Hospice of Palm Beach County Blog

Helping Families Care for their Loved Ones

2012-01-18T13:44:00.007-05:00

How our family can help your family

When loved ones are nearing end of life, families do everything they can to care for them. They want to provide the best possible care, but may not be sure what that is. They often feel unprepared and overwhelmed as they try to make the “right” decisions and meet their loved ones’ changing needs.

Instead of struggling to do all of this on their own, families can reach for the support available from Hospice of Palm Beach County.

We can help relieve the stress of the unknown. We’re here to hold your hand and walk with you on the journey that lies ahead, offering guidance and education so you can make the best decisions for your loved one’s care.

With our support, you and your loved one can relax, knowing that you are receiving the best possible care. Our physicians, nurses and certified nursing assistants are experts in end-of-life care and we’re here to help you 24/7. Whenever you have questions or concerns, our nursing staff is on call for reassurance, a telephone consultation or a home visit. We can respond to any need around the clock, delivering medications, medical equipment and supplies to your loved one’s home.

Our compassionate care is designed to meet each family’s specific needs. We care for our patients wherever they live, whether that is in the family home, residential facility, nursing home or hospice inpatient care center. Honoring all cultural and religious traditions, we offer emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.

We’re also here to provide you with caregiver support. When you need a break, our specially-trained volunteers visit with your loved one or help with errands. If you need to go out of town for a few days, you can rest assured that he or she will receive excellent respite care in one of our inpatient care centers.

There are so many ways that our family can help your family. You are not alone. All you have to do is call 561.227.5140. Our Admissions Coordinators are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you determine whether hospice care is right for you. The sooner you call, the longer you and your loved one can benefit from our care.

Do you know ways to give?

2011-06-09T13:37:00.016-04:00

We all know what to do to help patients and families in our care, but we might not know how to let them help us. In this issue of The Heart of Hospice, you will learn of the ways families can give back in support of our programs and services to help others in their time of need. Take a moment to learn more about these opportunities and to share them the next time you are asked by a family member, "What can we do to show our gratitude?"

Our volunteer program has many options for those with time to donate their time to Hospice of Palm Beach County. Volunteers can perform duties that fit both their schedules and desires, such as administrative work, visiting patients or assisting with our many special events, for example. We also have a program for Professional Volunteers in fields such as Accounting, Massage Therapy, Nursing and more, so that volunteers can use their professional skills to assist our patients and families.

Another way to give back is through our Resale Program. Hospice of Palm Beach County Resale Operation not only looks for volunteers to assist in the Shops, but also for donations of gently used clothing, housewares and accessories to be sold in the shops. This is a fun and rewarding option for those interested in supporting the diverse programs and services Hospice of Palm Beach County offers to patients and families. If a family has a vehicle, boat, RV or other form of transportation they are interested in donating, we can speak with them about our Hospice Cars program.

For those interested in making a monetary gift, there are a variety of options.

Memorial gifts are the most common gifts. Families may request that friends and colleagues make donations in memory of their loved one in lieu of flowers and often include this in the obituary.

If a friend or family wants to memorialize their loved one in a more visible way, we have naming opportunities.

• Bricks in the Helen L. Messic Meadow, located at the Gerstenberg Center, are a relatively affordable option. For a one time gift of $250 or $500 (depending on the size of the brick) the brick is etched with the loved one’s name and placed on the walkway.

• For a one time gift of $5,000, a bench is placed in the Helen L. Messic meadow with a plaque placed on the seat back of the bench.

• For a cumulative gifts totaling $5,000, a plaque can be placed by a tree in the Helen L. Messic Meadow.

• For cumulative gifts totaling $10,000 and $20,000, a plaque can be placed on the tree of life located in the atrium.

• For larger gifts that can be pledged over 5 years, there are naming opportunities for rooms, program areas and facilities throughout the Gerstenberg Center and our five (5) inpatient units.

• For a one time gift of $1,000, you can add your loved one’s name to the beautiful stained glass artwork located at each of our five inpatient units: Jay Robert Lauer Hospice and Palliative Care Unit which also offers a beautiful recognition wall; Bethesda Memorial Hospice and Palliative Care Unit; Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at Good Samaritan Medical Center; Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center; and the Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at Delray Medical Center.

Patients and families often say they wish they could do more. We can help friends of Hospice of Palm Beach County to do more through gift planning. Gift planning (planned gifts) combines financial planning, estate planning and tax planning techniques so that supporters can make significant gifts, often with dramatic tax and financial rewards.

Naming Hospice of Palm Beach County in your will is one of the easiest ways to support the organization and does not affect your current income. Hospice of Palm Beach County can be named as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan (IRA).

The Foundation staff is knowledgeable and available to help you with gift giving plans. We encourage individuals to seek an attorney or financial professional’s advice when planning their gift.

Lastly, a way for businesses to support Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation is the new Corporate Partnership Program. By becoming a member of this program, Corporate Partners receive many benefits, which may include:

• Recognition on Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation's donor wall

• Recognition as a member of the Corporate Partnership Program in News To Friends, our newsletter that is published three times a year

• Logo included on Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation’s website

• Recognition on all Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation e-blasts

• A framed Corporate Partnership Certificate

To learn more about the ways to support Hospice of Palm Beach County through gifts, please visit our Foundation offices or call 561.484.6881. To learn more about our volunteer program, please call 561.227.5138.

Fritz Estime, Chaplain - Honoring your culture at a significant time

2011-05-25T11:39:00.007-04:00

Fritz, who speaks fluent Creole, was called to work with a Haitian family because there were language and culture barriers. The family was having difficulty fully grasping what was happening to their loved one. Fritz explained to them, in their language, that the patient was very sick and only had a short time to live. He helped them process the situation and gave them insight so they could appreciate the magnitude of the circumstances. The family was scared and confused but Fritz reassured and supported them. He encouraged the family to enjoy the brief time that they had with the patient and integrated their cultural and religious practices to make them feel more at ease. Fritz brought a piece of their country, traditions, lifestyle and norms so they could be at peace. The family was grateful for the time they had spent with their loved one thanks to Fritz’s expertise and compassion.

Cheryl Dely, Bereavement Counselor - You’re not alone in your time of need

2011-05-09T11:22:00.003-04:00

Cheryl was caring for an elderly woman who had just lost her husband. The woman was very distraught. For the time following the passing of her husband, she had friends, neighbors and Cheryl to help her cope. On one particular night, the woman was having a difficult time. Her neighbor stayed by her side for a while but had to leave. Cheryl was concerned that the woman would wake during the night or in the morning and become confused; it would be the first time that she would wake up alone. So Cheryl spent the night on a couch just outside the bedroom door to ensure the wellbeing of the woman. When the patient woke, Cheryl comforted her. She stayed throughout the day to help with plans, comfort her as needed and ultimately be a shoulder to cry on.

Jana Shiffert, Social Worker - You are a part of our family

2011-03-23T11:12:00.001-04:00

Jana noticed that a patient she was caring for was showing symptoms that could become harmful to her if she stayed alone in her home for much longer. The patient, unwilling to move to an inpatient care center, confided to Jana that she was scared and nervous about leaving her home. Jana consoled her and reassured her that everything was going to be okay. She explained to her that the move would be better for her and that once she got better she could return home. The patient trusted Jana and finally agreed to be admitted. Jana then alerted the patient’s doctors and arranged for transport. While they waited, Jana helped the woman clean her house, and herself, so she would be more comfortable. Jana did for the patient what a family member would do. She did the dishes in the sink, helped dress the patient and acted as her “legs” because the woman was having a hard time walking. All the while Jana eased the woman’s nerves and made her feel relaxed. When the transport picked the patient up Jana locked up the house so it would be secure and ready for the patient when she arrived back home.

Marvis Morris – CNA, Help for everyone in need

2011-03-16T09:15:00.004-04:00

Marvis Morris, CNA on our Gold team, was sitting in her car preparing to enter a facility in which patients of hers resided when she witnessed an elderly woman in an automobile accident that landed her vehicle in a retention pond. Seeing that the woman was trapped, Marvis – without hesitation - jumped in the water and pulled the woman out. Her quick thinking and actions saved the elderly woman’s life.

