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3 from the director
‘LIVING LIFE to its fullest’ Mary K. Sheehan, CEO
Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH) celebrates 35 years of providing care to our local communities. It all began in 1982 with the combined efforts of the then Saint Joseph Medical Center, Silver Cross Hospital and several community groups and individuals who had a vision of bringing first class hospice care to Will and surrounding counties. JACH was the first hospice established in the area and opened the first free-standing hospice home in the State of Illinois in 2004. We now serve eight Illinois counties. Last year was a year of tremendous growth for JACH, which has continued this year. We admitted 1,418 patients in 2016, a 22% increase from 2015. Our average daily census (number of patients we care for in a day) increased from 131 in 2015 to 186 in 2016, a 42% increase. Currently, we care for over 250 patients per day in their homes and facilities in addition to patients in our Hospice Home. We hired over 60 staff and now have 140 employees and over 290 volunteers. Despite our growth, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reported that 36% of hospice patients were with
hospice less than 7 days. The disappointing part of that is when asked, most people say they want to die at home. The Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance Hospice Benefit is a six month benefit and yet patients are often admitted so late. It is also interesting to note that only 35% of patients in hospice had a cancer diagnosis. The majority of hospice patients are living with end stage heart and lung disease, dementia, end stage kidney disease and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or stroke. Hospice is a philosophy of care but most importantly it is about living life to its fullest. Entering hospice care does NOT mean giving up your current provider, current medications or current therapy. We work together to provide what is important to you as well as comfort, dignity and quality patient care. This anniversary supplement will help educate you about the services we provide, the importance of advanced directives and the role of hospice and palliative care. I encourage you to call anytime you are wondering about how to help yourself or a family member through a serious illness. You can reach us at 815-740-4104.
board of
DIRECTORS MARY K. SHEEHAN CEO
GEOFFREY TRYON chair
TOM VANA
Hospice care for 35 years
Our focus is to continue providing compassionate, quality patient care The word “Hospice” was used centuries ago in the medieval times to denote a place for weary travelers to receive rest and comfort on their journey. Today we use the same word “hospice” for care given to patients as they reach the final days of the journey we call life. Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH), a partner of United Way Will and Grundy Counties, has been serving the community since 1982. We are a not-for-profit hospice, community based, state licensed and Medicare/Medicaid certified. More than 25,000 people have received care through JACH since 1982. Since our beginning in a small office on Hammes Avenue in Joliet, JACH has been providing comprehensive, holistic, support services to the terminally ill, their care givers and loved ones without regard to economic status to enable the dying person to live peacefully, in comfort and with
NANNETTE ALTON- LABUS
BOB FUNK
Vice Chair
dignity to the last moment of life. With the support of a generous community, JACH built the first free standing 16bed Hospice Home at 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, and also serves patients in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and the hospital. Hospice care covers the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people with advanced illness, and provides bereavement care for loved ones. As we celebrate our 35th year, our focus is to continue providing compassionate, quality patient care in eight Illinois Counties: Will, Grundy, Kendall, Livingston, LaSalle, and parts of Kankakee, DuPage and Southern Cook. We serve over 1,400 patients a year. In the past two years alone, JACH provided $1.2 million in charity care, community bereavement programs, unreimbursed pediatric hospice and palliative care, and community outreach. Healthcare has changed over the past 35 years and more people are learning the benefits of hospice and choosing it for their loved ones. Quality end-of-life care isn’t about how you die; it’s about how you live. Contact Joliet Area Community Hospice for more information about hospice and palliative care. Call us at 815-740-4104 or visit our website at joliethospice.org.
