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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
“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
(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."
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.”
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.
Friday, May 8, 2009
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
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.
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.
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 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 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
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.
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).
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.
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
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
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.