Carol Stoltz, RN – 21 years of service to the Western Communities - Service wherever you reside

2011-02-25T11:40:00.000-05:00

Carol Stoltz, also known as “Carol of the Glades” has taken care of generations of families in the western communities of Palm Beach County. When taking a walk with Carol through the hospital parking lot people call to her fondly. They are family members of former patients -- daughters and sons, cousins and grandchildren -- and they are also family members of patients Carol is caring for now. They hug her, shake her hand and give blessings that Carol is there for them. No matter how difficult the situation, Carol can be counted on to persevere, to give everything she has to the patient and family. This is a poor area and Carol shows no judgment, she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work helping the family and patient with their daily tasks. There is nothing Carol wouldn’t do for the people of the western communities, and they show their love for her every time she visits.

Sewing Shop Fundraiser

2011-02-09T08:51:00.004-05:00

Each year, Laura and Dave Jordan host a fundraiser at their sewing and vacuum repair shop in North Palm Beach. The benefiting charity changes each year and in 2010, Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation was the lucky recipient. The couple asked their customers to help them in making a donation to Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation by donating one dollar into a jar at the shop. They were amazed at the outpouring of support! While they had only requested a one-dollar donation, some customers donated more than one hundred dollars! When they arrived to deliver the gift, they were thrilled to donate more than $1,350 - which is more than they had ever raised before! Both Laura and Dave have personal experiences with Hospice and were happy that the proceeds of their fundraiser would go to a charity near and dear to their hearts.

Cheri Haynie – CNA, Caring for every family member

2011-01-13T11:52:00.003-05:00

While working with a patient, Cheri learned that the man didn’t have any family except for his dog. The dog meant the world to the man, but he was disabled and couldn’t care properly for it. Cheri drove on her own time to the only store in the area that carried the specific dog food that the man used. She would purchase the food, bring it back to the house, place it in the container where the man kept it and feed the dog. Cheri made certain that the dog was well cared for. This eased the man’s mind so he wouldn’t worry about the most important part of his life and his only family – his dog.

Kim Daughtry, Volunteer Coordinator - Making wishes come true

2010-09-13T10:37:00.003-04:00

Two years ago Kim was helping to care for a 93 year old patient with Alzheimer's who had been a private pilot and who also sky-dived on her 85th birthday. Her Hospice of Palm Beach County volunteer said that every time she took the patient outside in her wheelchair she would look up at the planes flying and would say that she wanted to sky-dive again. The volunteer went back to the team and asked if that could be done, the team Physician said no -- but, she could go for a plane ride. The Volunteer Manager called Kim because she knew Kim had been involved in aviation and asked if she could help with a plan. At the time of the call Kim was driving in her car and decided to immediately go straight to the Lantana Airport. She told the Airport Manager about their plan and asked if he could help. Before she could get everything out the manager said, "You have a plane and a pilot; let me know when you want to do this, and by the way there’s no charge." The patient got to fly in the Captain's seat accompanied by the team Chaplain and Nurse. She loved it! The plane ride brought back wonderful memories for her. Kim and the others took pictures and they had an 8x10 photograph made for the patient sitting in the plane. The volunteer hung it on the wall at the patient's nursing home. And what is Kim’s response to such a fantastic gift? "That's why I come to work every day!"

Sherry Pelchen – RN, We deliver

2010-08-25T10:37:00.001-04:00

Sherry was helping to treat a young patient who was very sick. Early one morning Sherry picked up the morphine bag for this patient and was going to bring it to her house so her husband could hook it up to the morphine drip she used on a daily basis. Before Sherry could get to the house the husband called. He said his wifewas having a “good day” and she had decided to go to the mall to enjoy it with her close friend. While the patient was at the mall her morphine pump started to beep, a warning that the morphine was almost gone. Her husband was panicked because he didn’t want the morphine to run out and he didn’t want to have to pick up his wife early; she was finally having fun. Sherry said that she would immediately go and meet the husband at the mall to deliver the bag personally. She made it to the mall and the patient’s husband was able to replace the bag before she experienced any discomfort. The patient continued with her friend and had a wonderful day. It just so happened that it was the last time she was able to visit the mall.

Giving the biggest gift of all

2010-07-27T11:46:00.017-04:00

Lourdes Guerra-Lines

Annmarie Duggan

In 2009, Lourdes was introduced to a new patient of ours through social worker Annmarie Duggan. The young woman, who was in her early 30’s, was in one of our inpatient care centers. She had been diagnosed with a terminal cancer. She had been in an area hospital for 100 days before she was admitted to our hospice program. As Lourdes met with her, she learned about her illness, her wishes and her family. Turns out, her family was in Mexico and the patient’s one wish was to get home to Mexico to be with her family. With no money and her current immigration status, it was not going to be easy. Lourdes and Annmarie, wanting to do all they could to make this wish come true, began working out a plan. They enlisted the help of many other Hospice of Palm Beach County staff members, a local church, the Mexican Embassy and Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation. With all of the support, they finalized details of her plan to get home. They had nurses working to help her gain her strength, a Mexican hospital to care for her when she arrived, transportation to the hospital, medication to last for two weeks and her father to accompany her home. On the day the patient was scheduled to leave, her nurses ensured her bandages – from the previous surgeries she had – were changed and secured for the trip, changed her into loose fitting scrubs, and provided her with the equipment and supplies she would need. They explained to her father, in Spanish, the only language he spoke, how to change her dressings and administer her medications while Lourdes was arranging an ambulance transport to the airport. The patient landed in Mexico later that afternoon, 18 days after she began our hospice program, and was able to spend time in her country, with her family before she passed away.

Beleaguered Nurses Need Empowerment

2010-07-20T11:39:00.007-04:00

As a nursing leader at a large health care organization, I feel the way to change the trend of Florida losing nurses to other states or other industries is to help nurses, whether at the bedside or in a management position, feel empowered to get involved in solving problems and creating solutions.

To combat the shortage and hold on to our nurses, we at Hospice of Palm Beach County have created ways to delegate the workload so it is even across the care team. Staff workgroups conduct SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) analysis and address problems identified by clinicians and patients. This has encourages our nurses to act and truly become leaders, which is especially important in a hospice setting where the role of the interdisciplinary team is essential to providing quality patient care. This "shared care" philosophy has maximized quality care and reduced work stress.

Our teams have embraced this new philosophy and it is making an incredible difference in promoting nurse and staff retention in the hospice industry. While factors such as competitive pay and manageable case loads are important, they are not the sole decision-makers for engaged nurses committed to providing quality patient care. We need to recognize the other factors and do what we can to hold on to these valuable professionals.

Jacqueline Lopez-Devine
Registered Nurse and Vice President of Patient Services
Hospice of Palm Beach County

A Man with No Name Remembered - a Humble Eulogy for our Friend Pedro

2010-06-02T15:43:00.015-04:00

"As a hospice chaplain I have a sacred trust placed upon me. By connecting a patient to their faith community, listening to their spiritual needs and responding according to their faith tradition, a chaplain can foster comfort and especially, help dispel fear."
~ Joe McNett

by Joe McNett, Hospice of Palm Beach County Chaplain

Those who work on the clinical side of hospice come into contact with hundreds of patients each year, not to mention their family members. Whereas all our patients receive our best care, there are certain ones we seem to grow attached to a little more than the others. It may be they remind us of someone we knew or quite possible it's our compassion for their extremely difficult circumstances. Pedro was one of those patients.

As best we can tell, he emigrated from Puerto Rico and worked with a landscaping company for years. Although he was a hard worker, his physical condition began taking its toll.

Pedro came to us from a rundown trailer he was renting by himself and immediately began winning our hearts. He had a tracheotomy which prevented most verbal communication. However, Pedro would communicate with hand gestures and facial expressions that would put a veteran charades player to shame. Despite his slow decline and physical difficulties, Pedro was constantly roaming the halls and taking walks outside, which brought him into contact with almost all of the inpatient staff over the months. The one thing we could always count on was a smile or salute from him. Even when he was hurting, he still shared that smile.

