice Home has always been to be with patients, families and the community so no one experiences the dying process alone, Relais Bonne Eau embraced new meaning that day. Kent’s mother passed a few days after the ceremony, but now they cherish the very special moments with their mother and family.

      The Community Hospice Home embraced their hearts that day sharing love and life. But with every day passing, a lasting impression of love is carried on and embraced with the memory of this family who celebrated their hearts in this Home, Relais Bonne Eau.

     Relais Bonne Eau opened its doors in March of 2010 and has provided care to over 100 families. With a full-time medical director, 24-hour nursing care, certified hospice aides, social workers, counselors and trained volunteers, this multi-disciplinary team works together to address the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of each individual patient and family. To learn more about Hospice of Southern Illinois or Relais Bonne Eau, please visit our website http://www.hospice.org/. We invite you to schedule a tour of your Community Hospice Home. Please contact us at 1-800-233-1708.

     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 IllinoisCommunity Education

1-800-233-1708

http://www.hospice.org/

Photos taken by Christine Juehne (all permission authorized by photographer and family releases have been signed). Email cjuehne@hospice.org with further questions.

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My name is Christine Juehne, and I have worked as a community educator for four years at Hospice of Southern Illinois, a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). I will be your hospice guru answering questions, covering stories, and informing you about all hospice topics. I welcome you to our blog! Follow our journey to stay committed to our mission, enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness! If you have further questions about Hospice of Southern Illinois or general hospice questions please feel free to call 618-235-1703 or e-mail me at cjuehne@hospice.org!

We Honor Veterans

We Honor Veterans

1 in 4 people who die in the United States are Veterans. With several Veteran Healthcare Centers, VFWs, and American Legions and Scott Air Force Base within our service area, it is crucial for Hospice of Southern Illinois to take strides to provide better specialized end-of-life care and support to the Veterans and their families who served for us.

We are taking strides to become a national partner of We Honor Veterans, a program developed by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our plan is to educate staff and volunteers on Veteran specific needs, implement policies to ensure important information is collected and Veteran-entitled benefits are identified, and create partnerships with the local Veteran-associated organizations and groups to improve hospice care for Veterans and their families.

As a partner in the We Honor Veterans program we will locate resources (or make contacts with those who can help us locate resources) and integrate best practices into end-of-life care plan for Veterans and their families to provide high quality services they deserve and are entitled to. We are committed and proud to be your not-for-profit hospice taking strides to better serve Veterans and their families. If you have any questions about the We Honor Veterans program feel free to contact me or Stefanie Hansberry, 618-235-1703.

Help us share, educate, and reach out to all who could benefit from this news 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

* * *

My name is Christine Juehne, and I have worked as a community educator for four years at Hospice of Southern Illinois, a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). I will be your hospice guru answering questions, covering stories, and informing you about all hospice topics. I welcome you to our blog! Follow our journey to stay committed to our mission, enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. If you have further questions about Hospice of Southern Illinois or general hospice questions please feel free to call 618-235-1703 or e-mail me at cjuehne@hospice.org!

Technology for Good

Just over 6 months ago Hospice of Southern Illinois started using blogging. Just shy of 2 years ago Relais Bonne Eau, Your Community Hospice Home, accepted the first patient. Over 30 years ago we opened our doors as a hospice providing patient care. Who ever could have imagined that a hospice started by volunteers in 1981 would be continuing their mission and evolving their service to patients, families and the community using technology and social media sites?

No matter if or who imagined it, this brings us to today. We are introducing this blog, videos, now QR Codes, and more to help reach people who may need hospice services, improved quality of life, symptom management and grief support. You may be wondering, what is a QR Code? A QR Code is abbreviated from a quick response code and is essentially a barcode that is code for something, in our case a link to a video we have on You Tube. Go ahead and give it a try. This is another way we are reaching ourt to patients, families and the community. The QR Code is the box below all in black and white. Directions follow it. Let us know what you think!