MARK GRIGLIONE MARK KARNER
LORRAINE LUCENTA CARMEN QUARLES
WILLIAM C. BENOIT
Secretary
CHRISTOPHER WARD Treasurer
MARK TURK
MICHAEL RITTOF
Joliet Area Community Hospice complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Free language assistance services are available to our JACH patients/families. Call 1-800-360-1817 or 815-740-4104 TTY/TTD 815-460-3224
4 palliative and hospice care
PALLIATIVE OR HOSPICE CARE What’s right for you? Hospice is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH) assists patients and their families with medical, spiritual and social services for both palliative and hospice care. HOSPICE is comfort care for individuals who have a terminal condition with 6 months or less to live. Our interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, CNAs, social workers, and chaplains provide compassionate, quality care that optimizes quality of life, relieves suffering, manages symptoms, and offers support to caregivers and family members. Members of our hospice team make regular visits to assess the needs of the patient to provide additional care or other services, no matter where the patient resides in our service area. Hospice provides the needed medications, medical supplies, and equipment to meet the needs of patients. Special services like speech and physical therapy are available and provided as needed. We provide services in the patient’s home, our Hospice Home, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities and residential care facilities. JACH works with primary
caregivers, family members, and/or facility staff to meet the changing needs of the patient. In addition, a nurse is on-call 24 hours a day in order to meet any urgent needs and to provide guidance and support for caregiver concerns. Hospice is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. PALLIATIVE CARE, on the other hand, is offered to patients with an advanced, serious illness regardless of life expectancy. The patient may be receiving curative treatments at the same time. Palliative care does not have a time limit for treatment. The palliative team collaborates with primary physicians and other healthcare providers to formulate patient-centered goals. Depending on the patient needs, the palliative care team can offer consultations on relieving pain and symptoms, educate patients about their medical condition, and assist with treatment choices and decision. These consultations are billable to Medicaid, Medicare and through private insurance providers. We provided hospice care to 1,418 people and palliative care to 156 people last year. If you believe you or a loved one can benefit from palliative or hospice care, please discuss these options with your doctor or call JACH at 815-740-4104 for more information.
End-of-Life Wishes
COMMUNICATING YOUR END-OF-LIFE WISHES with ADVANCE CARE PLANNING Decisions about end-of-life care are deeply personal and based on values and beliefs. Because it is impossible to foresee every type of circumstance or illness, it is essential to think in general about what is important to you. Conversations that focus on your wishes and beliefs will relieve loved ones and healthcare providers of the need to guess what you would want. Advance care planning is making decisions about the care you want to receive if you become unable to speak for yourself. Although talking about end-of-life issues can be difficult, conversations before the crisis are important and sharing your wishes with loved ones will ensure they are followed. Decisions may include answers to the following: • •
How important is it to be physically independent and stay in your own home? If you were diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, what kinds of care would you prefer?
• • •
Would you want your healthcare agent to take into account the effect your illness has on other people? Have you named someone to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so? How would you like your choices honored at the end of life?
Advance care planning includes: • Sharing your personal values with your loved ones • Completing documents such as Living Wills, Powers of Attorney and DNR • Communicating your directives with physicians and family. These are not simple questions and your views, personal health or circumstances may change so reviews are important. If we can be of assistance to you with questions on advance directives, palliative or hospice care, please call 815-740-4104.
Wishes come true in Hospice Care Joliet Area Community Hospice social workers work closely with the interdisciplinary team to provide quality care for our hospice and palliative care patients. The social worker evaluates patients and families to provide support, address end of life decisions and assist with rituals and closure to help with the grief process. Social workers also utilize resources in the community and provide referrals to agencies that provide complementary services to those provided by the JACH hospice team. And our JACH social workers help make wishes come true! Most recently, patient, Terry, enjoyed one last horseback ride thanks to Ready, Set, Ride of Plainfield, an experience she and her daughters will not forget. That same week, another patient in our Hospice Home enjoyed Christmas on a warm Sunday in August complete with decorations, a life size Santa Clause, a full holiday meal, and a room filled with family and friends.