As our social workers began working on his case, they were especially vexed as to his real name and identity. They found that he had assumed another name in order to survive in the states and had paid his taxes under it for over a decade. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts we were never really able to find out who he was. Pedro's memory was ravaged and he could only recall random bits and pieces. Even the name he said was his own had no corroborating evidence. Additionally, there were no family or friends to care for him, visit, or even claim him when he died.

That is the main reason for my writing this account. Pedro had no one. He spent months in our inpatient unit and we ended up feeling like his family. We cared for him and loved him. Pedro passed away just before midnight on a Tuesday evening. Although there was no one to claim him then... we do now.

This letter is a humble eulogy, not as much for his accomplishments, but more about who he was and what he meant to us. Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation has graciously donated a memorial brick in memory of Pedro. Many of the staff will be contributing money towards it, despite the gift, and will be gathering for a memorial service in memory of Pedro. Furthermore, all the inpatient staff will be signing their names on the bottom and sides to symbolize the care and support for our friend. The brick will be placed outside on the sidewalk that he traveled so much, enjoying the outdoors while he was with us.

So this letter and the memorial brick are a lasting remembrance for our friend, Pedro. He will always be in our hearts. Moreover, he is an example of so many other patients who need someone to care for them at the end of life.

Discovering a Calm Place Amid Healthcare Confusion

2010-05-21T11:21:00.016-04:00

Every day it's becoming more apparent that healthcare is an issue that we all must address. We read about it online or in the paper, hear about it in the news and it's the hot topic in our nation's capital. And because of all the disparate opinions from experts to coffee shop politicians, it's confusing and fluid - a maelstrom of issues changing almost daily depending upon who is doing the talking.

But there is one segment of the local healthcare industry that remains a calming force and is there for you - that is Hospice of Palm Beach County (HPBC). Regardless of race, religion, politics or your ability to pay, the members of Hospice of Palm Beach County work tirelessly to make certain that patients and families receive the treatment, programs and respect they deserve to enrich their quality of life.

Since its founding in 1978 as a not-for-profit facility, Hospice of Palm Beach County cares for an average of 1,050 patients on a daily basis. Building relationships is a passion for all the employees, and their care extends throughout the county, encompassing all facets of the community. Services are offered at the patient's home, in an extended care facility or a hospital - wherever the patient and family decide is best for them.

These services and programs are provided by a hospice physician, that patients primary physician and a group of certified nursing assistants, social workers, therapists, spiritual care counselors, bereavement counselors and volunteers - all working as one to comfort and treat the patient and their family.

Programs available at Hospice of Palm Beach County focus not only upon the patient but the family members and caregivers, too. Patients can choose from Integrative Therapies such as palliative massage, Reiki, aromatherapy, imagery work, relaxation training and music therapy. Family members are invited, and most welcome, the opportunity to speak to counselors, social workers and anyone on the team who can assist them in their time of need.

Caregivers, especially those family members who are caring for their loved one, face many physical, spiritual and emotional trials. That is why Hospice of Palm Beach County devotes many programs to aid them during this period. Resources and educational materials, a support system through education, advocacy and spiritual guidance and a forum where caregivers can share their stories and experiences with one another is readily available, regardless if the patient is receiving care from HPBC.

If a caregiver and patient decide to seek care from Hospice of Palm Beach County, then they will receive their own Personal Support Team of interdisciplinary professionals, 24/7 access to hospice staff for care and support, an individual plan of care that is customized to fit the unique needs and wishes of the patient and family, house calls and more.

When care for the patient has ended, Hospice of Palm Beach County shifts to its next responsibility. Their bereavement services act as a healing mechanism that not only benefits adults, but also the children of the family. Camp SeaStar for instance, along with other school based bereavement programs, are designed to aid kids ages 5 through 18. As you can see, at Hospice of Palm Beach County the surviving family is not forgotten - they are embraced.

In a time rife with moral issues and conflicting views, it's comforting to know that there is one place that any person in the county can go to when they are in need of care. So, if you are facing some difficult healthcare decisions and not sure where to turn, remember, there is no confusion - Hospice of Palm Beach County is there for you.

For more information on the programs and services of Hospice of Palm Beach County, please call (561) 848-5200 or visit www.hpbc.com.

A Cut Above

2010-04-21T09:00:00.007-04:00

It takes a special kind of doctor to care for patients at the end of their lives. Hospice of Palm Beach County is fortunate to have those doctors.

From Boca Raton to Tequesta, Belle Glade to the beach, their physicians bring compassion and peace of mind to dying patients. Whether at home or at Hospice facilities around Palm Beach County, Hospice doctors administer the special care patients and their families need at this critical time. They use words like "passion" and "gratification" and "rewarding" to describe their Hospice service.

Dr. Barry Miskin, Assistant Medical Director of the Orange Team for Hospice of Palm Beach County who also cares for patients at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center and is a trained surgeon, says, "I feel I really make a difference. I help. They are dying and we can't change that. I can be their rock, their calm in the storm. We take away people's pain and their fear."

They counter the perceptions that ministering to dying patients is a depressing task. "It's the most amazing thing I've done," Dr. Miskin says. "My life is so much richer because of what I do. I feel terrific that I'm here to help."

Dr. Antonio Mendez, Assistant Medical Director at Hospice of Palm Beach County and internist who practices in Belle Glade, also spends time caring for end-of-life patients at Wellington Regional Medical Center and Palm West Hospital. "It's a continuation of what I do on a daily basis when you can't offer more than comfort to a patient," he says. "I've been in the the community 20 years. When I see patients at home, I know their names and who they are. It's very rewarding emotionally."

Dr. Barry Lerner, an internist with a specialty in geriatrics, refers to his Hospice service as Assistant Medical Director of the Blue and Lilac Teams as a "calling." He says that taking care of patients who are dying is "sobering but great. It gives me tremendous gratification that I am relieving pain and suffering."

Hospice of Palm Beach County salutes their caring doctors for all they do. It is their unwavering dedication to the more than 7000 patients and countless families that has helped the organization become Palm Beach County's hospice provider of choice.

"Thank you for all that you do," said Dave Fielding, President and CEO of Hospice of Palm Beach County. "We are proud to have each and every one of you as a part of our team."

From Boca Raton to Tequesta, Belle Glade to the Beach… We’re There

2010-03-15T10:34:00.009-04:00

Serving all of Palm Beach County’s Hospice Care Needs

“I had no idea how far reaching your services go, let alone how much you do for our community. The words ‘we’re there’ will forever have great meaning to me and my family.”
– Eric Jablin

Amid the crescendo of voices arguing about the state of our nation’s healthcare system and how to fix it, you can rely on one provider that remains true and steadfast to its community – Hospice of Palm Beach County. Although the tenuous nature of our healthcare system impacts so many in the United States, at Hospice of Palm Beach County we strive each and every day to provide a great healthcare experience to anyone who needs and wants our services, regardless of their ability to pay or where they reside in Palm Beach County.

For more than 30 years we have operated as a not-for-profit organization, impacting patients, family members and other caregivers who depend on us. Currently, we’re caring for an average of 1,200 patients a day in Palm Beach County. Our unique programs and services and highly skilled staff are integral to Hospice of Palm Beach County’s position as the hospice provider of choice in our community. Moreover, our ability to serve the needs of the entire county – from Boca Raton to Tequesta, Belle Glade to the beach – has enabled us to care for more patients and families than any other provider.

“No matter where you are in Palm Beach County we will be there for you,” said Dr. Karen Kennedy, Medical Director at the Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at Delray Medical Center. “By having such a broad presence we’re able to treat every patient and family as they wish, and provide the highest quality end-of-life care to everyone who asks for it. This is one of the reasons why we have become so prominent in Palm Beach County,” she said.