1.       The first step is the need of a smartphone and a QR code reader from the app store or market (depending on Droid or iPhone). All you have to do is type in QR code reader into the search bar and one will pop up. The download is FREE, so make sure you do not pay for one!

2.       After you have the app, you open it on your phone (the same way you open Facebook, Weather, or Email apps).

3.       You want to choose the option - scan from camera.

4.       Your camera will automatically open up (this may take a couple seconds to a minute).

5.       Then, as still as possible, get the QR code lined up in the box shown on the screen of your phone.

6.       Give it couple seconds to process the code (what it is doing is reading the box to provide a link).

7.       Choose to open it and view (however you prefer YouTube or Browser).

8.       It will take you to our Relais Bonne Eau, Community Hospice Home video.

9.       Press play.

10.   By now you should be viewing!

Using technology for instant access to videos, education and people is not just good, but very cool! We are working our hardest to stay on top of how people just like you communicate and get information. This is one more way we are showing our commitment to the patients and families we serve, making sure you get answers and help you need fast and easy. 

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

* * *

My name is Christine Juehne, and I have worked as a community educator for four years at Hospice of Southern Illinois, a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). I will be your hospice guru answering questions, covering stories, and informing you about all hospice topics. I welcome you to our blog! Follow our journey to stay committed to our mission, enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. If you have further questions about Hospice of Southern Illinois or general hospice questions please feel free to call 618-235-1703 or e-mail me at cjuehne@hospice.org!

New Year's Eve

            Have you seen the movie, “New Year’s Eve”? This romantic comedy, from the director of Valentine’s Day and Pretty Woman, relates to all walks of life. Here is how it relates to hospice care. There are two great things about the movie:

       1.      There is a mention of hospice: In the movie hospice is portrayed as the people who come to be with patients at the very end of life which is true, however hospice is more than that. Hospice services are actually available for terminally ill patients with a prognosis of 6 months or less. Even though hospice can be a longer term healthcare option than portrayed in the movie, it is wonderful to see it mainstream. Hospice today is more often recognized as a healthcare option, which it should be. With the ability to care for patients for a longer period of time than most think, the hospice team can get symptoms and pain under control and enhance the quality of life for patients and help them be with their family and loved ones in the time that is left.

2.      The message: New Year’s Eve the movie is about hope. Hope for all things in life that seem so far away. For example, when Hilary Swank, playing Claire Morgan, Vice-President of the Times Square Alliance, says when the ball gets stuck, that it is a representation of stopping all the craziness in our lives to reflect on what we have been blessed with and what we will be blessed with in the new year. Or when Zac Efron as Paul helps Michelle Pfeiffer as Ingrid try to accomplish all her New Year’s Eve resolutions and he goes above and beyond to show her how wonderful life can be. The movie scenarios symbolize how life can throw you a curve ball, but hoping for more and being someone’s answer to their hopes can make the moment seem like a homerun.

The movie, “New Year’s Eve” is a wonderful tale of life, romance, little corky twists and even end of life. It is an easy watch that will leave you feeling happy to ring in the New Year. Hospice care is like this movie because we can give hope and support to so many that have been thrown a curve ball in life. We do our best to make the last moments count by getting symptoms under control and enhance the quality of life for patients and help them be with their family and loved ones in the time that is left. 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

* * *

My name is Christine Juehne, and I have worked as a community educator for four years at Hospice of Southern Illinois, a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). I will be your hospice guru answering questions, covering stories, and informing you about all hospice topics. I welcome you to our blog! Follow our journey to stay committed to our mission, enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. If you have further questions about Hospice of Southern Illinois or general hospice questions please feel free to call 618-235-1703 or e-mail me at cjuehne@hospice.org!

You Can Definitely See The Difference

“You Can Definitely See the Difference”

“Hospice of Southern Illinois, in my opinion, has changed a lot of different people’s lives in many different ways. I became a Junior Volunteer in June 3^rd, 2011. I haven’t been involved for long but I can honestly say that I enjoy everything I’ve been involved in, for example, helping with parades, office work, helping others in need, meeting new people and so much more. Hospice of Southern Illinois is a very interesting and unique environment. Everyone is so friendly. I heard about Hospice of Southern Illinois through my Cousin, Denise Sauerwein. She encouraged me to volunteer and learn a little bit about what they did and what is was all about. From that day on, I thank her more and more every day!!

