Fall/Winter 2023-2024 Newsletter

Coastal Hospice

NEWS

Caring for Families in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico & Worcester Counties

Cover Photo:

Pocomoke River in Autumn Snow Hill, MD

In this issue...

Page 6

Camp Chameleon

Page 10

Honoring Dad's Wishes

Page 22

Blues on the Bay

Page 29

Advanced Cardiac Care

Page 30

Caring for Veterans and more!

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS! See pages 32-35

Page 19

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From the President’s Desk “You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.”

— Dame Cecily Saunders

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his quote summarizes the essence of Hospice care. Cicely Saunders started the hospice movement in England, where she cared for dying people first as a nurse, later as a social worker (then called almoner), and finally as a medical Doctor. She introduced the concept of pain management and established the modern hospice and palliative care philosophy, Monica Escalante President stressing that serious ill people need respect, compassion, dignity, and above all, professional care. She is also well known for her quote saying, “Suffering is only intolerable when nobody cares. One continually sees that faith in God and His care is made infinitely easier by faith in someone who has shown kindness and sympathy."

Coastal Hospice clinicians provide aggressive symptom management to allow patients to live as fully as possible and in the same vein as Cicely’s, our multidisciplinary teams tend to our patient’s needs, addressing the many forms that pain can take: physical, emotional, social, or spiritual, with compassion, kindness, and medical expertise. That’s what hospice care is.

At Coastal Hospice were proud to be one of the best hospices in the state of Maryland and in the nation.

The families we have cared for continue to give us the highest marks for our work. You can see our scores on the family caregiver surveys by scanning the QR Code on this page. Our survey ratings are above the state and the national average in almost every category. If we compare the quality measures of the Hospice comprehensive assessment, you will see that Coastal Hospice offers more visits than the average Hospice in the nation by 24% and 17% above the Maryland average. This means that hospice patients in the Eastern Shore have the support the families need and this is a testament of the hard work and commitment of our team to providing the best possible care.

November is a month of gratitude and appropriately, it is recognized also as Hospice Month. Our clinicians are grateful for the trust our community has had in our ability to care for those who are the sickest, in some cases the poorest, and the ones that live in the most remote areas on the Eastern Shore. The end of the year is a time for reflection, where most of us reflect on why we do what we do. The answer, inevitably, is always the same: This is not just a job; it is sacred work for all of us. It is my blessing to serve as President of Coastal Hospice.

Wishing you a warm holiday season,

Monica

mescalante@coastalhospice.org

Fall/Winter 2023 | 1

Coastal Hospice Board of Directors

Rick Laws Executive Board Chair

Morgan Fisher Executive Board Vice-Chair

Madalaine L. How Executive Board Treasurer

Stephen R. Farrow Executive Board Immediate Past Chair

Monica Escalante President & CEO

Colleen "Cam" Bunting Board Member

Dr. Sally Dowling Board Member

David "Buddy" A. Dykes Board Member

Roger L. Harrell Board Member

Dr. LaKeisha L. Harris Board Member

Robert M. Purcell Board Member

Dr. Tina Reid Board Member

Anthony S. Sarbanes Board Member

Dr. Sharon Washington Board Member

Margaret M. Whitten Board Member

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Volunteer Viewpoint Volunteer Schedule DECEMBER 2023 Annual Holiday Run Monday, December 4 – Friday, December 8

APRIL 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Friday, April 19 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Macky & Pam Stansell House

Upcoming Annual Holiday Run

Look out for our holiday elves!

Monday, December 4 – Friday, December 8

O

ur Coastal Hospice volunteers and members of our staff will be delivering beautiful poinsettias to all our patients from Monday, December 4 through Friday, December 8. Our elves will visit homes, assisted livings, nursing homes, Coastal Hospice at the Lake, and Macky and Pam Stansell house, driving throughout Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties, bringing holiday cheer to our patients and families.

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Volunteers Honoring Veterans

By Jim White

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The real value of the We Honor Veterans program is recognition… we show them we recognize and appreciate the sacrifices they have made for their country and all of us.

he Coastal Hospice We Honor Veterans program began in September 2013 and I have been a Veteran Volunteer since its inception.

Through the years, my fellow volunteers and I are always touched by the reception we have received from the Veterans, their families, and Jim White friends when presented with the Certificate of Appreciation and patriotic lap blanket.

Most blankets are frequently handmade by the Coastal Hospice Knitting Group and community volunteers. Others are donated by community members.

As an Army Veteran myself, having served from 1962-1964, in the period between the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, known as “peacetime”, I can appreciate the recognition given to our Veterans. When I visit, I feel overwhelmed by their humility, pride, and patriotism. Many served under fire and continue to suffer the consequences of physical and psychological wounds. Some I have visited shared their experiences, but most choose not to.

Prior to the COVID Pandemic, Veteran’s Day had a special event, sponsored by Coastal Hospice at local nursing homes. With support of the staff, Veteran residents were celebrated with an honor guard, salute to the flag, and presentation of Certificates of Appreciation. The patriotic theme of these nursing home events was carried through music and guest speakers. A special mention goes to Dave Duitscher, who passed away in February of 2021. As a We Honor Veterans volunteer, Dave presented dozens and dozens of certificates all over the Lower Eastern Shore to Veterans in their homes and at nursing facilities, including Coastal Hospice at the Lake and Macky & Pam Stansell House. He was also instrumental in organizing the Veteran’s Day celebration at Deer’s Head Hospital Center. I am hopeful this inspiring tradition can be restored as an homage to Dave’s efforts.

The real value of the We Honor Veterans program is recognition.

When we present the certificate, we salute them. Nothing has to be said, we show them we recognize and appreciate the sacrifices they have made for their country and all of us. The families, friends, and other Veterans understand how valuable the program has been. We hope this program continues to grow, respecting these outstanding humans, who should always be remembered and honored.

Jim If you are interested in becoming a Coastal Hospice Volunteer, please contact Volunteer Services at volservices@coastalhospice.org, by phone: 410-543-2590 or by visiting our website at www.coastalhospice.org/volunteer/ to access our volunteer form.

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Journey Connections

Grief and the Holidays

By Alvin Harmon

The holidays are supposed to be times of fun, joy, and laughter.

Expectations during these times can be exceptionally high.

The truth is, the laughter and joy may not be a reality for those who are experiencing the loss of a loved one. Yet, grief is not just associated with the loss of a loved one, but it can also be the loss of a pet, a job, a dream or a relationship. Trying to deal with any of these types of losses during the holidays can be very challenging. The holidays for many can be a painful reminder of what we do not have. Some may be thinking to themselves, “I wanted that life with my parents in it. Or, I wanted that life where I was married with children and I don’t have it”.

The holiday season for some can be a time of great sadness. Imagine a young mother who went through a divorce and has shared custody of her child. Every year she has to spend part of the holidays alone because of that shared custody and this sense of loss can create grief. Not just because she has to spend time without her child, but also because the expectation she had of her life as a family was also lost. Some in this type of situation have a hard time reaching out to others as they feel that they “become a weight” and dampen an otherwise joyful experience for others.

Those who are grieving may feel that they have to, in some sense, fake their way through life because they do not want to become a burden to their friends and family. Therefore, they respond by putting on a big, empty smile or withdraw all together. As a grieving person, you have to give yourself the space to “be”.

