Awareness HOSPICE
November 2013
3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204-1953 • 24-hour main-line: (209) 957-3888 • www.hospicesj.org 3888 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95204-1953
Silver Garland Highlights Tree of Lights 25th Anniversary
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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
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Permit N 557 Stock ton, CA
2012 Stockton Tree of Lights
Jo a q u i n c a r e d for he r following a brain tumor. The first Tree of Lights was lit i n 1988 at San Joaqui n Delt a College. Today, there are seven trees in the county including Rio Vista, Lodi, Lockeford, Stockton, Manteca, Tracy and Ripon. Tree of Lights is a com mu n it y event, promoting hospice awareness and inclusion for individuals who have lost a loved one by honoring their memory during the holiday
season. “This event serves as a bereavement service which allows participants to remember their loved ones,” Carrie Lane, Bereavement Manager stated, that “the holidays without a special loved one is d if f icu lt; however, the shining light brings joy to many hearts.” The trees are decorated for the community, thanks to the partnership of local organizations, businesses, com mu nit y g roups and individual contributors.
T h e 2 5t h Anniversary of Tree of Lights is an event not to be missed. “We encourage everyone to Light Up a Light – Light Up a Life by dedicating a light on the tree of your choice this year,” highlighted Sandy Stoddard, Director of Fund Development. “Please plan on joining us at the tree lighting ceremonies.” Mark Rassmussen, has volunteered to set-up Tree of Lights since the beginning, “on behalf of Pacific Gas and Electric Volunteer Employees, we are honored to be part of this long standing tradition of Hospice of San Joaquin.” Proceeds from this event support hospice patients and their families with the next level of care, when cure is not an option.
For more information or referrals, call (209) 957-3888. Joint Comission Accredited
Photo and Illustration by Gene Acevedo
A nonprofit agency serving the community since 1980 Hospice of San Joaquin is governed by a community Board of Directors and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization. Hospice of San Joaquin is licensed by the State of California as a Hospice Agency and is certified by the Centers for MediCare and MediCal Services to provide the Hospice Medicare / Medi-Cal Benefit. The Joint Commission has accredited Hospice of San Joaquin.
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1300 W Lodi Ave., Ste. S (209) 957-3888 www.hospicesj.org
1300 W Lodi Avenue, Ste. S
Photo of donated building by Tom and Sandy Stokes illustrated to include logos and tentative facade of the Hospice of San Joaquin Lodi Regional Care Center.
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facility will be nestled among health care neighbors. Contractor Olson C o n s t r u c t i o n , I NC , a local firm specializing in medical construction will reconfigure the building. “We want all Hospice of San Joaquin buildings to have the same quality and level of comfort,” explained Guasco, “Olson Construction, INC has a proven record to build and suppor t Hospice of San Joaquin in the Lodi community.” Since 1980, Hospice of San Joaquin has provided compassionate and dignified care to residents throughout San Joaquin County as well as neighboring communities not served by a not-for-profit hospice provider. Hospice
of San Joaquin was the first hospice program in the County and “the initiation of the renovation of the new offices once again made history as this is the first hospice building in the City of Lodi,” highlighted Gene Acevedo, Community Outreach Director at Hospice of San Joaquin. In-home care is at the heart of Hospice of San Joaquin’s services, “The Lodi office will give ou r team the needed flexibility to reach the northern communities in a prompt, safe manner,” noted Rebecca Burnett, Chief Clinical Officer. “A drive to Stockton is difficult when someone is faced with end-of life care for their loved one,” Sandy Cunningham, family
Secretary LEANDRO VICUNA, JD CEO, Downtown Stockton Business Alliance