            I would encourage any teenager or young-adult to give it a chance and volunteer with Hospice of Southern Illinois at least once. You will have a blast just like I did. My first day of Volunteering with Hospice of Southern Illinois, I was in the Shiners’ Parade. It started off as a very hot day and I was starting to regret doing it, but as we continued walking, for me to see how many smiles we brought to the audience it changed my opinion on everything. Some of the comments that were made to us and to the Hospice of Southern Illinois workers brought a tear to my eyes. You can definitely see the difference we made at this event and I will continue to be a part of these events.”

                       

            Thank you, sincerely,

Sara Sauerwein

             

Sara and all of our volunteers are so special to the organization. We value their time, talents, and heart because they are the reason we can assist so many patients and families each year. It is people like Sara who help us spread our message. You can too! You are welcome to join us by becoming a volunteer, or you can simply 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

* * *

My name is Christine Juehne, and I have worked as a community educator for four years at Hospice of Southern Illinois, a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). I will be your hospice guru answering questions, covering stories, and informing you about all hospice topics. I welcome you to our blog! Follow our journey to stay committed to our mission, enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. If you have further questions about Hospice of Southern Illinois or general hospice questions please feel free to call 618-235-1703 or e-mail me at cjuehne@hospice.org!

Facebook Helps Us Help You!

                      Facebook is the largest social network with over 800 million viewers according to Mashable.com, a social media news forum. Not only is Facebook powerful as a communication tool between family, friends and coworkers, but it is a place where people go to get information all the time.

Hospice of Southern Illinois has taken a leap into the future and accepted Facebook into its current community education practices. We use social media as a new tool in our organization to share, reach out and educate people who are caregivers, have experienced the loss of a loved one or just want to learn about end-of-life choices before the time comes. It is truly important to us to have a presence on Facebook to provide information and resources for people who need us. We just reached 1,000 fans last week! This is a huge accomplishment because now we are out there and able to help more people than ever before. Check out our page, www.facebook.com/hospiceofsouthernillinois and see if there is something that could help you or someone you know. We are here for you, facing the future together. In addition to resources and information, we post photos from events and fundraisers, we list job opportunities, have contests and more to encourage our fans to interact with our page and get the most out of our page.

Facebook helps us spread our message. Facebook helps us help you. Not only are we your not-for-profit hospice committed to excellence, serving patients and families since 1981, but we are your friends that are privileged and honored to have the ability to care for your loved one. As your friend in hospice care, we are here you help you and are available 24 hours a day by phone, 1-800-233-1708, to make a referral, provide grief support, or make an emergency visit.

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

* * *

My name is Christine Juehne, and I have worked as a community educator for four years at Hospice of Southern Illinois, a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). I will be your hospice guru answering questions, covering stories, and informing you about all hospice topics. I welcome you to our blog! Follow our journey to stay committed to our mission, enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. If you have further questions about Hospice of Southern Illinois or general hospice questions please feel free to call 618-235-1703 or e-mail me at cjuehne@hospice.org!

Grief and The Holidays

Grief and The Holidays

            As the holidays approach, the grief from the loss of a loved one can become overwhelming because of family traditions, family gatherings, new experiences and the stress and anxiety already associated with holidays. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, restless and guilty. There are several other emotions or experiences people may encounter. To help cope with these and others, there are several suggestions we can make to help ease the feelings of grief.