As a grieving person, you have to give yourself the space to “be”

Grief and Loss Support Groups

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e offer in-person and online Grief and Loss Support Groups throughout the year. The purpose of these support groups is to provide an atmosphere of trust and acceptance in which participants may freely share their experiences, struggles, feelings, and concerns as well as their strengths, solutions, and joys. The groups will encourage participants to create friendships and network with each other. This support is offered at no cost to any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one, even if they were not a patient of Coastal Hospice. One-on-one phone support or in-person meetings are available by request.

Currently, we are tailoring our grief and loss support groups to our communities’ needs. We encourage you to visit our website and social media to learn about upcoming group details.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 5

Try to acknowledge that you are in a season of grief, that there is no prescribed path, and that your grief is unique to you.

Give yourself some grace and attempt to accept that this is a tough time for you and it’s okay if you cannot offer the former version of yourself. You may not be the same type of friend or family member you were, because you are not in the place to be as supportive.

Allow yourself that type of thinking and self-support.

Even if the loss you experienced was years ago, the holidays can be a constant reminder of that loss and has the ability to generate some intense emotions. Even if the function of everyday life has had some form of normalcy restored, gazing at an empty chair or not being able to participate in that holiday tradition during this time can evoke memories that may require some additional support.

One thing to consider is to ask yourself if you have really processed your grief.

Are you just trying to keep busy to distract yourself from the grief or are you just pressing down your feelings of grief? Like feeling guilty, because you believe you could have done something more. Maybe you are feeling angry.

Angry with the medical community, angry with the person you lost, angry with your family, angry with yourself, or maybe even angry with God. These feelings and many others are normal grief feelings. Know that if you are feeling this way, there is nothing wrong with you and you are not alone. The holidays can be very difficult to navigate when you are grieving.

Let us help you. I you are having a hard time dealing with feelings of grief during the holidays, call Coastal Hospice.

You are not alone and we can offer the support you need.

Alvin

For more information, please contact Alvin Harmon, Director of Spiritual, Bereavement, and Supportive Services at aharmon@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 440.

Ongoing Support Groups

Memorial Gatherings

These groups are ongoing throughout the year and we welcome newcomers.

We host Memorial Gatherings across the four Lower Eastern Shore Counties.

Please call for information.

Please call for dates and times.

Please visit www.coastalhospice.org/events/ to register for these groups.

For more information, please contact Tangelia Rowland, Bereavement Assistant and Outreach Coordinator at trowland@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 621.

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Camp Chameleon: An Amazing Healing Experience

By Alvin Harmon Before my participation in each individual loss. Though they may have experienced Camp Chameleon 2023, the death of a similar relative, they did not experience I thought I had a solid the same level of loss, nor did they grieve in the same understanding of what way. Our group of 25 professional social workers and most of the children on counselors offered a hands-on approach to aiding these the Lower Eastern Shore children processing their emotions in a healthy, holistic, were experiencing as it relates to grief and loss. However, and safe environment. We watched, as these children I do not believe that anything could have prepared me became a living display of the many faces of grief. to see the level of pain and resilience that our campers displayed during this week. These children were Camp Chameleon 2023 gave these children honest and supportive of one another in a and their families an opportunity to express manner, which I have never seen. They their grief and emotions through art, were determined to be a part of their own song, acting, and peer supported healing process. They made me realize communication. From the kick-off with how difficult it can be for elementary the Delmarva Shorebirds, to our These children were to middle school-aged persons camp video and bubble ceremony honest and supportive of to participate in class, family, and at the close, we all shared an one another in a manner, relationships while grieving the loss amazing healing experience. Their which I have never seen. of a loved one. These 61 grieving caregivers shared with us how They were determined to campers allowed me to understand much of an impact we made in the be a part of their own how challenging it was for them lives of the campers. However, I am healing process. to see the “brightside” through more convinced of the impact these confusion, disbelief, and tears. amazing kids made on our staff and volunteers. I cannot wait until next year!

I discovered as I continued to learn about their losses, that I was drawn to

Alvin

For more information about Camp Chameleon 2024, please contact Alvin Harmon, Director of Spiritual, Bereavement, and Supportive Services at aharmon@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 440.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 7

Holding Space for Expressions of Grief and Joy

By Venessa Bowers At The Personal Wellness Center’s Blooming Lotus Project, we love spending time in the company of children and adolescents because we learn so much from them. This year, we were invited to partner with Coastal Hospice’s Camp Chameleon, a week-long camp for youth that are grieving. I can say without reservation, it was one of the most rewarding opportunities this team has experienced.

The Blooming Lotus Project is the first and only comprehensive expressive therapy program on the Eastern Shore. We engage youth in creative arts to help them heal. We use writing, drama, music, art, and movement interventions to help children express themselves and their emotions in ways that they can take with them – because it lives inside them. We were honored to share this practice with 70 families that took part in Camp Chameleon.

We were able to make connections with youth we had not met, hold space for expressions of grief but just as important, a space for joy in the memories of their loved ones. We helped the children tell their stories of love and loss and keep the memories of their loved ones present by sharing them with each other and us.

We created memorial boxes, community garden projects, memorial art, music of our emotions and how they live and move in our bodies, dances of joy and connection, and the grace of togetherness.

We are grateful to partner with Coastal Hospice to bring this love and support to the youth in our community. Without Coastal Hospice and the space that is necessary for healing the hearts and minds of children who are grieving would not be possible. We look forward to our continued partnership with this amazing team of bereavement professionals.

Venessa

We are grateful to partner with Coastal Hospice to bring this love and support to the youth in our community.

For more information on The Personal Wellness Center, please contact Venessa Bowers, LCSW-C, Director of Child and Adolescent Programs at evenessa@thepersonalwellnesscenter.com or by phone: 410-742-6016 or visit their website at thepersonalwellnesscenter.com.

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Winter Blues and Pumpkin Spice

By Robert Williams

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ith the renewal of the pumpkin spice latte, we are reminded that fall and winter is coming, thank you Ned Stark (any Game of Thrones fan?). With that, starting in October and ending in February people tend to shut-in and stay home and this will certainly increase the likelihood of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Feeling depressed, losing interest in activities, feeling sluggish, helpless, not sleeping regularly, and social withdraw are symptoms of SAD.

Patients and families could always use a boost in positivity and hope. Listening with open ears and hearts and engaging in these simple exercises, will help validate their feelings and heal.

So how can you as caregiver be on your best for your patients or loved ones? Sometimes you must consider your feelings first and be protective of your needs. Continue scheduling get-togethers with your friends and family and try not to cancel, this can become a pattern. Try having meaningful activities for yourself and others. If you are not feeling at your best find someone to talk with, there is no shame in asking for help.

A great exercise you can engage in with yourself or with a patient is Noticing Nature Intervention (NNI). The NNI was developed to boost wellbeing during the winter months. Simply by noticing the everyday nature encountered in one’s daily routine and making note of what emotions are evoked. A study published last year revealed people could raise their positive affect by 43% and raise hope by 64%. Patients and families could always use a boost in positivity and hope.

Listening with open ears and hearts and engaging in these simple exercises, will help validate their feelings and heal.

To borrow from New York based grief counselor Jill S. Cohen, “Make winter mean something”. You can use this in your hibernation or pass it along to your patients and loved ones who are experiencing grief or the blues.

Warmth, add extra candles and lights to your home, brighten up your space.

Introspection, take time for deeper thoughts, one-onone counseling, or journaling.