frequently
asked
QUESTIONS WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE? HOSPICE ADMISSION GUIDELINES • Patient has an end stage illness or disease with a life expectancy of six months or less if disease follows its normal path. • 2 doctors - Primary doctor and JACH Medical director verification of diagnosis • Goal is comfort care PALLIATIVE CARE GUIDELINES • Suffering from symptoms that are affecting quality of life • May be undergoing aggressive/curative treatment
WHEN YOUR LOVED ONE IS FACING A TERMINAL ILLNESS, WHY CHOOSE HOSPICE EARLY? An early hospice admission allows both patient and family to receive the full benefit of hospice services. Additionally, when pain and other symptoms are effectively controlled, people not only feel better, they have the potential to live longer. The benefits of choosing hospice early include: • Pain and symptom management resulting in fewer hospital stays • Less stress allows for a more positive impact on the quality of life • Emotional, psychological and spiritual support • Complementary therapies such as music and massage • Coordination of and advanced directives carried out • Having time to find peace and become knowledgeable about the dying process • Save on medication, supplies and equipment that comes with a terminal diagnosis as their costs are covered by hospice care
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BEREAVEMENT & support JACH’s bereavement support groups are free of charge, open to all members of community
Bereavement services, at no charge, are unique to hospice. Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH) professional counselors specialize in grief and bereavement issues and provide support for family and friends following the death of a loved one. After a death, families of hospice patients receive a 13 month bereavement follow-up program. A family assessment and bereavement plan is implemented to determine the degree of support needed or desired. Routine follow-up consists of phone calls, mailings, and home visits. A wide variety of support services are available including counseling, support groups, and referrals. Bereavement resources include age-appropriate literature and a bereavement library. JACH’s bereavement support groups are free of charge and are open to all members of the community grieving a death, regardless of whether they have received services from JACH in the past or present. JACH also hosts several bereavement support events each year, including our Interfaith Memorial Service and Balloon Launch, Lights of Love Memorial Tribute and Tree Lighting Ceremony, and 5K Family Fun Run/Walk with Memorial Balloon Launch. Each year the JACH Children’s Day Camp takes place at CW Avery YMCA and Ira Jones Middle School in Plainfield, IL. Children ages 7-13 learn to cope with the loss of a loved one. The camp includes JACH bereavement professionals and JACH trained volunteers. The camp provides activities that are structured to help children through the natural grieving process,
Losing a pet can be devastating. Joliet Area Community Hospice offered its inaugural Pet Loss Group on July 12, 2017. The participants, both adults and children brought pictures of their pet. They shared funny stories and shared how difficult it was to say goodbye to their pet. In addition to the stories, the facilitators provided education on the emotions connected with pet loss. Some participants
On-Staff DOCTORS
DR. J.D. WRIGHT JACH MEDICAL DIRECTOR
from the
COMMUNITY “Hospice has been a life saver. They were there when I needed them at my home at 3 a.m. as my husband was close to death. And they have been here with help after Bradley’s death. They have held my hand as they try to heal my heart ...”
- MYRA
as well as participation in regular camp activities such as arts, crafts, swimming, sports, and games. The camp is a safe place for children to bond and share grief experiences in a nurturing setting. Additional support groups and workshops take place throughout the year both at the JACH offices and in the community. There are evening and daytime sessions. Groups and individual meetings are available. To find the complete schedule, visit joliethospice.org/bereavement.
losing a pet
Pet Loss Workshops Aid in Grieving a Furry Friend
testimonials
shared going through denial while others shared regrets and sadness about losing their pet(s). All of the stories were very unique to their owners. Everyone who came relayed how helpful it was to come and share their pet stories. You do not have to grieve your pet alone. This workshop will be offered again December 14, 2017. If you lost a pet and would like to come to this Pet Loss session, please visit joliethospice. org/bereavement or contact the Bereavement Dept. at 815-460-3282.