Members: JACQUELINE BAGATTA, RN Deputy Director - SJGH SCOTT G. BEATTIE JD, LL.M (Tax) Beattie & Aghazarian, LLP SABRINA SCHNEWEISCOE, Esq. Downey Brand, LLP REV. DAVID BENNETT Retired United Methodist Pastor PAT COLLIER, RN, MS Retired Nurse Administrator BARBARA GALGIANI, CPCU, CIC, CRM Insurance Broker & Risk Mgr. GARY GIANNINI, CPA Principal - Schwartz, Giannini, Lantsberger & Adamson JACK GILLILAND, MD Retired Physician STEPHEN L. GUASCO Chief Executive Officer Hospice of San Joaquin MARGO KOZINA Teacher - St. Mary’s High School EVIA BRIGGS MOORE, Ed.D. Retired, College Administrator
Hospice of San Joaquin to Open Doors in Beautiful Lodi
atients living in the nor ther n part of the County and bordering communities who transition into the final stages of their life’s journey will have more access to continuum of care as Hospice of San Joaquin is in the midst of opening a new campus extension in Lodi. The new Hospice campus is projected to open early 2014. Demolition began on Tuesday, October 15th at an existing property located on the west side of Lodi. The site was very generously donated by Tom and Sandy Stokes. “Hospice of San Joaquin will be forever grateful to the Stokes Family as their contribution will touch thousands of residents in future hospice care,” Stephen Guasco, Chief Execut ive Of f icer at Hospice of San Joaquin, expressing his gratitude during a wall breaking ceremony. T he wa l l b r e a k i ng ceremony marked the beginning of construction at the more than 2,000 square foot campus. The new offices will include a full hospice operation with a large conference room, bereavement rooms, individual offices, and other utility spaces. The
President GAYLE RILEY, RN, MPH Healthcare Administrator, Retired
Treasurer LOU MEYER Retired, EMS Executive
Our Mission The Mission of Hospice of San Joaquin, a not-for-profit organization, is to provide comprehensive and compassionate medical care, counseling and support to terminally ill patients and their families, regardless of ability to pay, and to educate and collaborate with health care providers and the public in promoting quality end-of-life care.
Officers:
Vice-President CHRIS McCAFFREY Vice President - Morgan Stanley
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th Anniversary for the Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights During the 2013 Holiday season, Hospice of San J o a q u i n’s i n v i t e s t h e community to celebrate the 25th Lighting Ceremony of Tree of Lights. “We are pleased to announce one of the most commemorative Tree of Lights Lighting Ceremonies in the history Hospice of San Joaquin,” noted Sandy Stoddard, Director of Fund Development at Hospice of San Joaquin. “For many families, the tree lighting ceremonies mark the beginning of the holiday season,” explained C a r ol n G o m e s , Eve n t s Coordinator at the agency. For others Tree of Lights has a deeper meaning. “I have donated to Tree of Lights for more than 10years in honor of my first wife Loretta Abel,” noted Richard Abel, Retired High School Principal at Lodi Unified School District, “Tree of Lights keeps her memory alive every ye a r.” A b el explained that Hospice of Sa n
Board of Directors
member of a hospice patient who recognized the benefits of having a local Hospice of San Joaquin office. “The new Lodi office will give Lodi residents a local team specialized in hospice care which includes pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support for anyone facing life limiting illnesses,” Guasco added, “Local access to information and location will grant our agency the ability to reach more families and their loved ones with the care they need at end-of-life — this new campus offers what t he com mu n it y needs.” A fundraising campaign for the Lodi Regional Care Center is being led by Sharon Stokes and John Ledbetter serving as cochairs for the Hospice of San Joaquin Lodi Regional Care Center. “We know it will take money to run this operation in Lodi and we hope others will join us to ensure quality hospice services reach our community,” John Ledbetter. The goal is to raise $5 million in philanthropic donations. To learn more about you may visit www.hospicesj. org or call (209) 9573888.
