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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.