DR. THOMAS MOORE DR. MUHAMAD KRAD JACH PEDIATRIC MEDICAL DIRECTOR
“We can’t thank you enough for all your hard work and time you’ve spent with caring for my dad. Each and everyone of you gave compassion and friendship to him as well as to my mom and me. We were truly blessed to have you in our lives, especially at such a difficult time. My dad enjoyed your company even though he may not have had the energy to show it. We appreciate all you have done for us. You are an amazing group of caretakers.”
- CORSI FAMILY
DR. GUS PEDRAZA
DR. PETER ROUMELIOTIS
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SOCIAL WORKERS The social worker evaluates patients and families to provide support, address end of life decisions and assist with rituals and closure to help with the grief process. And they also help make wishes come true!
CHAPLAINS
DOCTORS THE JACH INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAMS WORK TOGETHER WITH THE PATIENT AND FAMILY IN PROVIDING QUALITY PATIENT CARE.
PATIENTS & FAMILY
JACH doctors work with the interdisciplinary team to make a plan of care for each patient that treats them with dignity and respect and upholds their wishes. The hospice team works in conjunction with the patient’s primary care doctor.
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS
Chaplains support the patient and family with their spiritual needs. Research has shown that spirituality can affect a patient’s health care decision making. A person who finds comfort in their spirituality may have a better quality of life.
Patients are our number one priority. The interdisciplinary team works together for the care, comfort and support of the patient and family.
The primary responsibility of the CNA is to assist a patient with their activities of daily living which means bathing/grooming, dressing, eating, etc. CNA’s are also instrumental in providing vital information to the nurse and hospice care team.
VOLUNTEERS
NURSES
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES
Volunteers are the “heart of hospice.” From bakery angels to vigil care volunteers, they all share in the desire to support terminally ill patients and families during their end-of -life journey.
Skilled nurses are key to providing expert medical care, symptom control and pain management for people facing life-limiting illness. A JACH nurse can be reached 24 hours/day for support.
Complementary therapies offer an additional layer of comfort and relaxation in hospice care. Art, music, aviary, pet and massage therapies are available to JACH patients.
community volunteers
VOLUNTEERS -the heart of Hospice ‘JACH volunteers are caring, compassionate, trained men and women whose focus is to enhance the quality of life of a dying patient ...’ Volunteers are the heart and soul of Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH) and an integral part of our Hospice Care Team of doctors, physician assistants, nurses, aides, social workers, counselors, chaplains and therapists. JACH volunteers range from students to retirees, homemakers to professionals, individuals to service groups. Although all have different reasons for volunteering, they have one thing in common: the desire to support terminally ill patients and their families during their end of life journey. We could not provide comprehensive, high quality end of life care without our trained volunteers’ contributions. “JACH volunteers are caring, compassionate, trained men and women whose focus is to enhance the quality of life of a dying patient. Our volunteers support the mission of Joliet Area Community Hospice in a variety of ways through
both direct care and indirect care services,” said Denise Payton, Volunteer Manager. From being at the bedside of a patient, to hand crafting Memorial Bears, to pinning Veterans in recognition of service to our country, to doing clerical work or making donation thank you calls, our volunteer opportunities are varied. JACH volunteers plant and maintain the beautiful gardens at our Hospice Home while others greet families and visitors on evenings and weekends. Some are bakery angels, providing home baked treats periodically for patients and families in our care. Our volunteers provide companionship, socialization, respite and vigil care services for our patients. Our volunteers logged over 13,132 in 2016. We are always looking for more volunteers. All volunteers undergo training in preparation for their chosen roles. Coupled with individual talents, experience and interests, our training helps volunteers gain the appropriate knowledge and skills necessary to accomplish their assignments with confidence. And the personal rewards are immeasurable. If you are interested in volunteering at JACH, please contact Denise Payton at 815-460-3262.