KELLY STUMP, RN, MSN Hospital Supervisor St. Joseph’s Med. Center KATHY ARNAUDO VAZ Homemaker / Real Estate Broker MARK WALLACE Director of HR, Lodi Memorial Hospital
Professional Staff: Robert T. Browne, MD Medical Director Emeritus James Saffier, MD On-Site Medical Director Mobin Ghavami, MD Staff Physician Rebecca Burnett, RN, BSN, CHPN Chief Clinical Officer Kerrie Biddle, MBA, CNAP Chief Financial Officer Sandy Stoddard Dir. of Development Gene Acevedo, MBA Dir. of Comm. Outreach Pam Byrne, Ph.D, RN Transitions Prog. Mgr. Hilary Miller, MSN-Ed, RN, PHN, CHPN Education Director Carolyn Gomes Events Coordinator Cheryl Berglund, RN Hospice House Mngr Becky Freeman Volunteer Manager Carrie Lane, M.Div., CT Bereavement Manager Patty A. Rieber Human Resource Mgr Leo Ronquillo Information Systems Mgr Allan Sullivan Chaplain Ulmer Photo (Tim Ulmer) Volunteer Photographer
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November 2013
Thank You Barbara Pombo
Message from the CEO
Director of Fund Development Retires
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Once upon a time – a long time ago, in a kingdom known as San Joaquin, there w a s a Fo u n d i n g Executive Director of a local hospice. We’ll cal l t h is D i re ct or Barbara. As the story goes, Barbara was driving down a major st reet near a local Community College. On this drive, Barbara saw a very large pine tree at the entrance of this Community College. This tree inspired Barbara. She thought to herself, “that tree needs lights – many lights – thousands of lights – each of which would memorialize or honor a loved one.” There was, however, a major problem. This tree was a very large. How, she wondered, could the tree lights be strung? Where could Barbara find knight (or a group of knights) in shining armor to string the thousands of lights? Well, our story – like all Fairy Tales - has a happy ending. The only difference is that our story is not a Fairy Tale. The time was twenty-five years ago. Barbara is our own Barbara Tognoli, Hospice of San Joaquin’s Founding Executive Director. The Community College is, of course, San Joaquin Delta College. The tree is now known throughout the holiday season as the Tree of Lights. The knights in shining armor, well they were a group of PG & E Employee Volunteers in hard hats – most of whom still volunteer to this day – in fact, there are several multi-generational family members who have worked on the Tree of Lights. The exact number of lights on that original tree has, unfortunately, been lost to history. Today, twenty five years later, there are seven Trees of Light throughout San Joaquin County with a combined total of 8,000 dedicated lights. In addition to the original Stockton – Delta College tree, there are trees in Tracy at the West Valley Mall, Manteca at Doctors Hospital of Manteca, Lockeford in concer t with the Clements/ Lockeford Community Business Group and the Lodi Chamber of Commerce at the Lockeford Wells Fargo Bank, Lodi at the Lodi City Hall, Ripon in concert with the City of Ripon and the Community & Youth Services Commission in Mistlin Fountain Park and Rio Vista in concert with the Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce at the Rio Vista City Hall. We wish to thank our Hospice of San Joaquin – 25th Anniversary Tree of Lights sponsors: Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Bank of Stockton, Ulmer Photo, 99.3-KJOY, Lodi Health, Wells Fargo Private Bank and Chase Chevrolet. I am proud to report that our 7 Trees of Lights have maintained the spirit of that first Tree of Lights continuing to live on as an annual memorial to all those whom we hold so dear. The Hospice of San Joaquin family hit another milestone recently. The Tuleburg Quilt Guild lovingly makes and donates a quilt for each Hospice House patient. By mid-August, the 1,000th quilt was completed. I know from the many comments I receive, how much the quilts mean to our Hospice House patients, as well as their families. They serve as both a physical as well as an emotional source of comfort and warmth. On behalf our Hospice House patients, thank you Tuleburg Quilt Guild. Another major step is in Hospice of San Joaquin’s future. Hospice of San Joaquin will soon be opening a Lodi Care Center. On October 15th, Hospice of San Joaquin hosted our “Ready to Renovate - Framing the Future” reception at our future Lodi office. A ceremonial breaking down the old wall was enjoyed by the 100 or so reception attendees. More to report in the future. October 12th was World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. We, once again, salute our professional and volunteer teams for providing the best hospice care in San Joaquin County and its neighboring communities. In closing, Happy Birthday Hospice of San Joaquin! November 5, 2013 marked our 33rd Birthday. We remember and thank our founders for their wisdom and dedication in establishing – initially with their own funds – Hospice of San Joaquin. We celebrate the many team members, who over our thirty-three year history, worked tirelessly on behalf of our community’s terminally ill and their families. We honor the thousands of patients whose lives we have been privileged to share. Each patient has touched us in a unique way and will live in our hearts forever.