Regional offices in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Belle Glade and North Palm Beach enable our teams to serve patients wherever they reside: at home or in a skilled nursing, assisted living or area medical facility. Additionally, our six in-patient units, strategically located throughout the county, provide a peaceful, homelike setting, for convenience and comfort when a patient’s symptoms can’t be managed at home.

“Having you take care of my mother right at the assisted living home has been a blessing,” said Eric Jablin, whose mother, a resident at Mangrove Bay Assisted Living, has been a patient of Hospice of Palm Beach County since last February. “I had no idea how far reaching your services go, let alone how much you do for our community. The words ‘we’re there’ will forever have great meaning for me and my family,” he said.

“We provide a full spectrum of care for patients and an incredible support system for families. Our counseling services are available to anyone in the community, even if they have not had a loved one in hospice care,” remarked Dr. Kennedy. “If a patient desires to be at home then our staff visits the home. If they decide on certain therapies, we provide them regardless of where the patient is being cared for. Our services and programs are provided by a team that is specifically chosen for their expertise in the areas of need that each patient and family require,” she said. A hospice physician, the patient’s primary physician, registered nurses and certified nursing assistants, social workers, therapists, spiritual care counselors, bereavement counselors and volunteers all join to work as one with a precise goal in mind – to comfort and care for our patients and families with the respect and dignity they deserve.

If you, or a loved one, are contemplating whether to make the call to us, don’t wait. Each member of our valued team lives by our values of “patients and families first” and “doing whatever it takes,” and we remain true to our community. As the conflicting views, frustration and moral dilemmas facing our country and the healthcare industry persist, we take pride in our promise – to be there for everyone in Palm Beach County who needs and wants our care.

The staff at the Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at Delray Medical Center (pictured above) celebrated 3 years of service in January 2010.

Why I Do What I Do

2010-03-05T15:53:00.004-05:00

My colleagues, especially those who have known me for a while, and many lay people often ask me why I do what I do. Why do I practice medicine in a hospice? Isn’t it sad? Don’t I get depressed? My answer is always the same: There is a lot of sadness in the work I do. I treat people who are dying. On the other hand, I get to help. I help patients and their families through one of the most difficult journeys they will ever embark in. My job is to make it less hard; to soften the blow. Along the way, there are clinical challenges that I find intellectually stimulating but, most importantly, my life is enriched by the privilege of being with people when they are most vulnerable. There is an intimacy in Palliative Care that is not possible in any other specialty. This is important to me. My models are physicians who gave of themselves to their patients. One taught me that I should be paying patients for the privilege of treating them. Another one, Jeronimo Dominguez, my primary care physician when I was growing up in Washington Heights, New York City, taught me that, regardless of technology, people need the human touch. A doctor has to spend time and listen to patients. He couldn’t care less whether they paid or not. He was an excellent clinician who found the time to talk to all his patients. I wanted to be like that. I don’t know if I am as good a clinician as my role models, but I do know that every day I emulate their example and, as a result, am enriched by the people who I am privileged to come in contact with.

My Thoughts on Spirituality and Hospice Care

2010-02-12T14:44:00.007-05:00

by Rabbi Dr. Chaim Joseph Wender, F.LBC
Rabbinical Coordinator, Hospice of Palm Beach County

It was during the Jewish High Holy Days, last year, that I had the privilege of hearing a rabbinic colleague preaching on the theme of, “How Should We, As Jews, Respond to the Current Economic Vicissitudes? The sermon culminated with the thought that, as Jews, we should respond to the current adversity just as we had responded to so many troubling challenges and crises throughout our long history—namely, with hope. Subsequently, as I mused upon the rabbi’s urging, I realized that is essentially how we, as hospice professionals , must endeavor to help our patients and their families, namely, with a reframing of hope.

To my mind, pastoral care in the hospice setting, is the quintessential spiritual care. By definition, our patients and their families cannot realistically hope for the conventional medical outcome of cure. However, our patients and their families and our staff can and do, indeed, aspire to achieve an outcome of healing—healing of pain and suffering, on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels.

Our highly trained, experienced and caring interdisciplinary teams of physicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, chaplains, music therapists, massage therapists and bereavement counselors, working in tandem, bring an array of skills to address the needs and concerns of our patients and their loved ones. From the earliest stage of admission, through the aftermath of bereavement, our teams patiently, perseveringly and unwaveringly strive to help those in greatest need to understand and accept the reality of the situation with which they are confronted, and to find the shalom, the peace of mind and body and spirit, that will lead them to find reasons for affirmation even as they journey through the valley of the shadow. And above all, as they venture on this journey, they know that they are not, and will not be, alone.

Specifically, as chaplains, or pastoral counselors, we apply a variety of techniques in our spiritual caring of our hospice patients and their families. Our spiritual caring begins with supportive presence and listening actively, with care and interest. We encourage the patients, and or their loved ones, to engage in reviewing the life of the patient, with a view to achieving the recognition that there is far more here than meets the eye. The frail, often elderly, individual before us, has experienced many days and years of well-being and meaningful life, of blessings received and shared, that we dare not forget. For through remembrance of the good times and the good works and the joys that have preceded, fear and tears and self-pity and regret can begin to give way to gratitude, and gratitude is a key to healing of wounded hearts and spirits. With gratitude, this unique ministry can then proceed, logically, and with assent, to scriptural reference and prayers. And, as we open the mind and heart to the comfort and solace of prayer and holy writ, we are reminded of the God who is with us in all seasons of life and health. This is the God who will be continue to be with us in the final chapters of our Book of Life, even as that God was with us in the beginning, and throughout our earthly sojourn. Hence, we may find a sacred text, such as Psalm 121, to be particularly apt in this context: “The Lord will guard your going and your coming, now and for evermore.”

For more information about the pastoral care programs available through Hospice of Palm Beach County, please visit www.hpbc.com or call (561) 848-5200.

Employees Showcase Their Support For Hospice of Palm Beach County Programs

2010-01-20T13:24:00.011-05:00

We work at an amazing institution. We are blessed every day to see the love that families share and are able to provide someone the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one. We are the eyes that show care and the hands with the gentle touch. We inspire love and have the hearts to help bring back forgotten memories. We are, as many call us, angels with a hospice heart.

Yet again, our staff has shown their care and love, not only for patients and families, but this time for our organization. By creating and supporting Hospice of Palm Beach County through the Caring & Sharing employee giving campaign, you all have contributed to the future of our organization.

"At the end of our first year, we are proud to announce that the Caring & Sharing campaign has raised more than $49,000 in support of our organization’s programs and services," said Cindy DeSilva, Director of Annual Programs. "I am thrilled with the amount of support our staff has given during such a challenging time. But, yet again everyone has stepped up to the plate to ensure our patients and families never have to do without. I must say, seeing this showcase of love, I am honored to be a part of such an incredible group of individuals.”

New staff, or those who did not have the opportunity to participate in the campaign last year are encouraged to do so this year. With a gift as little or as big as you’d like, you can do your part to support our fundamental vision of creating a world where everyone receives great service at the end of life.

"As a longtime employee of Hospice of Palm Beach County, I know how important the “extra” programs and services we offer are,” said Cheri Craft, Senior Graphic Designer. “I truly believe in the work of our organization. By doing my part, I am working to ensure Hospice of Palm Beach County will be here to offer these services to other families in the community for many years to come.”

By giving what you can, you can help to bring music into the lives of a patient and their family; help a child who has lost a parent cope through our bereavement services; provide support to a family acting as primary caregivers to an ill relative; among many other things.

Every cent will benefit our patients by providing them the comfort and assistance to be peaceful when it is their time to go. If you are interested in learning more about the Caring & Sharing campaign, please contact Cindy DeSilva at (561) 494-6882.

Cultures Honored at Hospice of Palm Beach County

2009-10-14T14:38:00.008-04:00

Hospice of Palm Beach County’s Multicultural Outreach Committee, chaired by Supportive Care Director, Regina Di Pietro, set out this past year to better educate our staff – from clinical to administrative personnel – on the distinctions and cultural traditions of our diverse community. The committee is comprised of representatives from different departments who are committed to learning about various cultures and then disseminating this information throughout the organization for all to benefit.