Newness, although there is a lack of growth in the

winter does not mean you cannot grow your own new traditions. Sign-up for a class, attend a workshop, or create a holiday party tradition.

Time, allow yourself the time to grieve and heal, this is

the biggest mistake bereaved people make. They attend the funeral or memorial then it’s back to work with little to no time to let it all out.

Empathy, not to others but to yourself. Be gentle to

yourself, acknowledge the grief and the hurt, allow it to be present and, when you are ready, you may let it go.

Rest, embrace the slower pace, get a massage, or watch a funny movie in your pj’s.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 9

Here are a few ideas to keep you busy this winter without losing your mind in the process.

• Write a list of winter activities you enjoy, so you can refer to it when the hibernation funk sets in.

• Make a list of people you have lost touch with, who you want to reach out to by phone, email, or social media.

• Consider volunteering somewhere meaningful to you or your loved one.

• Try not to cancel plans. Sometimes you must for self-care, but be careful when it becomes a pattern.

• Watch funny movies. Laughter is the best medicine and it can turn your head from heavy to lighter.

• Open your blinds during the day to let the light in, even if minimal.

• Keep to a good sleep routine, going to bed and getting up at the same time each day.

For more information, please contact Robert Williams, Bereavement Counselor at rwilliams@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 328.

VOLUNTEER WITH US! Interested in becoming a Coastal Hospice Volunteer?

To begin your volunteer journey, please call Volunteer Services, visit our website or scan QR Code.

www.coastalhospice.org/volunteer

410-543-2590

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Honoring Dad’s Wishes: Bernard “Tink” Bayline III

By Alejandra Lazcano “Dad was a tenacious man”. That is how Stacey McMichael begins describing her dad, Bernard “Tink” Bayline III. She has lived on the Eastern Shore for more than 40 years and has worked with local nonprofits for many years. She occupied positions at the TidalHealth Foundation and United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore before joining the Richard A. Henson Foundation as their Executive Director. These organizations are steadfast supporters of Coastal Hospice’s mission of Promoting dignity and quality of life for patients and families who face life-limiting conditions. So, when the time came to look for support for her father and family, she did not doubt on calling Coastal Hospice.

It is she, who generously shares this beautiful testimonial.

“Dad worked in textile manufacturing and ladies’ apparel for more than 30 years, but in 1990 he decided to branch out, becoming a restaurant owner in Salisbury, later adding a bar, and finally opening a second restaurant before retiring in 1999. I joined him and became his partner in some of these ventures. He ended up selling the restaurant to me. Between both of us, we had it for 20 years and this is how people in the community remember him, as a restaurant owner and as a University of Maryland fan. He was an enthusiastic sports fan, all sports, but he was a fervent Terrapins fan. His Terps were something special and watching the games gave him great joy.

everything to honor those wishes and keep him in his home, including many accommodations to the house to make this possible. Early in 2020, we made the decision to bring in help a couple of days a week to assist in his care, and it worked well until June 2022, when he suffered a heart attack. That episode brought us to a series of transfers between hospitals and rehab facilities that very quickly became physically and emotionally demanding on him and the rest of the family. He was on many medications that diminished his awareness. That is when I had the idea to call Coastal Hospice.

Working with nonprofits gave me an idea of local resources and I knew about some of the programs that Coastal Hospice had to support families in our situation, including the Palliative Care and the Coastal Care Navigators Programs. I thought he would benefit from having another set of professional eyes. I did not call Coastal Hospice for hospice care or because I believed my dad was dying. I just called for another level of support.

Coastal Hospice is very family centric and they care for the family as much as they care for the patient.

As for his medical history, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his early 70s. He had one of those cases that were very hard to diagnose since he hardly had any symptoms. It took almost 5 years to have a proper diagnosis. My brothers and I look after him but, when things become more difficult and his mobility became compromised, I became his primary caregiver, taking him to doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, house chores, and upkeep, etc.

As the disease progressed, it became evident that he needed assistance. He lived at home and wanted to continue living at home. My brothers and I did absolutely

When Coastal Hospice came to evaluate my dad, a whole team showed up: a social worker, an intake nurse, and a chaplain. We all sat down at the kitchen table and talked about his physical situation and the more we talked the more needs they saw. At some point, the intake nurse took me aside and said, ‘I think he is appropriate for inhome hospice care’. The whole family talked about what that would mean, and we talked to my dad about it, and there were a lot of tears, especially from dad who thought this was the end, only to realize pretty soon how beneficial it was going to be for him.

The first big change we noticed was when the nurse went through all his medications and began de-prescribing them. Apparently, dad was on many medications that he was no longer benefitting from and removing them made a huge change in his mental awareness. It just was amazing to me how alert and aware he was after taking him off these medicines.

A certified nurse assistant from Coastal Hospice started coming in three days a week. My brothers helped on other days. The social worker came every few weeks.

The chaplain came and would check on him every so often. The nurse would come once a week to check on

Fall/Winter 2023 | 11

him, and our lives changed. We now had professionals that knew what they were doing and keeping me informed. God bless his nurse assistant. You have gems on your team, and she was one of them. She would not only shower him, she would feed him, even take his dog for a walk! Dad loved all the visitors that he was getting.

I even heard him say many times to the Coastal Hospice team, “I had no idea that this was what hospice care was about. You have opened my eyes. I had no idea that Coastal Hospice would do things like this for me.”

When Coastal Hospice came on board, there were significant savings of money as well. Things that we have been paying for out of pocket were now paid through the hospice benefit. Medical equipment, medical supplies, medications, all of those things were supported by the hospice benefit on his Medicare package. He no longer had to endure constant ins and outs for doctor’s visits because we now had Coastal Hospice medical professionals come to his house. That definitely made things better.

Closer to the end he received care at Macky & Pam Stansell House. When I walked in his room, he was on his bed sitting up. It was beautiful and a wave of comfort washed over me, knowing he had intensive care staff watching him day and night, that he had unlimited visitation and that his grandchildren could be with him.

Even his beloved dog Manny was welcomed!

you more time, more time for relationships. More medical care and professional support for the patient. For him, who could not go to church anymore, having a chaplain program was amazing. Coastal Hospice chaplains are just phenomenal people.

Hospice is a choice to live the rest of your life in comfort with support for the patient and the family, and that is what we chose for our dad. He was a driving force that brought continuity to our family and the glue that kept us all together. I am at peace knowing that we were able to honor his wishes until the end.”

We want to thank Stacey McMichael and the Bayline family for sharing this beautiful testimony, for trusting us with caring for their loved one, and allowing us to be part of their journey.

Alejandra

Coastal Hospice is very family centric and they care for the family as much as they care for the patient. If someone qualifies because of a chronic health issue, it is never too soon to have a conversation with your loved one and with hospice and, keep doing checkins because at some point, you're going to want to bring Coastal Hospice on board. It is true that it is a hard conversation to have when you need hospice for end-of-life care, so do it earlier. Do it when everybody understands long-term benefits, even if it is going to be a year or two down the road. You will be building relationships with hospice caregivers. Bring Coastal Hospice in early and it will make the transition so much easier.

When you have a loved one that needs more care than you can provide, the earlier you reach out, the more you are going to benefit, not only the patient but also yourself as the caregiver. It gives For more information, contact Alejandra Lazcano, Director of Communications at alazcano@coastalhospice.org or at 410-742-8732 ext. 541.