(Left) Barbara Pombo, receives an appreciation award from CEO, Stephen Guasco, for her dedicated service at Hospice of San Joaquin. The award was presented at the 2013 HSJ Annual Dinner following the announcement of her retirement.
ospice of San H Joaqu i n Ch ief Executive Officer Stephen Guasco announced at the Annual Dinner that Barbara Pombo, Development Director, would retire at the end of September 2013. He said, “Hospice of San Joaquin will forever appreciate the hard work and dedication of Barbara Pombo.” Pombo’s leadership guided the Development D e p a r t me nt a s w e l l as P ublic Relat ions for 10 years. She was i n st r u ment a l du r i ng a period of time when Hospice of San Joaquin grew from its Hammer
Lane Of f ice to the present c a mpus t hat includes the first Hospice House in San Joaquin County. She served as c o n t r a c t- c o n s u l t a n t in t he C ommunit y Building Campaign for the Hospice House in 2003-2004 and was then appointed the first Fund Development Director of the agency. Barbara was instrumental in fostering Tree of Lights events in Tracy, Lockeford and Rio Vista. B a r b a r a s e r ve d a s L ia ison bet ween t he three Hospice of San Joaquin But ter f ly Auxiliary Chapters and
Volunteers make the Diffrence olunteers play a V vital role in making a difference in the lives of
patients and families at Hospice of San Joaquin. “I enjoy volunteering h e r e b e c a u s e i t ’s rewarding and m o t i v a t i n g ,” G r a c e Neurath explained in a soft voice, “at the end of a day when I volunteer at Hospic e of Sa n Joaquin there is a sense of ac c ompl i sh ment , appreciation, and I know that I have served a cause that is worthwhile.” Ms. Neurath has volunteered for more than a year on a weekly basis. Becky Freeman, Hospice of San
Joaqu i n’s Volu nte er Manager has observed t hat “our volunteers often share that they experience the rewards and satisfaction felt by providing friendship, comfort, and support to our patients.” Volunteers play an important role at Hospice of San Joaquin, “they (community members volunteering) are the back bone of the agency,” Stephen Guasco, the agency’s Chief Executive O f f ic er adde d , “ t he founding members of Hospice of San Joaquin were all volunteers and today we would not be able to reach our mission
Bereavement Support Groups resuming in January For: Adults, Children and Teens
Register Today!
(209) 957-3888
administration. The Tracy Butterfly Auxiliary started with the leadership of Glor ia Bacchet ti with the assistance of Barbara Pombo. “She gave us ideas, pointed us in the right direction and provided suggestions that made it easier for t h e Tr a c y B u t t e r f l y Auxiliary to approach businesses,” explained Michelle Hollingsworth, Past President of the Tracy Butterfly Auxiliary and member since the beginning of the chapter in 2009. “I enjoyed working with Barbara. She was always supportive, lent a hand as needed and she was always professional,” added Sharon Stokes, co-founder of the Lodi Butterfly Auxiliary and c u r r ent C o - Ch a i r of the Lodi Care Center Campaign. A mont h f r om her retirement, Barbara’s Hospice of San Joaquin commitment reignited as she was approached to become the consultantmanager for the Lodi Regional Care Center, set to open in 2014. “When
I saw the tremendous generosity of the Stokes Family and their lead gift of the building space; and the passion of local leaders li ke John L edbet ter, the L odi Communit y Fou nd at ion a nd ou r own Board members – I couldn’t walk away from this unique opportunity,” s a id Pomb o, “I lo ok forward to working with this dynamic group of volunteer leaders and their commitment to the $5 million dollar campaign.” B a rba r a e x pr e s s e d her feelings about her Hospice of San Joaquin experience: “It is with gratitude and a ‘portfolio’ of incredible memories, relationships and shared accomplishments that I come to the end of this chapter in my life as Director of Development. Sharing the Hospice of San Joaquin journey has provided me invaluable opportunities to grow and to serve; and most of all, cherished friendships. I wish all working with Hospice of San Joaquin the very best.”
without our community helping.” Volunteers prov ide behind the scenes suppor t as wel l as p at i e nt v i s i t at i o n s . “Many talented community members donate their time at the administrative offices by helping with clerical, mailings, data input and other critical duties that allow the agency to reach its mission. Others have different talents and special hearts that enhance t he c are of patients at end-of-life.” Freeman appreciates the dedication of all those who share their talents in the agency. Hospice of San Joaqu i n’s Volu nte er Program offers comprehensive & extensive training on hospice and palliative care. The training is regularly scheduled twice a year in the months
of March and October, in va r ious loc at ions throughout San Joaquin C o u n t y. F r e e m a n explained, “ There are 8 classes for each training period covering subjects such as Hospice History & Philosophy, Communication, concepts of death and dy ing, spiritual care & supp or t , c u lt u r a l diversity, grief & loss, and more.” Freeman highlighted t hat t he agenc y is also interested in the following areas: music therapy, pet therapy, hairdressers, garden help, and people who feel comfortable speaking in public. If anyone is interested in giv ing back to t he c om mu nit y by volunteer ing, please contact the Volunteer Department for information at (209) 957-3888.