1.      Set boundaries on your expectations and other’s expectations.

2.      Have a meeting or discussion with family/friends about the holiday plans.

3.      Rehearse how you will respond to difficult situations beforehand.

4.      Observe the day in a way that has meaning for you.

5.      Make the holiday an opportunity for healing. A day for renewal of your physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

6.      Be flexible.

7.      Recreate or change traditions. Start something new.

8.      Bring special touches of your loved one to the holiday.

9.      Focus on the concept of gifts/ gift giving. Buy a gift for yourself as well as others.

a.       What is the gift you were given by your loved one?

b.      What did they teach you about life/living?

c.       What positive qualities did they bring out in you?

d.      What was their purpose for being in your life?

10.  Have a plan. 

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

* * *

My name is Christine Juehne, and I have worked as a community educator for four years at Hospice of Southern Illinois, a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). I will be your hospice guru answering questions, covering stories, and informing you about all hospice topics. I welcome you to our blog! Follow our journey to stay committed to our mission, enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness! If you have further questions about Hospice of Southern Illinois or general hospice questions please feel free to call 618-235-1703 or e-mail me at cjuehne@hospice.org!

Celebrating National Hospice Month in Novebmer

HOSPICE OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS CELEBRATES NATIONAL HOSPICE MONTH

Join Hospice of Southern Illinois in their celebration in November of National Hospice Month. During National Hospice Month, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and Hospice of Southern Illinois encourage others to emphasize the importance of quality end-of-life care for all Americans, regardless of age, diagnoses or location of care.

Hospice of Southern Illinois started off the month with Dashin’ for Compassion 5K Run/Walk to spread awareness about National Hospice Month. It was a great turnout and we reached out to over 100 people! Throughout the month of November we are reaching out to almost 1000 Facebook Fans by posting a hospice trivia question on Friday’s in November. The first Facebook Fan to answer correctly wins a $10 gift card! Furthermore, our community education team is visiting doctor offices, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted livings to explain the importance of educating patients on end-of-life care now before crisis strikes, for peace of mind later.

Hospice of Southern Illinois strongly advocates sharing materials, resources, and information, reaching out to the community through social media, print media, and community events, and educating everyone who may need, now or in their future, hospice services. Hospice services include specialized, pain management for patient care and grief support for patients and families. With the help of hospice, patients and families can focus on what our primary focus is, improving the quality of life and living each day to the fullest.

For access to information, resources and ways hospice can help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week visit our website at http://www.hospice.org/, “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.hospiceofsouthernillinois, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wwwhospiceorg, subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/hospiceofsouthernil, and read our Blog on Blogger Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc at http://www.hospiceofsouthernillinois.blogspot.com/.

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

* * *

My name is Christine Juehne, and I have worked as a community educator for four years at Hospice of Southern Illinois, a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). I will be your hospice guru answering questions, covering stories, and informing you about all hospice topics. I welcome you to our blog! Follow our journey to stay committed to our mission, enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness! If you have further questions about Hospice of Southern Illinois or general hospice questions please feel free to call 618-235-1703 or e-mail me at cjuehne@hospice.org!

Making Connections Grief Camp

 

Hospice of Southern Illinois held their 7^th annual Making Connections Grief Camp for families affected by a loss on October 22, 2011. Parents and children alike enjoyed a day full of crafts and conversation. Each craft dedicated to the memories of lost loved ones, and conversation educating parents on how to help their children, and themselves through the grieving process. The camp is run by Hospice of Southern Illinois Counseling Department staff, and many dedicated Hospice of Southern Illinois volunteers. Each family returns home with a memento of the day, and each volunteer and staff member leaves with understanding of a life remembered through the voices of their loved ones.

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!

Micha Radford, BS, MA

Counseling Services

Hospice of Southern Illinois

618-235-1703

Micha has been sharing her skills, knowledge and talents with Hospice of Southern Illinois for 5 years. Making Connections Grief Camp is one of many projects Micha and the Counseling Services Department offers. To learn more about the counseling services offered at Hospice of Southern Illinois, visit our website http://www.hospice.org/, call 1.800.233.1708, or visit Magnum's Blog http://www.magnumfacilitydog.blogspot.com/ (Magnum is certified as a Facility Dog and Therapy Dog through C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs, Inc.).