"We want to offer staff educational tools and opportunities that prepare them to respond to our patients and families in the most respectful and compassionate manner possible," said Di Pietro. "To be accepted by the patient and family that you are caring for, you must have an understanding of their cultural and religious principles,” she added.

As an integral part of this program, our education department produced a comprehensive multicultural manual and self-study in-services, and made them available to all staff. In addition, they trained medical and clinical teams, as well as administrative staff, to use our Interpreter Language Line, which functions as a translation vehicle. “We went so far as to make personal contact with each employee to explain the method for using a trained interpreter via the language line. The use of this line has increased three-fold since we implemented the training this year,” said Vicki Jones, Director of Education.

“Our goal is to learn about as many cultures as possible and to create resources so our staff can interact with patients and families on all levels – from a medical level to a cultural level to comforting– and to serve them without judgment,” said Di Pietro. “This educational program can do that.”

For more information please contact Jennifer Martinez at jmartinez@hpbc.com or (561) 273-2194.

When the rest of the world is asleep… we’re there

2009-09-03T14:00:00.005-04:00

What a great way to describe our staff. When the world is asleep, most of our patients lie awake. Pondering life. Scared of what is to come. With worries of what will happen to their families after they are gone to some deeper fears, our night shift has the opportunity to provide a shoulder to cry on for our patients. “With less hustle and bustle than the daytime, our night shift staff really has the opportunity to connect with our patients,” said Bill Rascoe, Regional Manager – WPB Central Area. “They listen to them, as a friend, sometimes even sharing their own feelings. Most importantly though, they create a bond with a patient or family member that many are thankful for at such a difficult time in their lives.”

Virginia Marczak, RN, Annie Walker, RN, and Emma McMillian, CNA

Here at Hospice of Palm Beach County we are lucky to have some of the most incredible staff. We have the most compassionate, autonomous, empathetic nurses to care for our patients and families at the time of their greatest need. Whether it is just a small gesture like stopping by to say hello, or being somebody to talk to, every thing our staff does makes a huge impact on a patient’s well being and a family’s comfort at such a difficult time. And, as the rest of the world sleeps, our night shift keeps everything running smoothly. “We are incredibly lucky to have such great teams that work the night shifts,” said Cheri Larese, Inpatient Supervisor at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. “I really respect the work our night shift does. They have less resources to work with, yet they make sure everything is in perfect order.”

“I have worked the night shift for many years,” said Barbara Cameron, Charge Nurse at the Gerstenberg Inpatient Unit. “I feel it gives me a better opportunity to connect with my patients. Though we still have a lot of work to do, we don’t have to worry about meals or visitors. We really have the opportunity to have a conversation with our patients.”

Being a part of the night shift also gives staff the opportunity to serve as the eyes and ears for the rest of the care team. They can really monitor the patients while making them feel safe, feel cared for and feel like they truly have friends here. And, though everyone has a different perspective on how they can help, everyone does make a difference.

William Lazo, RN, Dora Berrio, RN, Yveline Jean Louis, CNA

“The Bethesda night team has been here for many years,” said John Panico, Patient Care Supervisor at the Bethesda Unit. “All of them truly love their jobs and know how to handle any situation. I am proud of the team I have in place. They are very autonomous. And, even though they have no supervisor on duty with them, they use their experience to troubleshoot and solve any problem that may arise.”

So, the next time you lie awake at night, unable to sleep, think of how great our after-hours staff is. They are an invaluable part of our team and we are incredibly lucky to have each and every one of them.

Jennifer Martinez
Communications Manager

Thank You, From Overseas

2009-08-10T09:07:00.004-04:00

Below is an email from Michelle Pohlable, Hospice of Palm Beach County Music Therapist and Reservist in the U.S. Air Force. She was deployed to the Middle East in July and we have been supporting her with boxes of donated items.

Hi Van!
I received your first box yesterday, thank you so much for sending it! I know many people will benefit from the sunscreen and shampoo. :) Things are going really well over here, aside from the intense heat. We've been busy playing lots of concerts and the troops are so responsive! We've had guys up on stage either playing an instrument or singing with us at almost every concert, and if they're not up on stage with us, they're in the audience singing or playing a tambourine or cowbell. It's incredible to see them enjoying themselves and the music and knowing that we're able to give them a few moments of joy.

I've been asked by my commander here to request that you not send any boxes after August 20th because I will very likely not receive them before I leave. If you continue collecting things, please feel free to donate them to the USO! I know there are many service members over here who will benefit greatly from everything that the employees of HPBC are collecting, and I can only reach a very few of them. Thank you so much for everything you've done and are continuing to do to support me and everyone else who is serving our country! :)

I miss everyone at HPBC and look forward to coming back and telling you all what I've been doing over here.

Thank you again for all of your support! It means so much to me and everyone in my unit and my commander over here are so surprised and thankful for the support I'm receiving from my employer. :) You all rock!

Michelle

Michelle Pohlable, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Hospice of Palm Beach County

Together, Our Message Will Be Heard!

2009-07-17T10:40:00.004-04:00

Last week, we received a note from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) that letters about the importance of healthcare funding from our staff members reached the hands of President Obama! Regina Di Pietro's letter, which can be read here, as well as Joe McNett's letter was not only read by the President, they are being shared with other NHPCO members and supporters through their website and publications.

As you can see, our letters do get read and they do make a difference. If you want to fight back against these healthcare reform budget cuts follow this link - 4 things that you can do today. You can also type your zip code at the top of this page to view and edit a sample letter.

By fighting together, we can make sure our message is heard.

Fight Back: NHPCO's Virtual Hill Day is Today!

2009-07-17T10:10:00.006-04:00

Join the Hospice Virtual Lobby Day! Take Action!
Details on How to Contact Congress Right Now

Today is the Day: The Hospice Community is hitting the halls of Congress...by phone and by email.
For more than a year, Hospice Advocates from all over the nation have been fighting the previous Administration's regulatory rate cuts, which threaten the compassionate and high-quality care to America's most vulnerable population. Last week, we learned that the hospice community was being asked to undergo additional Medicare cuts as part of the effort to pay for overhauling the health care system. Without intervention, the combined impact of the two cuts will be an average 6.4% loss to hospices beginning on October 1st of this year - and an average impact of more than 7% in FY 2011. Hospice is already a good steward of Medicare dollars - with average margins of 3.4%.

Cuts on top of cuts?

We're willing to do our part to expand health care coverage, but the combined cuts are paving the way for a crisis in hospice care.

But, we can fight back.

Call and write your Representatives and Senators today to ask them to stand with the hospice community. Let them know that hospice is already part of the solution, for patients and families and as a high-quality and cost-efficient model of health care reform. Let them know that their immediate action is necessary to protect hospice for future generations.

First, write them a letter. By taking action on this message, you will be able to customize pre-written text that makes it quick and easy to contact your representatives in writing. In less than 5 minutes, you can tell your story and hit send...and most importantly, fight to protect hospice for the 1.4 million patients, and their families, who depend on us each year.

Then, contact your Congressional offices by phone. This will reinforce your letter and get their attention immediately. By using our Click2Call tool, calling Congress is free, fast and we give you all the information and talking points that you will need. Most Congressional offices are open from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm EST. Visit Call to Stop Cuts-on-Top-of-Cuts to contact your representatives today!

Finally, spread the word! Make sure that your friends, families, neighbors, your kids' teachers and the guy that grooms your dog all join you in the fight to protect hospice. Just forward them this information or use our Tell-a-Friend feature.

Thanks so much for your Hospice Advocacy!

HospiceCars receives generous donation!

2009-07-01T14:48:00.007-04:00

HospiceCars is proud to announce they have received an extremely generous donation of an RV and truck from Anita and Ralph LaFollette! This donation helps to raise funds for ongoing services and programs at Hospice of Palm Beach County. To learn more about how you can donate to HospiceCars, please call (888)850-9898.