Grievingthe the Loss Grieving loss ofofyour spouse? a Loved one? Join us for a FREE Understanding Your Grief Workshop Beginning in January 27, 2014 call for for detail information Call information pre-register at
(209) 957-3888 www.hospicesj.org
www.hospicesj.org
Groups available in Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Lodi
Sincerely,
Stephen L. Guasco Chief Executive Officer Hospice of San Joaquin
Did You Know?
That fewer than 5% of Hospice of San Joaquin’s patients receive care at Hospice House. The majority of patients receive their care in their home.
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November 2013
Hospice of San Joaquin Hires New Director of Fund Development
Hospice of San Joaquin
TREE OF
Welcome Sandy Stoddard Gene Acevedo
educating our community about the different types of cancer and she has collaborated in other hea lt h preventable measures to improve the quality of life in San Joaquin County. Stoddard arrives at Hospice of San Joaquin in a period of growth as the agency is opening its doors in Lodi, her home town, “Joining the team at Hospice of San Joaquin is a worthy opportunity to assist in strengthening the organization to better serve our community.” She is enthused about her ne w p o sit ion a s she’s found inspiration in t he work done by the professional staff of the agency. “Having witnessed for many years the services provided by Hospice of San Joaquin, the compassion w it h which care is given, and
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andy brings v a l u a b l e relationships, fundraising experience, and the type of leadership skills we need at Hospice of San Joaquin,” highlighted Stephen Guasco, Hospice of San Joaquin Chief Executive Officer. “She w i ll be responsible for ma nagement of the Development Department and activities related to fundraising, donor relations, event management, and other duties of the department, which enhance or expand streams of revenue and other resources for the agency.” Prior to joining Hospice of Sa n Joaquin, Ms. S to dd a rd ser ve d for 28 years as Executive Director of the American Cancer Society in San Joaquin County. She has been a champion in
th
Dr. James K. Saffier, Medical Director (Left) joins Dr. Robert T.
t he suppor t given to families is inspiring,” said Stoddard. As Director of Development, she will be using her event planning ex per tise and fund development strategies to raise the bar in hospice care. “The local communities have a first hand experience of Sandy’s work as she was the force behind the A merican Cancer Societ y ’s f undraisers which include heading the annual gala dinner and coordinating the well known Making Strides, a
walk for breast cancer,” Guasco acknowledges her expertise to be an asset for Hospice of San Joaquin. One of Stoddard’s first dut ies at t he agenc y includes the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Tree of Lights. “We invite everyone to join us in remembering and honoring our loved ones by Light up a Light… Light up a Life and to join us at one of our seven ‘Tree of Lights’ ceremonies,”
[See Tree of Lights on the c6ver page for details about the 25th Anniversary]
“We Honor Veterans” Partner
I
t may surprise many people to learn that 25 percent of those who die every year in the U.S. are Veterans. To help provide care and support that reflect the important contributions made by these men and women, “Hospice of San Joaquin has developed a program that will serve our veterans on a peer to peer volunteer ba si s,” sh a r e d G ene Acevedo, Communit y Outreach Director. “We have also partnered with the national ‘We Honor Veterans’ campaign.” ‘We Honor Veterans’ is a pioneering campaign developed by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in
A NN
IVERSARY
Tree of Lights 2013 Remember Your Loved Ones
Hospice of San Joaquin Recognized as a collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a We Honor Veterans Partner, Hospice of San Joaquin will implement ongoing Veteran-centered education for their staff and volunteers to help improve the care they provide to the Veterans t he y pr oud l y s e r ve . The agency has called upon men and women who have served in the mi lita r y to cont inue ser v ing by becoming hospice volunteers. The nation is seeing many of the Veterans who served in World War II and Korean pass away—and the number of deaths of Vietnam Veterans is beginning to rise. As a partner to our Local Veteran Posts we want to serve anyone who needs support when cure is not an option. Hospice of Sa n Joaqu i n w i l l advocate for resources provided as part of the campaign and we will
LIGHTS
integrate best practices for prov iding end-oflife care to Veterans. By recognizing the unique needs of our nation’s Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, Hospice of San Joaquin is equipped to accompany and guide Veterans and their families toward a more peaceful ending. In cases where there might be some specific needs related to the Veteran’s military service, combat e x p er ienc e or ot her traumatic events, Hospice of San Joaquin will find tools to help support those they are caring for. J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and C E O. “ VA s h a r e s a common goal with our nation’s hospices, and that is to provide the best possible care specifically tailored for Veterans, meeting their goals of care in their preferred setting. As we focus on working together and unite our services and skills, We
Honor Vetera ns w i l l channel our combined streng ths directly to Veterans - wherever they are receiving care.” The resources of We Honor Ve t e r a n s fo c u s on r e s p e c t f u l inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgment, coupled w it h Veteran- centr ic education of health care staff caring for Veterans. “A merica’s Veterans have done every thing asked of them in their mission to ser ve our country and we believe it is never too late to give them a hero’s welcome home. Now it is time that we step up, acquire the necessary skills and fulfill our mission to serve these men and women with the dignity they deserve,” added Schumacher. If you are interested in participating at Hospice of San Joaquin’s Veterans to Veterans Program, please call (209) 957-3888.