S urvivor O utreach B ereavement S ervices

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FREE

Grief Counseling after a Substance Related Death

Survivor Outreach Bereavement Services (SOBS)

is a FREE program by Coastal Hospice, focused on providing grief support and resources to families and friends after a substance related death, whether or not you were supported by Coastal Hospice directly.

REQUEST HELP

Coastal Hospice Bereavement Counselors are available to provide: Up to 3-sessions of private grief counseling Grief support groups Information about ongoing support and resources Referrals to treatment, recovery, and/or harm reduction resources Referrals to long-term peer-based, local grief support Follow up with the family to coordinate support and resources Compassion fatigue and sensitivity training Mental health provider education This program is made possible by The Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center in partnership with Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties’ Health Departments.

Scan QR Code

www.coastalhospice.org/sobs www.coastalhospice.org/sobs

ALVIN HARMON

Supported by the Opioid Operational Command Center. The views presented here are those of the grantee organization and not necessarily those of the OOCC, its Executive Director, or its staff.

Director of Spiritual, Bereavement, and Supportive Services at Coastal Hospice

410-742-8732 ext. 440 aharmon@coastalhospice.org

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A Chance to Say Goodbye

By Milt Hess "Go Home and Say Your Goodbyes." That's what I wish my wife's doctor had said during her last visit to his office.

Already suffering from congestive heart failure, Cecia had just been in the hospital for ten days being treated for acute renal failure. After four dialysis treatments, she was visibly better — more alert, and able to walk unassisted.

When we have reached the end of our lives, don’t give us false hope. Arrange for palliative care, and tell us to go home and say our goodbyes.

Four days after leaving the hospital, I accompanied her to an appointment with her doctor. During the visit the doctor said, "I think your kidneys are going to get better." Four days later, she died at home in our bed.

Here is how I wish the conversation had gone in the doctor's office. "I don't know whether you have a week or a month, but you are approaching the end of your life. I will arrange for visiting nurse support to help keep you comfortable. Go home and say your goodbyes."

Instead she returned home anticipating dialysis treatments two or three times a week and a dreary life of feeling lousy. Her death was precipitated by a painful fall one evening. She asked to go to the emergency room, and as I prepared to take her, her heart finally failed.

We never had the opportunity to say goodbye. Nor did she have the opportunity to say goodbye to her brothers, her dearest friends, or the rest of her close family.

It's human nature for doctors to want to deliver good news and to offer hope to their patients. Dr. Sherwin Newland writes at length about this subject in his book, How We Die, advocating for honesty to help the patient prepare for the inevitable.

Perversely, this well-intentioned gesture of kindness to the patient can be cruel to family and friends she will leave behind. It’s not kind to the patient either. She returned home to the prospect of ongoing discomfort, occasional visits to the ER, and, as happened to us, a death we hadn’t fully prepared for.

So my message to the medical community is simple: When we have reached the end of our lives, don’t give us false hope. Arrange for palliative care, and tell us to go home and say our goodbyes.

Milt A note to readers: The views expressed in this article are the authors and not necessarily those of Coastal Hospice. This piece was submitted by a Coastal Hospice News reader under the title, “Go Home and Say Your Goodbyes”. Mrs. Cecia Hess was not under Coastal Hospice care and his message reflects his experience with their providers.

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Caregiver Academy Caregiver Celebrating 2 YearsAcademy Supporting and

Empowering Caregivers in our Community

By Lauren King

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his month is especially exciting since the Caregiver Academy is celebrating its second anniversary. Our program started out with a small team and two community webinars in November 2021 and has grown tremendously by expanding our team and key community stakeholders. In these two years, we have brought education in end-of-life topics to more than 8,000 healthcare providers and community members through live webinars, in-person programs, educations, and community events. It has been quite a ride!

I have had the privilege of attending amazing community health fairs this summer, along with speaking at community events, and talking with providers. During these community engagements and educations, one question asked a lot is, “When do I know my patient and or family member is ready for hospice?” This is why, this past June, we hosted a live webinar, “Is My Patient Ready for Hospice?” in partnership with TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, offering continuing education credits for physicians, nurses, and social workers in attendance.

Dr. Joan Carpenter educated over 55 attendees on identifying tools for prognostication to determine hospice eligibility, emphasizing the importance of having goals of care discussions.

During the month of August, we hosted our second in-person presentation, “Pain Management in Palliative Care”. Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Waris and Chief Clinical Officer, Ann Lovely shared the latest information

in Pain Management in Palliative Care and the impact that appropriate pain management has in the quality of life of patients and their families.

Advanced Illness Doulas: How They Help” was another FREE live webinar in September. Our Director of Spiritual, Bereavement, and Supportive Services, Alvin Harmon explained how Advanced-Illness Doulas have the power to significantly impact lives, assisting those who are dying to have “a good death”, while providing solace and peace of mind to their loved ones.

Our last live webinar of the year was “Approaching End of Life: Signs and Symptoms” with continuing education credits. Visit our website for more information.

As we come to the end of the year, we are pleased to announce the Caregiver Academy Education Program Lineup for 2024. These innovative programs will provide cutting-edge education to healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community members. We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished during these two years. Here’s to another year of success, growth, and providing education!

Lauren

If you missed the opportunity to attend, this live webinar please go to our caregiver academy page and you can watch any of our educational programs. https://www.coastalhospice.org/caregiveracademy/ Please feel free to write in any suggestions, we would love to hear from you! We encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter on our website at www.coastalhospice.org/caregiveracademy.

For more information, please contact Lauren King, Community Education and Caregiver Academy Manager at lking@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 322.

FREE Events

Fall/Winter 2023 | 15

2024 Caregiver Academy Education Programs Lineup TUESDAYS January

23 May

14

De-Prescribing in Advanced Illness Live Zoom Webinar Presenter: Lynn McPherson, PharmD, PhD, BCPS, FAAHPM Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Palliative Care vs Hospice Care Live Zoom Webinar Presenters: Alison Benko, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, ACHPN Deanna Schloemer, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC, ACHPN Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

June

Serious Illness Conversations: Your Approach Matters

18

Live Zoom Webinar

August

Innovations in Cardiac Care for Hospice Patients

20

Presenter: Joan Carpenter, Ph.D., CRNP, ACHPN, FPCN Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Live Zoom Webinar Presenter: Stacy Cottingham PhD, RN Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Approaching End of Life: September Signs and Symptoms

10

November

12

Live Zoom Webinar Presenter: Ann Lovely, RN, BSN, CHPN Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Navigating The Long Goodbye: How Hospice Supports Dementia Patients Live Zoom Webinar Panel Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

To receive information about programs and registration, don't forget to visit: www.coastalhospice.org/caregiveracademy and subscribe to our digital newsletter.

Continuing Education Credits will be offered in Partnership with TidalHealth Peninsula Regional.

16 | Coastal Hospice News

Bringing Education to the Community

Pain Management in Palliative Care We had a remarkable turnout at our second in-person educational program Pain Management in Palliative Care at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional. Coastal Hospice Chief Medical Director, Dr. Ghulam Waris, F.A.A.G.M. and Coastal Hospice Chief Clinical Officer, Ann Lovely, RN, BSN, CHPN shared the latest information in Pain Management in Palliative Care. They addressed the importance of the multidisciplinary team approach, correct assessment and re-assessment, breakthrough strategies, and the impact that appropriate pain management has in the quality of life of patients and their families.