Ralph and Anita LaFollette

Truck and RV Ralph and Anita LaFollette donated to HospiceCars

The Rendina Family Foundation Gives Back

2009-06-29T08:38:00.007-04:00

“It’s really wonderful to have an organization like Hospice of Palm Beach County available to us and to those in the community who need their help. The moments that we spent with the team made me so glad and grateful during a time when I didn’t think I could have those feelings. That’s special.” - Margi Rendina

“Most importantly, they helped me say good-bye to my dad the way that I wanted to say good-bye to him, and that was invaluable.” - Michael Rendina

Another Inspiring Tale
The Rendina Family Foundation Gives Back

Bruce Rendina revolutionized the national landscape of healthcare real estate by partnering with hospitals and physicians to develop medical facilities. He turned his initiative into a successful career, and in 1997, he created the Rendina Family Foundation in order to give back and help our community.

Years later Bruce became ill and he needed help. His wife Margi took the advice of her mother and reached out to Hospice of Palm Beach County. “I was not familiar with hospice care but my mother knew it was the best thing for us,” said Margi. “Before we contacted Hospice of Palm Beach County I was Bruce’s main caregiver; I monitored his sickness, gave him medication and checked his blood pressure. It was difficult, especially when Bruce’s condition worsened and he became seriously ill.”

When the Hospice of Palm Beach County team arrived it was a huge relief. Margi sensed right away that they would become a part of the family, meeting Bruce’s every need 24-hours a day. “They gave us an ongoing high-spirited lift,” said Margi. Yet, Bruce was a private man and not always a willing patient. One nurse in particular, Michael Belenger, understood Bruce and made a deep connection with him. “He clicked with Bruce,” explained Margi. “He went above and beyond his regular duty to make Bruce comfortable, and that was incredibly important to us. Michael was authentic. The whole Hospice of Palm Beach County team was wonderful but Michael and Bruce had a special bond.”

Michael Rendina shared his mom’s original lack of knowledge when it came to what hospice care can offer to patients and families. “Like too many people I didn’t know what hospice was or what kind of aid they could bring to a family,” said Michael. But he did know that the family could benefit from some extra support. “My dad needed more assistance and we as a family required help emotionally and physically,” he said. “We had been caring for him for around 18 months and we were drained.”

Michael immediately noticed a difference once the Hospice of Palm Beach County team went to work. They not only did the physical labor to assist Bruce, they committed themselves to the family’s emotional and spiritual wellbeing. “They guided us and taught us what to do and how to help my dad let go and be happy,” said Michael. “They told us what to say, how to comfort him and prepared us for the inevitable. Most importantly, they helped me say good-bye to my dad the way that I wanted to say good-bye to him, and that was invaluable.”

Michael’s brother, Robert, experienced many of the same feelings. “The Hospice of Palm Beach County team was always there for my dad and for us,” noted Robert. “During such a difficult time it was reassuring to see them care for my dad. They were totally committed to us and they were a guiding light and a calming force.”

Giving Back

The Rendina Family Foundation has been funding organizations, hospitals and biotechnology companies for over ten years, and they always make certain that those in the communities that their foundation is involved with are aware of the services available to them, like those provided by Hospice of Palm Beach County. This year, they are presenting sponsor of the Hospice of Palm Beach County Horizon’s Fishing Tournament. This great summer event benefits the Children’s Programs of the John J. Brogan Bereavement Center, which offers grief counseling, county-wide support programs and Camp SeaStar, a summertime weekend outing for children and teens who have received services through Hospice of Palm Beach County.

“The driving reason why we decided to support Hospice of Palm Beach County was because of the quality of care my dad received,” explained Michael. “We also want to spread the word about Hospice of Palm Beach County and shed a positive light on hospice care in general. It’s also a way of having fun and celebrating the lives of our loved ones.”

“It’s really wonderful to have an organization like Hospice of Palm Beach County available to us and to those in the community who need their help. The moments that we spent with the team made me so glad and grateful during a time when I didn’t think I could have those feelings. That’s special.” - Margi Rendina

Getting involved in Education

2009-06-26T14:38:00.005-04:00

(l-r) Christina Dekkar with Helen Crawford, Guidance Counselor/Teacher at Seminole Ridge High School

At the recent School Board Institute event at Park Vista High School, Christina Dekkar and members of the John J. Brogan Bereavement Center were on hand to provide information to all Palm Beach County Guidance Counselors in attendance. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about our school based-bereavement programs as well as other services offered through our bereavement center. "This was a great opportunity to introduce new guidance counselors to our programs and served as a refresher to those who already know about our program."

After 75 years, love is still all it takes!

2009-06-19T16:03:00.015-04:00

On Friday, June 12, 2009, Hospice of Palm Beach County was proud help patients, Helen and Frank Teal, celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary in style. The Teal’s, who live at Hidden Garden Assisted Living in West Palm Beach, were overjoyed with the celebration. Chaplain Gary Cason performed the vow renewal ceremony for the couple as dozens of friends looked on. “Helen is the love of my life,” said Frank. “She is the best wife, and an amazing mother to my children. I couldn’t have ever asked for a better wife.”

Hospice of Palm Beach County Volunteer Donates Portion of Show’s Proceeds to Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation!

2009-05-11T10:41:00.003-04:00

On Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16th, local playwright and Hospice of Palm Beach County volunteer, David Nathie Barnes, will bring his show A Love Lost Life – The Unauthorized Story of Marlon Brando to the Cuillo Centre for the Arts. The show, whose ensemble cast has received rave reviews, tells the story of Brando’s efforts and challenges in learning to understand fatherhood.

A Love Life Lost plays at the Cuillo Centre for the Arts, 201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. Performances begin at 8:00 p.m.. Tickets are $25. Be sure to mention you are with Hospice of Palm Beach County and a portion of the ticket sale will be donated to Hospice of Palm Beach County.

For more information, call (561) 835-9226.

2009-05-08T12:56:00.003-04:00

Celebrating Our Nurses!
There's a place, somewhere over the rainbow, where people provide others with compassion, with care and with understanding.

That place is Hospice of Palm Beach County and the people are the nurses who work tirelessly to make certain every patient and their family receives the attention they deserve.

As we celebrate nurses, we say thanks to our staff, for your spirit, effort and commitment.

With admiration and gratitude,
Hospice of Palm Beach County

Special congratulations to our staff members nominated for 2009 awards.

Jacqueline Lopez-Devine, MSN, RN - Leadership Award
Cheri Larese, RN - Leadership Award
Eslin Lynch, CNA - Hands and Heart Award

He's Our Hero!

2009-05-01T16:36:00.008-04:00

Our very own RN, Owen O'Neill, received the prestigious Healthcare Provider Non-Physician award from the Palm Beach County Medical Society. Owen was recognized for his work in creating the Clinics Can Help Foundation. The foundation, which he single-handedly manages in his free time, supports medical clinics, programs and patients by offering medical supplies at no cost. Owen, who has a fantastic working relationship within our organization, announced his thankfulness for the support he receives from Hospice of Palm Beach County, including many donated supplies from Hospice of Palm Beach County and The Medical Store.

Thanks to Owen's dynamic leadership, the foundation has grown to reach dozens of clinics (in the U.S. and abroad) and helped countless numbers of individuals in need.

Great job, Owen!

Camp SeaStar

2009-04-27T17:10:00.012-04:00

Every year Hospice of Palm Beach County, through the John J. Brogan Bereavement Center, prepares an open invitation to any child that had a loved one in their services or is currently in their services, and any child that is attending one of their school programs in the community to Camp *SeaStar.

The focus of Camp SeaStar is to act as a support system for children and teens. The objectives of the camp are to aid these kids in:

Identifying ways to cope with change
Improving self-esteem
Learning to recognize and validate their feelings
Identifying safe ways of grief expression
Recognizing that having fun and celebrating are still a part of life

"We look at camp as a continuation of the counseling they have already had," said Christina Dekkar, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for Hospice of Palm Beach County. "We do activities that honor their loved ones. We also do Adventure Counseling. It helps children with team building and self-esteem. Children pick goals for the weekend and work as a team to overcome a variety of challenges to meet those goals."