During this special season, honor or remember a loved one through Hospice of San Joaquin’s “Tree of Lights”. Your gifts directly benefit patient’s quality of life Please print Donor’s Name: Street: City: State: Zip: Phone: e-mail: Select a light Color
Select a location
Red
$
Green
$ 10
Stockton
Blue
$ 25
Manteca
White
$ 50
Lockeford
Yellow
$ 100
Lodi
Purple
$ 250
Ripon
Orange
$ 500
Rio Vista
Tree Top
5
Tracy
$ 1,000
: is from: Light
In MEMORY of:
In HONOR of:
Send Notice of gift to: Street: City: State: Zip: e-mail
Check enclosed and completed form mailed to: Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204 (209) 957-3888 Please charge my donation to MasterCard Visa Am Ex Discover Credit Card # Name on Card: Exp Date: CSC Code: Signature: Or, visit our website to make your gift online If your gift includes more names, download form online
Transitions support service for you and your family.
hen you or someone you love W has advancing chronic or
life limiting illness, life is affected in countless ways. Daily routines cha nge, c a reg iv ing re sp on sibi l it ie s c a n be taxing and medical information confusing. Transitions is there to help. The Hospice of San Joaquin Tra nsit ions Program is a support service for you and your family. It designed to “make life a little easier” and help you cope with physical, emotional and social changes that often accompany advancing chronic or life limiting illness. Do you have cancer or worsening heart, lung, kidney, liver, autoimmune disease, neurological or
dementia and: • have repeated hospital ER visits or admissions? • have difficulty managing activities of daily life? • are feeling lonely or isolated? • have questions about the disease process or symptom management? • are pursuing curative or palliative treatment? • need assistance finding community resources to maintain independence? • are not ready to make a decision for Hospice care? Transitions Program may be just the resource you need. Trained staff or volunteers can provide:
• Companionship • Emotional or spiritual support • Telephone support and/or visits to the home or facility • Assistance with errands-shopping, household chores, food preparation • Caregiver respite • Help understanding the disease process, symptom management and medical option information • Community resource information Hospice of San Joaquin Tra nsit ions services are provided at no cost to participants or their families. It is sponsored by Hospice of San Joaquin and funded t h roug h c om mu nit y donations and grants. Donations are gratefully accepted and are fully tax-deductible. Tr a n s i t i o n s i s a separate depar tment from Hospice services.
It of fer s suppor t, information and practical assistance though “does not provide hands on nursing care”. Anyone can refer to the Hospice of San Joaquin Transitions Program; i nd i v idu a l s , f a m i l y members, friends, social workers, doctors, nurse practitioners, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and RCFE’s- Assisted Living. The par ticipant or person able to speak on his or her behalf must understand and agree to the program terms and live in the San Joaquin Valley or surrounding c om mu n it ie s . Participant information is maintained in the st r ic te st c onf idenc e according to Hospice of San Joaquin HIPAA privacy practices. For more information, please call: Hospice of San Joaquin Transitions Dept., (209) 957-3888.
www.hospicesj.org Thank You 2013 Tree of Lights Sponsors
Doctors Hospital Of Manteca Tenet California
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November 2013
Photo In-Review
Understanding Hospice of San Joaquin’s Services
Gene Acevedo
(Left) 5 Year old Kylie Olivas donated funds raised at a Lemon Aide stand during the hot summer days at a Brookside West Garage Sale. Her fundraiser was in honor of her Grandmother “Nonna” Erma Yocum.