DYING PATIENTS’
Bill of Rights The right to be in control The right to have a sense of purpose The right to reminisce The right to be comfortable The right to touch and be touched The right to laugh The right to be angry and sad The right to have a respected spirituality The right to hear the truth The right to be in denial
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testimonials
from the
COMMUNITY
“If you would have asked us one year ago, ‘What’s a hospice?’ I would have said, ‘I don’t know.’ If you asked four months ago, we would have said, ‘We don’t need them.’ If you ask us now, we say ‘We never would have made it without them.’ They made us all smile, held us when we cried, hugged us ‘just because,’ talked with us not at us, and really loved our little princess.” - A FAMILY ABOUT THE LOSS OF THEIR 14-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER
PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE and PEDIATRIC HOSPICE
A
s a parent, one of the hardest things you will experience is seeing your child in pain. When you have a child with a serious or life-threatening illness, that feeling becomes part of your everyday life. Palliative and hospice services may be of comfort to both the child and parents. Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH) is one of only a few hospices in the area that offers pediatric hospice and palliative care to children ages 0-21 with a dedicated pediatric team. Pediatric palliative care is focused on relief of the pain, stress, and other debilitating symptoms of lifethreatening conditions. Pediatric hospice is for children facing a lifelimiting illness who are not expected to reach adulthood. Pediatric hospice and palliative care helps parents to provide the best possible care for their child at home where the child feels safe and loved. The goal of both services is not only to provide
symptom management and offer emotional support, but also to enhance quality of life and affirm dignity. Our pediatric interdisciplinary team provides medical, nursing, psychosocial, and spiritual care as core services. They work with the child’s primary doctor and the JACH medical director to treat any symptoms that may arise. There is 24 hour on-call support to answer questions and concerns. Trained volunteers and other complementary services are available when appropriate. The team supports caregivers with education, answers their concerns, and implements an individualized patient plan of care. They include the child and family in the decision making process regarding services and treatment choices to the fullest degree that is possible and desired. Pediatric hospice and palliative care is provided by JACH regardless of economic status.
testimonials
from the
COMMUNITY
“To have a child with a life limiting illness is overwhelming, but Joliet Area Community Hospice provided the entire family with love, care, and support to manage through the final short months of Peyton’s short life. We will never forget the support they were able to provide for us to enjoy the time we had.” - CARL & NANNETTE LABUS FAMILY
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can use a Hug EVERYONE
Honor the memory of a loved one with a teddy bear created from an article of clothing
Nothing brings comfort like a teddy bear. The Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH) memorial bear volunteers want to give you that comfort with each of the bears they handcraft. You provide the material from clothing worn by your deceased loved one. Whether its dad’s favorite sports shirt or grandma’s cozy robe, the “bear ladies” make each of these unique bears just for you. When she became a volunteer, Chris Audette chose the memorial bear group to work with. “I had bears made after my husband and son died. They were both in hospice. That is how I came to volunteer making bears.” JACH bear volunteers make hundreds of teddy bears each year. Recipients often tell us the story behind the piece of clothing and why they chose it. When they pick up the bears, it can be emotional. Some people keep them on their bed and hug them each night. Others give them to their children as a way to remind them of
testimonials
from the
their grandparent who died. Each time you hug them, the memories of your loved one will be wrapped around you We have two groups of “bear ladies” The first are the seamstresses who put their sewing skills and creativity to work to make a piece of clothing into a 3-dimensional item. “Once I begin cutting them out, I just cannot leave them. It is so exciting to watch them come together,” said Judy Dunham, a bear seamstress for about three years. Then the second group of volunteers stuff and decorate the bears with buttons and bows or other items to bring out the bear’s personality. “I love decorating them; especially the girl bears,” said Mary Ann Koerner, a five year volunteer bear lady. You can choose from a small bear for a $30 donation or a large for $40. If you would like to order a bear, please visit http://joliethospice.org/memorial-bears.html for an order form. Material and order form can be dropped off at JACH 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL. Please allow 8-10 weeks for completion.