We are thankful for the healthcare providers, social workers, and community members that attended. This program was in partnership with TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and together we provided continuing education credits for physicians, nurses, and social workers.

Breakfast was provided by BrightStar Care.

Community Relations & Development Manager, Lauren Blair, presented at the “Caring for Aging Parents Seminar” at Oak Ridge Commons. The seminar was organized by Oak Ridge Church and included presentations by Fixer Upper Health Club on Physical Health & Nutrition, Edward Jones on Financial Navigation, MAC, Inc. on Community Services, and Coastal Hospice on Coping with Life Limiting Illnesses.

Chief Clinical Officer, Ann Lovely attended the event and had the opportunity to answer questions from community members on Coastal Hospice services.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 17

Lauren Blair, Community Relations & Development Manager, Lauren King, Community Education and Caregiver Academy Manager, and Nicole Moore, RN, BSN, CDP, participated in the 2023 Salisbury Thrive Senior Life After 55 Health Fair at Lakeside at Mallard Landing.

During the event, our staff provided education on Coastal Hospice services and offered Advance Directive education and assistance to all attendees.

Alvin Harmon, Director of Spiritual, Bereavement, and Supportive Services, and Lauren Blair, Community Relations & Development Manager spoke at the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines. During their presentation, Kiwanis Club members learned about Coastal Hospice medical care along with other services such as, spiritual care, volunteering, grief support, and hospice eligibility.

Coastal Hospice had the opportunity to talk to the Worcester County Commission on Aging in Snow Hill, MD. More than 50 employees from the Health Department’s Commission on Aging from Snow Hill, Pocomoke, Berlin, and Ocean City attended an in-depth conversation on hospice services.

Our Coastal Hospice team provided hospice education to the Hospitalists at TidalHealth.

During this presentation, our experts shared information about General Inpatient Care and Respite Care at our Inpatient facilities, how to identify when a patient is ready for Hospice, and how to have difficult conversations with patients and their loved ones.

18 | Coastal Hospice News

Advancement

Thank You for Being an Angel

By Tammy Patrick As 2023 comes to an end, I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU for your support and generosity to Coastal Hospice. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to our committed and compassionate staff, currently numbering 225, as well as our 127 amazing volunteers, for the vital and uplifting services they provide, ensuring that our patients and families receive the love and care they deserve.

The contribution from our supporters — those who fundraise, donate, volunteer — along with our partners, allows us to continue providing dignity and quality of life to patients and families facing life-limiting conditions.

This coming June will be our 44th Anniversary. As you know, these last few years have been very challenging worldwide, especially for the healthcare and ALL frontline heroes. With this in mind, we want to celebrate and appreciate all those that have assisted us in getting to where we are today.

We all have a loved one or someone close to us that has a personal story attesting to the physical, emotional, and spiritual care Coastal Hospice provided for a family member or friend during a loved one’s final days. I would like to share a couple of the many that we have received this year. These words speak volumes of the impact your commitment has had on families, friends, and neighbors in our community.

I wish you all the blessings and joys of the holidays and a bright year ahead.

Again, Thank You … our mission continues because of your generosity.

Tammy

I am so grateful to the team who cared for my mother in her last few months. You alleviated her suffering with your compassionate care. At the same time, the family was given relief, knowing that she was comfortable and pain free as possible.

Your organization and all who work and volunteer there are doing a remarkable, much needed service to the community. Thank you for your compassionate care of my mother.

— Patient’s daughter

Thank you so very much for your deep commitment and loving care. Not only did you care for my friend while he made his journey into the next life, but you lovingly cared for my dearest friend, his wife during that time. You are special people and I thank God He has called you to serve in this way.

— Patient’s friend For more information, please contact Tammy Patrick, Director of Advancement at tpatrick@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 515.

Rem e

ring Our mbe

gels An

Last year, Coastal Hospice cared for 1,370 patients and their families while providing more than $587,321.00 in charity care for patients in need.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 19

These efforts are funded by our “Be An Angel” end of year appeal

Life is full of moments that only you and your angels share.

Residential Hospice

Print Name Here In Memory Of or In Honor Of

Pediatric Care

$450

provides a day of coordinated care at Macky & Pam Stansell House of Coastal Hospice. Patients may stay for their final weeks or months in safety and comfort to receive the medical, spiritual, and emotional support they need in a place that feels like home.

Inpatient Hospice

$1,000 will help us provide all-encompassing

support for a child and their family.

Pediatric hospice patients can receive curative treatments concurrent with hospice services. The hospice team works with the family and their physicians to achieve physical, psychosocial, and spiritual care.

Home Hospice

$195 will help us provide hospice care at

$1,000 will provide one full day of intensive

symptom management for patients requiring care at Coastal Hospice at the Lake.

Thank Y o u NO MATTER THE AMOUNT ...

Your Donation Will Make a Difference!

the patient’s residence, skilled nursing facility or any setting they consider "home."

Grief Support

$75

will fund services that will help patients and family members navigate with the emotions that a life-limiting illness or loss can bring.

Thank your for your continued support and generosity!

Remembering the Angels in your life helps Coastal Hospice promote dignity and quality of life for patients and families who face life-limiting conditions, regardless of their ability to pay.

Please remember Coastal Hospice in your holiday giving this year.

Figures are approximate.

Angel ornaments will be displayed on a Coastal Hospice holiday tree at the following locations:

WMDT Morning News · Atlantic Hotel - Berlin · Coastal Hospice Thrift Shop · Crisfield American Legion Post #16

Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044 · Hurlock Town Hall · Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay · Ocean Downs Casino · UMES - (Hawk’s Corner)

Pohanka of Salisbury (showrooms) Dodge · Ford · Honda · Mercedes-Benz · Toyota

20 | Coastal Hospice News

Please remember Coastal Hospice in your holiday giving this year.

NO MATTER THE AMOUNT – Your Donation Will Make a Difference $2,500

$1,000

$500

$250

$100

$50

$ _______

Print Name Here In Memory Of or In Honor Of

PLEASE PRINT

TITLE __________ DONOR'S NAME(S) _______________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________CITY_____________________STATE______ ZIP____________ PHONE __________________________________ E-MAIL ________________________________________________________________ Please send a note to: (An acknowledgement card of your donation & Angel will be sent, excluding the amount.)

NAME ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________CITY_____________________STATE______ ZIP____________ Name to be printed on Angel Ornament:

IN MEMORY OF _________________________________________________________________________________________________ IN HONOR OF ("living") ___________________________________________________________________________________________

I have enclosed a check payable to Coastal Hospice Gifts to Coastal Hospice are tax deductible, as allowed by law.

Please charge my credit card

Visa

Mastercard

Discover

American Express

CREDIT CARD # _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXP DATE __________________ C V V ______________ NAME ON CARD ___________________________________________________ SIGNATURE _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ To make a secure online donation, go to coastalhospice.org/be-an-angel or scan code

advancement@coastalhospice.org | 410-543-0313 xtn. 539 or 515 Please mail check to: Coastal Hospice | 1500 Ocean Pkwy | Ocean Pines, MD 21811

THANK YOU for your continued support and generosity.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 21

The Michael J. Strawley, Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament Committee presented a check for $12,500 to Coastal Hospice for the support of charitable care at the Macky & Pam Stansell House in Ocean Pines, MD. The tournament has donated its proceeds to the organization since 2017, and the $12,500 raised in 2023 contributed to the total amount raised over the years to over $63,500.