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Gene Acevedo
(right) Anupam Sidhu, RN and Anita nigram, RN, BSN , SNIII , Members of the American Punjabi Chamber of Commerce present at Hospice of San Joaquin best practices at end-of-life care in the Indian and Punjabi community. On November 11, 2013
By: Lynn Gilbert Manteca Resident
Gene Acevedo
(Left) On August 14, 2013 the Tuleburg Quilt Guild donated the 1,000th Quilt at Hospice of San Joaquin. Displaying the quill are members Anita Avery and Sydney Dornbush
(Top) Senior Players Golf Associaiton at the Reserve Spanos Park Golf Course support Hospice of San Joaquin. Local mostly retired golfers from San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties took the challenge of a different golf course each week during the spring and summer to rundraise a $1,500 benefitting Hospice patients.
Tree of Lights 2013 Tracy
Hosted by the West Valley Mall Saturday, November 23rd at 6:00 p.m. 3200 Naglee Rd.,Tracy
Stockton
Hosted by San Joaquin Delta College Tuesday, November 26th at 6:00 p.m. 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton
Manteca
Hosted by Doctors Hospital of Manteca Wednesday, December 4th at 6:00 p.m. 1205 E. North Street, Manteca
Lockeford
Hosted by the Lockeford/Clements Community Business Group Wednesday, December 4th at 6:00 p.m. Preceding the Cowboy Craft Faire 19000 N. HWY 88, Lockeford
Lodi
Hosted by the City of Lodi Thursday, December 5th at 5:30 p.m. Preceding the Parade of Lights City Hall, 221 W. Pine Street, Lodi
Ripon
Hosted by the City of Ripon along with Community & Youth
Services Commission Friday, December 6th at 6:00 p.m. Mistlin Fountain Park, E. Main and Oak Ave.
Rio Vista
Hosted by the Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce Saturday, December 7th at 5:30 p.m. Preceding the Lighted Boat Parade City Hall, One Main St, Rio Vista
Hospice Awareness is a bi-monthly newsletter published by Hospice of San Joaquin located at: 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204 (209) 957-3888 • www. hospicesj.org Gene Acevedo, Director of Community Outreach: Editor HSJ Professional Staff: Article Contributions Bilingual Weekly, LLC, Design & Layout Tim & Sue Ulmer Comments, questions, sponsorship opportunities or if you wish to be removed from our mailing list, please contact our office at (209) 957-3888.
arlier this year, my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and placed under hospice ca re i n t he Bay a re a . Until then, I had always thought of hospice as a nonprofit organization with volunteers that offered com for t a nd suppor t during the last few months of life. However, through my family’s experience I lea r ned that hospice provides a wide array of equipment, services, and support without charge. Fo r m y d a d , h o s p i c e provided a hospital bed, pai n med icat ions, a nd incontinence supplies so he could be cared for at home. A nurse visited twice a week and a home health aide gave my dad bed baths. The social worker helped us choose funeral options in the Bay Area, and a pharmacist provided clar if ication regarding the var ious prescr ibed medications. A nu rse was available on call to guide us in our role as caregivers. When my dad passed away on September 24, hospice staff arrived quickly to help our family through that difficult time. No frantic 911 calls were needed, and no trip to the hospital or visit by the coroner was required. We were than kf ul that with the help of hospice, we were able to honor my dad’s wish to die at home peacefully. To find out more about hospice care in our local area, I contacted Hospice of San Joaquin, reviewed its website and printed brochu res, v isited t he Stockton location, and interviewed Gene Acevedo, Director of Community Outreach. I was surprised to learn that our county actually has a number of hospices, including some for-profit businesses. Hospice of San Joaquin is a not-for-profit agency that has served the community for 33 years. It is governed by a local C o m mu n it y B o a r d of Directors and has offices in Stockton and Manteca. In addition to hospice care, it offers Caregiver Training, Bereavement Ser vices, Hospice House, and Transitions. Community members, including those who are not hospice patients or their families, are welcome to at tend training and participate in support groups.