COMMUNITY
“Words cannot express our family’s gratitude for the beautiful bears we recently received. I have attached a couple photos that we recently shared on Facebook. I picked the shirts that my “gram” was wearing on the day each of my children were born-the day she met them. These bears will be forever cherished in our family. My 4-year old calls it her “grammy bear.” Thank you to all who made these possible. We are truly blessed to be able to keep her memory alive in such a way.” - AMANDA KRUPA (children and grandmother seen in photos to the left)
supporting veterans
PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THOUSANDS OF VETERANS There are over 21 million Veterans living in America today. These men and women often carry experiences from their military service that present unique healthcare challenges. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and Veterans Affairs Dept. (VA) launched the We Honor Veterans program in 2010 to address the growing need for veteran-centered care, especially as Veterans are aging and need access to palliative and hospice care. Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH) has been honored to provide services for thousands of veterans with an array of life limiting illnesses including but not limited to cancer, ALS, heart disease, MS, Parkinson’s Disease, pulmonary disease, stroke, and end stage dementia. JACH enhances that care with their Pride, Honor, and Dignity (PHD) Veteran’s Program. JACH is committed to providing care for those who served with Pride, Honoring their lives and service to country, and offering the Dignity so richly deserved. This is accomplished through caregiver support, Veteran to Veteran programs, pinning recognition ceremonies, bereavement support, community education and guidance on resources and benefits available through the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. JACH Veteran volunteers are trained for a variety of roles including visiting Veteran patients and their families, listening to stories or recording veterans reminiscences.
They also participate in Veteran Recognition Ceremonies and pinnings when requested by the patient or family. The Veteran volunteers also provide education on hospice care to local Veteran organizations. If you would like more information on the PHD program, visit www.joliethospice.org/ veterans.
VETERANS MEMORIAL GARDEN UNDER CONSTRUCTION With the support of school children, individuals, community and civic groups and a $100,000 gift from Joliet Township Government, Joliet Area Community Hospice is enlarging and enhancing its Flag Galleria outdoor space to provide Veterans and the community with a Veterans Memorial Garden. The new Veterans Memorial Garden will honor Veterans of all eras who served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Infrastructure upgrades on the south side of the Hospice Home will support the installation of a large paved walking and sitting area. Walkways will connect existing sidewalks and open the area to foot traffic. Benches, bushes, landscaping and lighting all focused on beautiful granite monuments honoring all branches of military service will be the focal point. The Veterans Memorial Garden will be easily accessible, open to the community, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere to provide a special place for reflection, celebration and recognition of service by those who have made the greatest sacrifice for our country. Donations of all sizes and naming opportunities are still available. Please contact Jackie in the Development Office at 815-531-3553.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS to support JACH As a not for profit hospice, Joliet Area Community Hospice hosts a number of fundraising events to help support our programs and projects. Be sure to watch for more details for the following events through 2017 and 2018. In addition to our fundraising events, many organizations and groups in the community host events with proceeds benefitting Joliet Area Community Hospice. We are grateful for their support and all who participate.
TIMMY’S HUGS AND HEARTS GARDEN WALK
LIGHTS OF LOVE MEMORIAL TRIBUTE
One of our most beautiful fundraising events is the Annual Timmy’s Hugs and Hearts Garden Walk in June. This event was started in memory of Timmy Davis, grandson of John and Betsy Sullivan of Plainfield, who was in our pediatric program for over 10 years. As a way to give back, these avid gardeners started a garden walk to honor their grandson who loved the outdoors. Going into its 12th year, homeowners open their yards and gardens for guests to admire and yearn for their colorful and often whimsical oasis. The walk is a self-guided tour of gardens in Joliet, Shorewood, Channahon, New Lenox, Plainfield and other surrounding communities. Watch for more details; you don’t want to miss this in 2018.