The 7th Annual Michael J. Strawley, Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament was held at the River Run Golf Club in Berlin, MD. Originally called the Bearded Clam Open, the tournament began in the early 1980s and was run by the late Michael J. Strawley, Sr., who then owned the Bearded Clam in Ocean City, MD. Upon Michael's passing in September 2016, the tournament was renamed in his honor by the Tuesday Golf Group - the tournament committee members are George McKelvie, Rick Cole, Richard Stone, and Steve Silverman.

Pictured Left to Right: Cindi Strawley, George McKelvie, Tammy Patrick, Coastal Hospice Director of Advancement; Richard Stone, Holly Stone Murray, Coastal Hospice Director of Home Hospice Services; and Barbara Trumpower, Coastal Hospice Advancement Assistant.

Committee members Rick Coleman and Steve Silverman were not available for photo.

Coastal Hospice is the recipient of a $13,000.00 gift in memory of Joan Gadow Glime who was cared for by our team at Coastal Hospice at the Lake, in Salisbury, MD. Her husband, William M. Glime made this gracious donation from the Joan Gadow Glime Memorial Fund.

We are grateful for the trust they placed in Coastal Hospice for the care of their loved ones. It was our honor to care for Joan Gadow Glime.

Pictured Left to Right: Tammy Patrick, Coastal Hospice Director of Advancement and William M. Glime.

Coastal Hospice was the recipient of a gracious donation from the Cambridge Jaycess Militia — Page Richardson Foundation. The fund was created in memory of Page Richardson, who left part of his estate to the Jaycees and the interest accrued each year is donated to community projects.

Pictured Left to Right: Dr. Stacy Cottingham, Coastal Hospice Special Programs Access Liaison RN; Michelle Plummer, Cambridge Jaycees Member; and Lakishia Hardy, Coastal Hospice RN.

Coastal Hospice is appreciative for these donations. They allow us to continuing our mission to promote dignity and quality of life for patients and families facing life-limiting conditions.

For more information, please contact Tammy Patrick, Director of Advancement at tpatrick@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 515.

22 | Coastal Hospice News

Fall/Winter 2023 | 23

Blues on the Bay

Blues on the Bay, one of our most anticipated events of the year, hosted by Highwater Management and Macky & Pam Stansell at Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill, once again was a sold-out event this past September, raising more than $85,000.00 for charitable care at the Macky & Pam Stansell House.

In addition to providing hospice-eligible individuals with a specialized, comforting, and safe long-term residential plan, Stansell House is now offering short-term acute care intervention for hospice patients who need intensive symptom management including but not limited to pain, anxiety, and shortness of breath. Along with that, we are now offering respite care, which provides caregivers with much needed breaks.

Thank you to all of our sponsors and friends that attended the event ... it was a fabulous night of friendship and camaraderie with a front-row view of the gorgeous sunset over the bay. Thank you for your commitment to continue supporting coordinated care for patients and families at our hospice residence – The Macky & Pam Stansell House of Coastal Hospice.

THANK YOU MACKY AND PAM FOR ALL YOU DO!

24 | Coastal Hospice News

Provider & Community Relations

Stewards of Our Communities’ Sacred Trust

By Lauren Blair In the spirit of Hospice Month, November 2023, I can’t help but to reflect on the past year and all of the community members who inspire what we do. There isn’t a single health fair or community event that I attend where at least one person doesn’t stop to talk about their personal experience with Coastal Hospice. I hear things like, “Anna is an amazing nurse”, “Emily helped our family so much”, and “Joel made my mom smile for the first time in a long time”.

Hospice Month gives us an opportunity to raise awareness about hospice care, end of life, and the support provided to individuals with terminal illnesses and their families. Our Mission at Coastal Hospice is to promote dignity and quality of life for patients and families who face life-limiting conditions and that is exactly what we do each and every day. Often, when I speak to the community about Coastal Hospice, they are surprised to hear just how many services we actually provide when a patient is under our care. Many are familiar with the aspects of medication and symptom management, but few are aware that Coastal Hospice also addresses the emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of patients and their loved ones. We ensure that the wishes and preferences of patients are honored. We empower individuals to make decisions about their care, whether it be to continue a particular treatment, receive care, or how they want to spend their remaining time. We consider the cultural and religious beliefs of patients and their families. We offer resources, education, and counseling to help family members as they venture on this journey with their loved ones.

At a recent community event, I had the pleasure of meeting Ellen A. Willinghan, daughter of one of our patients. She shared with me an excerpt from the beautiful eulogy she gave at her father’s funeral: “….We are truly blessed here on the Lower Shore to have Coastal Hospice. Hospice has been a phenomenal support to both Dad and me. Their unstinting support allowed Dad to remain in his home until the almost very end. The dignity they provided him during these last few months made all the difference to him. While Dad was always the priority, the weight they lifted from me was tremendous.

I was no longer alone daily. Our Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Volunteers, as well as our Chaplain who became mother, sister, and friend. Our nurse began the journey with Dad at home and cared for him at Stansell at the end. Our nurse taught me that all too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word. These women preach the Gospel at all times, using words only when necessary….”

These kind words are the standards of care we strive to uphold every day and the philosophy behind everything we do.

It is an honor and our privilege to care for you and your loved ones and testimonials are a gentle reminder that we are stewards of our communities’ sacred trust. Thank you for the opportunity to care for our community.

Lauren For more information, please contact Lauren Blair, Community Relations & Development Manager at lblair@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 658.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 25

Community Partners in Expert Care: Pennie Savage, CRNP

By Lauren King I recently had the opportunity to interview one of our community partners, Pennie Savage, CRNP. Pennie has been an amazing hospice advocate throughout the years, identifying when her patients and their caregivers could benefit from Hospice services.

Pennie was born and raised in Salisbury Maryland, married with two children, has 3 dogs, and a horse farm. She received her Nursing degree at Wor-Wic Community College and attended Wilmington University to obtain her Pennie Savage Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Pennie has been a Nurse Practioner for 17 years and currently works with Post-Acute Physician Partners.

social workers, and volunteers that can come and visit, especially to the ones that do not really have a lot of family. I think you get so much more from hospice than just equipment, you get support and care.”

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear with hospice is that once someone begins hospice services, they are going to die right away. Pennie would like us to know that, “Hospice is making sure that we get them early on, so we can receive all the benefits from the services offered. In my opinion, it saves money, especially to those patients that are on a limited strict income. Hospice can cover medications and my patients don’t have to do outside visits, and I can continue to follow them while on hospice.”

Pennie goes on to say, “One thing I like to ask the families…are you looking for quality of life for your parents or loved one or are you looking for quantity? Do you want them to live forever, no matter what? Or, whatever time they have left do you want them to be comfortable? One way to ensure that, is with hospice. Getting a patient on hospice sooner and managing their symptoms will give them a better quality of life”.