What is hospice care?
According to Community Outreach Director Gene Acevedo, hospice care is qualit y, compassionate care for patients facing lifethreatening or terminal illnesses, when curative t reat ment has ended. Hospice of San Joaquin u se s i nt e rd iscipl i n a r y teams to focus on the ne e d s of e a ch pat ie nt a nd fa m ily. T he t ea m includes a doctor, nurse, social worker, chaplain, volunteers, dietician and
p h a r m a c i s t . Tog e t h e r they provide support to allow the patient to live comfor tably, managing sy mptoms and pain in their final days. Support includes medical supplies and equipment as well as practical support and instruction for caregivers. Counseling and spiritual support are also available. Generally these services are provided in the home, but some hospice patients live in skilled nursing facilities or residential care homes. According to the Journal of American Me d ici ne A s so ciat ion (JAMA), hospice patients of ten outlive ot her patients who are receiving aggressive treatment for their illnesses rather than comfort care.
Who is eligible to receive hospice services?
Fo r a p a t ie n t t o b e admit ted to hospice, a physician must cer tif y in writing that a patient has a ter m i nal ill ness and is expected to live six months or less if the disease runs its natural course. A nurse visits the patient and family to complete the admissions process, generally within 24 hours of the physician’s referral. After six months, a patient can be recertified to continue with hospice services. The admissions process became a challenge for my family because we did not consider hospice until my dad left the hospital. His primary doctor happened to be out of the country on vacation for a month, but with the help of an understanding nurse, we found another doctor to review the medical records and provide the referral to hospice.
Who pays for hospice services?
As a not-for-profit agency, Hospice of San Joaquin does not bill the patient or family for ser vices. Approximately 70% of the organization’s funds come f rom Medicare. Some private insurance plans also provide partial coverage. For t hose not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, including children as well as adults, Hospice of San Joaquin uses donations to cover the costs. Various fund-raising events are conducted throughout the year.
Locations
Hospice of San Joaquin has two locations: the main campus, at 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, and a new office in Manteca at 179 W. North Street. The Manteca extension offers a variety of resources for terminally ill patients and their caregivers, including bereavement suppor t groups and training for hospice volunteers and caregivers. The Stockton campus provides these services and houses the administrative staff as well as Hospice House, a residence for hospice
patients. The agency will soon open a new Lodi Regional Care Center. The Lodi Center will ser ve nor t he r n Sa n Joa qu i n residents and neighboring communities.
Support groups and training
Bereavement suppor t groups are offered on a regular basis in Manteca, Stockton, and Lodi. They are open to any adult in the community. Adult Support groups are held four times a year, and wo r k s h o p s o n t o p i c s such as Coping with the Holidays, Loss of a Mother, and Understanding Your Grief, are held throughout the year. Other programs include Sharing Groups, an annual memorial ser vice, and prog rams for children and medical professionals.
Hospice House
Hospice of San Joaquin offers the only Hospice House in the county. It provides an alter native when home-based care is no longer an option, such as for patients with eld e r ly c a r e g ive r s o r those livi ng alone. To be admitted to Hospice House, patients should have a life expectancy of two months or less. T h e Ho s pic e Ho u s e facility and grounds are beautiful. Each of the six private patient suites includes a day bed for a love d o ne. Nu r si ng care, meals, laundry, and activities are included. Hospice care is not billed to the family; however, patients are charged for r o om a nd b oa rd on a sliding scale fee. Photos of Hospice House can be seen on the website at http:// www.hospicesj.org.
Transitions
Transitions is a program separate from hospice, offered as a benefit to the community. It provides education, suppor t a nd i n for mat ion for participants with advancing chronic or life-limiting i l l n e s s e s. Tr a n sit io n s has staff available to a nswer quest ions regarding managing disease sy mptoms and understanding medications and thei r side effects. En roll ment is made t h roug h a physicia n’s referral. Participants are not charged for services.
Role of Volunteers
Some volunteers support patients and caregivers, while others work behind the scenes, helping with cle r ical work , sp e cial events, and fund raising. Volunteers also assist the cook and nurse manager at Hospice House. All volu nt ee r s re ceive a general orientation, and 30 hours of training is required for those who wish to work directly with hospice patients.
For additional information on Hospice of San Joaquin, call (209) 957-3888 or visit the offices in Stockton or Manteca.