The camp is held at Everglades Youth Camp and it is for two nights. The children have time to play games, canoe, and swim and there is a cabin decorating contest. The goal is to produce a camp that is safe and fun in an environment that encourages kids to share their stories. To end the camp everyone is involved in a drumming circle. "It is so heartwarming to see how much these kids grow over the weekend," said Christina. "Many kids make long-lasting friendships and keep in touch with each other after the camp is over."

Children and teens can attend the camp up to two times. If you have any questions regarding Camp Seastar or the other programs at the John J. Brogan Bereavement Center, don’t hesitate to call 227-5258.

WE LOVE OUR SOCIAL WORKERS!

2009-03-04T15:41:00.003-05:00

March is National Social Workers Month

Social Workers provide a valuable service for our patients and families. Hospice of Palm Beach County wants to thank our social workers for their passionate, purpose-driven dedication.

The National Association of Social Workers 2009 theme is Social Work: Purpose & Possibility. This important observance honors social workers nationwide, and is an opportunity for the profession to reflect on its history, celebrate the important work that is being done and look toward a promising future for all those social workers serve. The Social Work Month 2009 logo conveys the infinite possibilities and connections that social workers make in the lives of individuals, families and communities.

Whenever you have the opportunity, be sure to thank a social worker for all that that they do and all that they contribute to the excellent care we provide!

National Organization Honors Hospice of Palm Beach County with Compassionate Employer Award

2009-02-24T14:45:00.001-05:00

National nonprofit organization The Compassionate Friends has honored Hospice of Palm Beach County with its Compassionate Employer Award. Hospice of Palm Beach County is being recognized for going above and beyond customary workplace practices in meeting the needs of grieving employees.

Employee Debbie Rosamelia nominated Hospice of Palm Beach County because of the kindness and compassion she experienced after the death of her son. She was deeply moved by the tremendous outpouring of support shown to her from employees throughout the organization, including CEO Dave Fielding. It really made a difference in helping her through the grieving process, she said.

The Compassionate Employer Award recognizes employers from across the country that show exceptional caring and compassion after an employee has experienced the death of a child, sibling or grandchild. This year’s recipients, including Hospice of Palm Beach County, will be announced in a national news release March 3.

The award is presented by The Compassionate Friends, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support for families following the death of a child of any age.

Six Hospice of Palm Beach County Physicians Among the First in the Country to Become Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine Sub-specialty

2009-02-13T16:56:00.000-05:00

Six Hospice of Palm Beach County physicians have successfully passed the first ABMS sponsored certification examination for the newly created Hospice and Palliative Medicine sub-specialty and have obtained their ABMS certificate of added qualification.

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) approved the creation of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) as a sub-specialty of ten participating boards in September 2006, and the first examination was administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine in October 2008.

The six physicians who received the certification are:

Richard Levene, DO, FAAFP, FAAHPM: VP of Medical Affairs
Faustino Gonzalez, MD: Access Medical Director
Robert Dudley, MD: Unit Medical Director
Daniel Fortier, MD: Assistant Medical Director
Marie Tromans, MD: Assistant Medical Director
Michael Falkowitz, MD: Assistant Medical Director

Is Hospice Kosher?

2009-02-13T13:24:00.000-05:00

A presentation of Hospice of Palm Beach County.

Why are Jewish people reluctant to use hospice care?

How does the hospice concept compare with Jewish law and values?

Rabbi Dr. Chaim Wender and Marjorie Korenblit, RN, BSN, MA will be answering these and other significant questions that you may have.

Call today to schedule a presentation (888) 848-5200, ext. 5138.

Rabbi Dr. Chaim Wender is the Rabbinical Coordinator of Hospice of Palm Beach County. He earned an A.B. in Theology from Georgetown University (Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude), a Masters degree in Rabbinics and Hellenistics from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, rabbinic ordination from the Leo Baeck College, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Columbia Theological Seminary, where he specialized in Judaism and Gerontology. He is also Co-President of the Delray Beach Clergy Association.

Mrs. Korenblit is the South County External Educator for Hospice of Palm Beach County. She earned a BSN from the University of Michigan (cum laude) and was a member of Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society. She has an MA in Education from New York University and was a Cardiac Care Unit nurse and nurse recruiter for Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem. Her past experience includes: Instructor, Shaare Zedek School of Nursing, Assistant to the Head of the Nursing Division, Hadassah Medical Organization, Jerusalem, and Coordinator of the Mid-Life Career Change Program at the Henrietta Szold Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Nursing.

Music Therapy Department Hosts National Education Conference

2009-02-03T14:19:00.000-05:00

Hospice of Palm Beach County is hosting the first ever Continuing Music Therapy Education Conference February 6-8 at the C.W. Gerstenberg Hospice Center in West Palm Beach. Music therapists from across the United States will attend this educational conference as a way to fulfill the 20 credits they need to earn each year for certification. The Music Therapy department of Hospice of Palm Beach County is the first music therapy department in the nation to offer a conference of this scope.

At Hospice of Palm Beach County, board certified music therapists utilize music to meet the unique needs of patients and their families. Music therapy is a patient-centered, non-invasive intervention designed to alleviate pain and stress, effectively manage physical symptoms, facilitate emotional expression, enhance mood, stimulate memory recall, and provide unique opportunities for interaction and emotional intimacy.

As a recognized health profession, music therapists must complete a four-year undergraduate degree at an accredited university including courses in music therapy and history, psychology, anatomy and physiology, and music therapy methods. A 1,040 hour internship is required, after which prospective music therapists take a national board certification exam. To maintain their certification, music therapists must earn 100 hours of continuing education credits every five years. Having one of the leading music therapy departments in the country, Hospice of Palm Beach County selects three music therapy interns per year and is certified to provide continuing education.

The conference includes six different courses designed and presented by the music therapists at Hospice of Palm Beach County. All courses are approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE CONFIRMS THE IMPORTANCE OF HOSPICE CARE

2009-01-19T16:49:00.000-05:00

After meeting earlier this month to decide how to resolve the state’s $2.6 billion budget deficit, the Florida legislature chose not to cut the Medicaid benefit for hospice care.

Each year more than 5 percent of Hospice of Palm Beach County’s 6,000 patients receive Medicaid assistance for hospice care. Had the cut passed, not only would patient care have been affected, but it would also have been more costly to the state. This was proven in a study recently released by healthcare research firm The Moran Company, which showed that the state would incur at least $3.7 million in additional costs if the Medicaid hospice benefit were cut.

Hospice care is a vital service because it focuses on caring for the patient’s needs as a whole, rather than strictly the patient’s physical and medical issues. The patient receives a comprehensive range of medical, spiritual and social services that are administered at home, as opposed to undergoing costly medical treatments in hospitals and emergency rooms.

Also, the Medicaid patient and family often face non-medical crises such as poverty, estrangement, and even homelessness. Hospice of Palm Beach County and other hospice programs provide social service support and professional case management. This helps the patient and family as well as over-burdened social service agencies. Hospice is a proven high-quality, patient-focused, yet low-cost program. It is an indispensable service that is available to all Floridians, and it is essential that it remain so.

IT COSTS MORE TO CUT HOSPICE

2009-01-05T16:29:00.001-05:00

The legislature is meeting now to decide how to deal with the state’s $2.3 billion deficit. Many beneficial programs will be cut – the legislature has no other choice.

One of the proposed cuts is to eliminate the Medicaid payment for hospice care. A recently released study by the Moran Company proved that the state would incur at least $3.7 million in additional costs – and possibly more -- if the Medicaid Hospice Benefit were cut.

Each year Hospice of Palm Beach County provides care for more than 6,000 patients, of which over 5% receive Medicaid for this care. Hospice is for patients facing a life threatening illness. They receive a range of medical, spiritual and social services at home instead of costly medical treatments provided in hospitals and emergency rooms.