LIGHTS OF LOVE MEMORIAL TRIBUTE Join Joliet Area Community Hospice on the night before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet to take part in the city’s most touching tree lighting ceremony. Take a moment to remember friends and family who are no longer with us during this beautiful evening. Loved one’s names will be read aloud as you cross the Rialto stage and hang an ornament in their memory on our Christmas tree. See their smiling face light up the big screen in our video tribute. A donation of $20 includes a keepsake ornament and five admission tickets to Lights of Love and “Home for the Holidays at the Rialto.” The ceremony includes music, readings and a beautiful video tribute. Anyone can join us at Lights of Love; your loved one need not have been in hospice care. This is a wonderful way to begin the holidays especially if you experienced a recent loss and want to celebrate their life. The holidays can be hard and this brings everyone together to celebrate the lives of our loved ones. Pre-registration is required by visiting joliethospice.org/events or calling 815-460-3257 by November 20. Photos must be submitted by November 8th to be included in the memorial video tribute.
ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC FORE! Every golfer loves a day on the course and what better way than to have fun at your favorite game while supporting a great cause. The 16th Annual Golf Classic brings golfers, friends and co-workers together to play 18 holes of golf with chances to win great gifts such as $10,000, airline tickets, or a big screen tv, along with fun games on the course with prizes such as a s’mores basket or even a diamond. Golf, food, prizes and fun; nothing not to like! See you on the course next August.
‘PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ’ FASHION SHOW
ANNUAL FAMILY FUN 5K WALK/RUN
Dates for the following events will be announced early 2018.
JACH ANNUAL DINNER/MEETING FUNDRAISER Our themed dinner meeting takes place in the spring and the public is invited as we honor members of the community who’ve made a major impact on supporting hospice. Hear updates and new legislation affecting end of life care, and hear testimonials on how Joliet Area Community Hospice impacts lives. This event is our largest fundraiser of the year, raising $40,000-$50,000 annually.
6 TH ANNUAL FAMILY FUN 5K WALK/RUN Created with the help of the Carl Labus Family of New Lenox who lost a child in our pediatric program, the 5K is a fun way to remember your loved ones while walking or running through the beautiful neighborhood surrounding the New Lenox Commons and taking part in a memorial balloon launch. Registration begins in March and proceeds of the event benefit the JACH Pediatric program.
‘PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ’ FASHION SHOW
In 1985 a volunteer group of women came together to form the Joliet Area Community Hospice Guild. Its purpose is to serve and support the intent of JACH with public relations and fund-raising activities, which they have done for the past 32 years. Joliet Area Community Hospice Guild members hold a number of fund-raisers each year. Members are required to participate in one or more fund-raisers. All funds raised from these events are for the exclusive use of Joliet Area Community Hospice. Some of the events hosted by the Guild include the annual Card Party in May and the ever popular “Puttin’ On The Glitz” Fashion Show in November, now in its 30th year. Members of the community, the guild and hospice staff entertain guests while modeling the latest fashions from local boutiques. A delicious luncheon and raffle prizes complete the day’s festivities. “We’re so grateful for the support and advocacy the Guild ladies provide. Their annual fashion show is attended by 300-350 people each year. What a wonderful tradition and successful fundraiser this event is in our community,” said Mary K. Sheehan, CEO. Puttin On The Glitz will be held November 5, 2017 at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Dr., Bolingbrook, Il. Tickets are $55 per person. Tables of 8 or 10 are available and can be purchased at www.joliethospice.org/events. Pre-registration is required.
hospice home
HOSPICE HOME: FIRST OF ITS KIND in Illinois Joliet Area Community Hospice’s Hospice Home was the first free-standing Hospice Home in the State of Illinois. The JACH Hospice Home is a home-like facility designed to provide short-term care to terminally ill patients who are experiencing pain or symptoms related to their terminal illness that are not manageable at home. The Hospice Home was created for high acuity, short term stays.
JACH’s Hospice Home has 16 private patient bedrooms (all with private bathrooms and sleeping accommodations for family members), a family room, living room, dining room, kitchen, patient spa room, children’s playroom and outdoor playground, patios, and a solace room for patient and family use. Guests are welcomed 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Last year, 315 patients utilized JACH’s Hospice Home.
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