When I asked what Coastal Hospice provides to her patients, she shared a motto “I’d rather have them and not need them, Our mission at Coastal Hospice is then need them and not have to promote dignity and quality them”. Pennie goes onto explain, of life for patients and families With hospice, you not only “A patient may not need true who face a life-limiting illness. get a nurse and certified nursing hospice, but if they qualify, I Pennie understands this would like to get hospice on philosophy and embraces assistant, but you get pastoral care, board early, so the families are it by sharing with families social workers, and volunteers that can familiar and the patients get her experiences when come and visit, especially to the ones that all the benefits they can. This discussing hospice. She do not really have a lot of family. assures me the patient can explained, “I tell families I just think, you get so much more from die with dignity and comfort when they get tearful when hospice than just equipment, you when the time comes.” discussing hospice, ‘but you get support and care. know something, dying with As you may know, a patient dignity, peace, and comfort can receive hospice services is something that can be very wherever they call home. Some beautiful to watch. Someone who examples would be, assisted living dies peacefully knowing that they communities, independent living, are not fighting death, nor struggling and nursing homes. Pennie talks about anymore. Not everybody gets to go to bed some of the benefits of having hospice involved at night and not wake up the next morning. Very when patients are in facilities, “You have extra eyes few get to die like that, it just doesn’t happen that way.’ I on you since not all facilities have nurses on staff at am a big believer in hospice services”. all times. With hospice, you not only get a nurse and certified nursing assistant, but you get pastoral care,

Lauren

You can contact Pennie Savage, CRNP at Post-Acute Physician Partners by phone at 410-548-2343.

For more information, please contact Lauren king, Community Education and Caregiver Academy Manager at lking@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 322.

26 | Coastal Hospice News

People and Culture

Compassionate Nurturing Admirable During National Certified Nursing Assistants Week, we celebrated our own. We are proud of our caring and compassionate team and the incredible impact they make every day.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 27

Coastal Hospice Stars

W

e are proud to announce our four Coastal Hospice Stars, who every day make a difference in the lives of those they care for.

Coastal Hospice stands behind its values of Respect, Compassion, Trust, and Resourcefulness. These stars represent and live these values every day through their work and unwavering commitment to the organization.

We truly thank them for being such a great example of what it means to work for Coastal Hospice!

Administration Lauren King

Nurses Ruth Walker

Patient Care Specialists Starlinda Lormejuste

Multidisciplinary Team Teresa Allerton

We invite our staff, patients, families, and community to nominate outstanding Coastal Hospice team members each quarter. To nominate, go to: https://www.coastalhospice.org/staff-recognition/

Accomplishments

Kristy Davis, RN, CHPN Team Lead Safe Harbor Kristy successfully passed the Hospice Certification.

Anna Smith, RN, CHPN Education Coordinator Anna successfully passed the Hospice Certification.

28 | Coastal Hospice News

Expert Care

TouchPoint MedDispense Machine

C

oastal Hospice at the Lake welcomed the latest innovation in hospice medication management, TouchPoint MedDispense. The greatest feature of this machine is the timely access to urgently needed medications by our RN team to ensure comfort for our sickest patients.

Other improvements noted with the implementation of the MedDispense include, time saved between shifts counting medications, computerized tracking of medications used to ensure our supply is available, and a reporting system to track compliance and cost. The entire system, run by Delta Care, includes use of the MedDispense machine, online pharmacy platform, and off-site Delta Care pharmacy to maintain the supply.

Expert Training for our Staff

By Ann Lovely The continuing education that our staff receives is a vital part of our commitment to providing expert care to our community. We are thrilled to have Dr. Lynn McPherson, PharmD, PhD, BCPS, FAAHPM on board, bringing us dynamic information with her cutting edge training, so it can be adapted and implemented to our current and future teams.

For many years, Coastal Hospice staff have had the opportunity to attend educational conferences both locally and nationally.

This time around, Dr. McPherson traveled to us to offer an in-person presentation. Her expertise on pain management and end-of-life care benefits our staff and the patients we serve. Thanks to these state-of-theart trainings, our teams stay up-to-date on the latest advances in palliative care.

Ann

Dr. Lynn McPherson

For more information, please contact Ann Lovely, Chief Clinical Officer at alovely@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 655.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 29

Combating Heart Failure: Introducing the Advanced Cardiac Care Program

By Dr. Stacy Cottingham

C

oastal Hospice, in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) launched the Advanced Cardiac Care (ACC) Program to address one of the nation’s largest killers of Americans – heart disease.

By managing symptoms and incorporating self-care techniques, our team can keep you out of the hospital or emergency room and provide care in the comfort of your own home.

Managing the symptoms you experience most:

•

Each year, more Americans die from heart disease than any other condition, including cancer. Heart disease is also a leading cause for hospitalization: patients with congestive heart failure alone account for more than one million inpatient admissions annually.

• Shortness of breath • Chest pain • Swelling in your arms, legs or

•

Our program will improve quality and access to hospice and palliative/ advanced illness care for heart patients and keep them from dying alone in hospitals. The patient and caregiver handbook helps avert multiple hospital and emergency room visits that are a huge source of stress for the patient, their family, and the medical facility.

The Coastal Hospice Advanced Cardiac Care Program provides additional benefits such as:

• • • •

abdomen due to fluid build-up Feeling tired Persistent cough or congestion Loss of appetite or nausea Anxiety or restlessness

• Frequent contact by a nurse who

•

has received specialized training to evaluate and manage cardiac symptoms.

Being part of a care team that includes home visits by a Nurse

•

Practitioner with specialized cardiac training.

Medication to effectively manage symptoms, so you can continue doing things you enjoy.

Specialized cardiac protocols to monitor changes and prevent symptoms from getting worse.

Additional supportive care from Chaplains, Social Workers, Certified Nursing Assistants, and Volunteers.

Every family including yours is affected by Heart Disease and Heart Failure. Tragically, many heart failure patients spend days, weeks, or sometime months in hospital ICUs and eventually die alone. Our inhome care is the answer and is our mission—allowing a far better quality of life for our patients and families.

Stacy

All patients enrolled in our Advanced Cardiac Care Program will receive the Patient and Caregiver Handbook that contains the best standards of care for end stage heart failure.

To learn more about our Advanced Cardiac Care Program, call 410-742-7878 or ask your provider about contacting Coastal Hospice, or visit: https://www.coastalhospice.org/ cardiac-care-program/ For more information, please contact Dr. Stacy Cottingham, Special Programs Access Liaison RN at scottingham@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 625.

30 | Coastal Hospice News

Caring for Our Veterans

By Nancy Stewart

C

oastal Hospice honors and cares for our veteran patients and their families and understands the support they need at the end of life. That is why Coastal Hospice is part of We Honor Veterans (WHV), a program developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), designed to guide and support our veterans through their end of life journey toward a more peaceful passing by positioning partner organizations to best serve veterans in hospice.

Through We Honor Veterans, Coastal Hospice have received tiered recognition demonstrating a systematic commitment to improving care for veterans. Assessing our ability to serve veterans and integrating best practices.

WHV provides educational tools and resources in advancing these goals including:

• Promoting veteran-centric educational activities

• Increasing organizational

capacity to serve veterans

• Supporting development of strategic partnerships

• Increasing access and improving quality

contacts, survivor benefits for spouses/children, etc.

• Acknowledging, understanding and working through Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Providing a special visit by a veteran volunteer to

•

•

honor them and present them with a personalized certificate and a patriotic blanket donated by the community Coordinating with the VA to include obtaining funds for room and board costs, receiving private caregivers from community agencies, and replacing lost discharge documents and/or medals.

Working with area veterans’ organizations to arrange color guards, military honors and special ceremonies.

Our team always have a heightened awareness and plans in place for veteran patients with extreme PTSD, flashbacks, hallucinations, etc. Often times these patients need interventions because they have a difficult time transitioning and passing peacefully.