The real tragedy is the quality of care that our community’s citizens stand to lose. Hospice care is comprehensive and all inclusive. One daily fee covers every home visit by nurses, certified nursing assistants, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, physicians, music and integrative therapists and community-based volunteers. The fee also includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, medical equipment and medical supplies.

Families of dying patients often face non-medical crises as well. The Medicaid patient and family also may face poverty, estrangement, and even homelessness. Hospice of Palm Beach County and other hospice programs provide social service support and professional case management. This helps the patient and family as well as over-burdened social service agencies.

Florida is not the first state to consider cutting Medicaid hospice benefits as a way to save money. Illinois and Connecticut have had to reinstate the Medicaid payment for hospice, because they found it too costly otherwise.

Hospice is the proven high-quality, low-cost, patient-focused approach to caring for those in the last months of life. Hospice care is a benefit that should be available to all Floridians.

David Ralicki
Chairman
Hospice of Palm Beach County

David Fielding

President and CEO
Hospice of Palm Beach County

Use this sample letter to send to your Congressman.

To find your elected officials in Florida and email them this message go to: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/myrepresentative.aspx

Mother Teresa – Reflections of Her Lifetime

2009-01-04T11:27:00.000-05:00

Jim Towey served as legal counsel to Mother Teresa of Calcutta for more than 12 years and lived as a full-time volunteer in her home for AIDS patients in Washington DC. He served as director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives for four years, and is currently the President of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Jim Towey will share his experiences in working with Mother Teresa and in so doing, discuss her life, her philosophy and charitable work to benefit those in need.

Mother Teresa – Reflections of Her Lifetime
by Jim Towey
Friday, February 6, 2009
1:00 - 2:00 pm

Palm Beach Community College
Eissey Campus Theater
11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens

Free of charge

For information, call (561) 227-5138
5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 • Telephone: (561) 848-5200 • Toll-free: (888) 848-5200 • www.hpbc.com
Accredited by The Joint Commission. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Brought to you by:
Jim Towey, founder of
Aging with Dignity

Palm Beach Hospice Partners On Call Services

2009-01-03T23:17:00.000-05:00

Hospice Partners On Call
Solutions for After-Hours Call Assistance

As a proven and successful component of Hospice of Palm Beach County's span of comprehensive programs, Hospice Partners On Call was created to make it easier for their hospice care partners to meet every need of patients and families around the clock. These needs don't always correspond to 9 to 5 business hours. Hospice Partners On Call assures hospice providers that an after-hours team is available to provide answers, offer clinical instruction, or immediate interventions for patients and families who are in need of acute care or immediate intervention over the phone. A team of professionally trained and skilled customer service representatives and RNs combined with state-of-the-art information tracking technology is dedicated to providing a seamless care experience, 24/7.

“Hospice Partners On Call is a source for continuity of care at a time when every healthcare provider needs a competitive edge to improve the intensity of its operation, its image in the community and the ability to save money – all the while enhancing access to care,” said Jennifer Kast, Chief Operating Officer of Hospice Partners On Call.

As an industry-leading after-hours triage call center, the program is offered as a contracted service to hospice providers around the country that do not have call centers with triage capability (an estimated 90%). Hospice Partners On Call currently provides services to six hospice providers:

Hospice of the Chesapeake
Hospice of Dayton
Valley Hospice
Douglas Gardens
Metropolitan Jewish Hospice and Palliative Care
and Hospice of Palm Beach County.

“Their triage software provided a seamless integration with our patient records. The Hospice Partners On Call program has proven to be top notch, and Hospice of the Chesapeake is confident that our patients and families are receiving the best quality care 'round the clock’,” said Michael McHale, Chief Operating Officer, Hospice of the Chesapeake.

PB Harley Owners 3rd Annual Holiday Party

2008-12-23T11:03:00.000-05:00

Hospice of Palm Beach County

THE PALM BEACH HARLEY OWNERS GROUP HOSTS 3RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY FOR CHILDREN CARED FOR BY HOSPICE OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

West Palm Beach, FL (December 2008)… The Palm Beach Harley Owners Group recently hosted their 3rd Annual Holiday Party for children who have been cared for through the John J. Brogan Horizons Bereavement Center, a program of Hospice of Palm Beach County. The event was held at Strike Force Bowling in Lake Worth where children and their parents enjoyed bowling, treats and a visit from Santa who arrived on a Harley. Each child received a Target gift card and stuffed animals donated by club members.

According to The Palm Beach Harley Owners Group Charity Fundraising Officer, Gail Wiles:
“Our Palm Beach Harley Owners Group is fortunate to be able to give in some way to the services Hospice of Palm Beach County provides to our community, especially when it has to do with kids and this special time of year. The parents were thrilled and we even opened it up to others who were at Strike Force that day! One gentleman came up to me and asked if it we would mind if his little girl participated. It was great fun.” She also said: “We’re a riding club, but we want to give back to our community as citizens. Everyone in the club steps up to give at this time of year. Everything donated is from club members, the gift cards and stuffed animals, the party, the food; people really stepped up.”

For more information, please contact Hospice of Palm Beach County toll free at 888-848-5200 or visit www.hpbc.com.

Recent events with The Harley Owners group include a chili cook-off.

2008-12-15T14:14:00.000-05:00

Lisa Bottke

Education

For the second year, Hospice of Palm Beach County participated in the countywide “A Day In The Life Of A Nurse” program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in the medical field.

20 students and their Instructor (a Registered Nurse) from Lake Worth High School got a real life look at what a day in the life of a hospice nurse might be like. We simulated a patient's admission to hospice with the help from some of our volunteers. One of the hospice volunteers came by with his therapy dog(above) to demonstrate some of the programs and services available to our patients.

The students role-played with the volunteers using a variety of mock materials, calculations and wound care on our wound care dummy, “Seymour”. We wrapped their hands in coban bandages, smeared glasses with vaseline and stuffed cotton in their ears so they could
experience the physical challenges elders face daily.

We finished the day up with a game of Medical Jeopardy and a pizza party courtesy of our Director of Patient Care - Jackie Lopez Devine! Wow those kids were smart! We’ll be sure to make the questions harder next year. We all learned a lot from each other and I feel blessed that I was given this wonderful opportunity.

To sign up as a volunteer or to learn about the other great services we offer go to ww.hpbc.com or call (561) 848-5200.

For every community, and every family... We're There

Holiday Food Drive

2008-12-04T16:57:00.000-05:00

Name: Scott Farrell
Title: Marketing Assistant

We are very excited to announce that Hospice of Palm Beach County and WPBF-TV 25 are partnering on a Holiday Food Drive from December 4 through the 21st. We’re asking our community to bring donations of non-perishable food items and canned goods to the Hospice of Palm Beach County Resale Shops and/or Tropical Smoothie Cafes located throughout Palm Beach County. The Kiwanis Club has agreed to pick up and deliver the donated goods to local shelters and food banks.

A drop-off table will be set up at all of the participating locations. Please contribute whatever you can!

Inventory at shelters and food banks in the county are down and our contributions will make a BIG DIFFERENCE this holiday season.

Hospice of Palm Beach County Resale Shops
Resale Shop North Plaza La Mer 863 Donald Ross Road Juno Beach, FL 33408 (561) 624-5495	Resale Shop Central 1324 N. Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (561) 681-6511

Tropical Smoothie Café Locations

6671 W. Indianatown Rd
Suite 2
Jupiter, FL 33458
(561) 748-4457

5440 Military Trail - Suite 5
Jupiter, FL 33458
(561) 624-8775

100 Plaza Real South A
Boca Raton, FL 33432
(561) 338-7127

1025 Gateway Blvd. #305
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(561) 733-0059

2508 PGA Blvd.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 626-0412

4276 Northlake Blvd.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 624-4513

22191 Powerline Road
Suite 27 C
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 620-0888

Welcome

2008-11-26T11:32:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Hospice of Palm Beach County's blog. Feel free to contribute.