One very special and unique example of this recently was the coordination with the foster family of a veteran’s service dog. When the patient was admitted to Coastal No two veterans have the Hospice at the Lake due to his same experiences or process decline, he could no longer care for his dog. When our their military service in the same staff was able to arrange for way. In order to ensure our veterans the dog to visit the patient get unique and tailored hospice care, on the unit, the patient was our entire organization stays very significantly more comfortable mindful of their physical and and less anxious allowing him mental health needs. a peaceful passing.

By recognizing the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families, our interdisciplinary teams, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, will guide them toward a more peaceful passing.

The unique needs of our veterans are numerous and varied. Just some of the services provided to our veterans include:

• Enrollment in and accessing VA benefits, i.e.: military burial, veteran cemetery

It is important to remember that no two veterans have the same experiences or process their military service in the same way. In order to ensure our veterans get unique and tailored hospice care, our entire organization stays very mindful of their physical and mental health needs.

Nancy

For more information, please contact Nancy Stewart, Access Services Manager at nstewart@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 624.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 31

Recharging with Respite: Support for Caregivers

By Lauren Blair

C

aring for a loved one with a serious illness can be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. Respite care provides a temporary relief for caregivers, allowing them to rest and recharge, while their loved one is being cared for by our trained expert staff. This opportunity can help prevent caregiver burnout, health issues, and mental health issues.

are able to manage our caregiving responsibilities, while also caring for ourselves.

Tracey D. Gladmon, LCSW-C, Manager, Coastal Hospice at the Lake and Social Work Services, says in regard to respite care, “There’s been multiple families who have shown their gratitude and speak about their appreciation of the staff and their care. I can recall most recently a patient’s husband calling me specifically to tell me how much he appreciated our staff. He had such kind words and even sent my staff chocolates. One thing he said was, ‘they made her hair look so pretty with her braids.’”

Continuous caregiving can significantly influence the Coastal Hospice offers respite care at our two beautiful health of the primary caregiver. Often when we care for in-patient facilities, the Macky and Pam Stansell House others, we put their needs ahead of our own and leave located on the Isle of Wight Bay in Ocean Pines, Maryland ours on the back burner. We may do this by feeling and Coastal Hospice at The Lake, in the historic Deer’s too busy to make a healthy meal, forgetting to Head Hospital in Salisbury, Maryland. Both facilities take our own medication, skipping doctor’s are designed to give you or your loved one appointments, or not getting enough sleep. a temporary stay when you need the As caregivers, we may find it difficult to opportunity to rest, recharge, or manage juggle our own personal lives and jobs your own responsibilities — all while Respite care makes with caregiving. We often struggle knowing your loved one is in safe certain that our loved with finding the time to engage in hands and a caring environment. In ones are safe and well social events, participate in activities the 2022 calendar year alone, our cared for when we are not we enjoy, or even make a quick trip facilities offered 165 respite stays. to the grocery store. Caregiving around. It provides us with a can become taxing on other family When a patient is on hospice guilt-free chance to have a relationships due to the demands services, they can stay up to 5 temporary reprieve from our and stress involved. It may be hard to days each time they receive respite roles as caregivers. find the time to spend with our families care, which is completely covered without the constant responsibility of by their hospice benefit. In addition caring for our loved one. to our in-patient facilities, we are contracted with local nursing homes so Every November, we celebrate National Family that your loved one can receive respite care Caregivers Month as a time to honor family caregivers wherever they call home. across the nation. This special recognition offers a chance to raise awareness of caregiving challenges and provide Our Coastal Hospice Volunteers can assist with respite education to community members on caregiving topics. too! What about when you need to make a quick run One of the ways that we at Coastal Hospice care for the to the store or go to your own doctor’s appointment? family caregivers of our patients is through respite care.

Our Coastal Hospice volunteers can sit with your loved one while you run an errand, get your hair done, or pick Respite care makes certain that our loved ones are safe up your child from school. Let one of our dedicated and well cared for when we are not around. It provides volunteers read to your loved one or simply provide us with a guilt-free chance to have a temporary reprieve companionship while you take a moment for yourself. from our roles as caregivers. Respite can be especially important during emergencies or our own illnesses. When we are mentally, physically, and emotionally rested, we

Lauren

Lauren Blair is our Community Relations & Development Manager. You can contact her at lblair@coastalhospice.org or by phone: 410-742-8732 ext. 658.

32 | Coastal Hospice News

Thank you to our donors for your continued support and generosity.

June 1 - October 1

BLUES ON THE BAY BLUES SOCIETY American Legion Dorchester Post #91 Cole Family Foundation Dean & Alma Epperson Fager's Island Delegate Wayne Hartman Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645 Todge & Cindy Spieczny & Buckley Property Services Macky & Pam Stansell Dirk & Gayle Widdowson

MUSIC MAKER American Legion Synepuxent Post #166 Charles R. & Laura Jenkins – Joan W. Jenkins Foundation Check Point Software Tech Choptank Memorial VFW Post 7460 Penelope Danias Fund of the Delaware Community Foundation Sally H. Dowling, M.D. Sandy & Palmer Gillis Fifi Hiotis-Blackburn Holloway Funeral Home Joseph M. Mitrecic M&T Bank Marion Lions Club Pocomoke City Elks Lodge #1624 Quillin Foundation, Inc. Salisbury Elks Lodge #817 Shore United Bank TidalHealth

RHYTHM & BLUES American Legion Post #16 Apple Discount Drugs Atlantic General Hospital Atlantic Portable X-RAY Ed & Diana Barber Bayside Skillet Billy & Maddy Carder Chauncey's Surf-O-Rama Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore Mr. Reese Cropper, Jr. Janice Davis Eastern Shore Cremation & Funeral Services

Esham Family Partnership Farmers Bank of Willards Steve & Donna Farrow Ira R. Grupper - in memory of Maureen Grupper Mr. & Mrs. C. Terry Hough Dr. Carolyn & Mr. William Johnston Dr. Lee & Jennifer Klepper Long Life Treated Wood, Inc. Mann Properties – Buck Mann, Igor & Ana Conev Maronick Law, LLC Joseph & Susan Moore Janet L. Phillips Family Foundation Mrs. Janet Phillips Rehobeth Ruritan Club S & S Construction Services Jeff & Rina Thaler The Bank of Delmarva Trinity Foundation, Inc.

FRIEND OF BLUES Jeff & Jamie Albright AWB Engineers Barbara E. Benton Mr. Henry Dibbern Faw Casson Ristorante Antipasti Binda & Fausto DiCarlo Tyler Building Co Margaret & Greg Whitten

FRIENDS OF COASTAL HOSPICE N.J. Althaus American Legion Auxiliary – Boggs Disharoon #123 Laurie & Jon Andes Avery Hall Insurance Shirley Aydelotte Edward G. & Suzanne Banks Virginia J. Barrett Mary Ann Baum Beachwood, Inc. Alison Benko Dr. Mark & Mrs. Lisa Bowen Philip L. Briggs Bill Brown & Christina Dolomount Cam & Woody Bunting Cindy & Greg Cannizzaro Charles T. Capute Cato Gas & Oil

Newt & Sharon Chandler Terry & Judy Chuvala Ms. Trudi A. Clubb John & Tracey Collins Michael & Jerrilea Connollee Jane & Bob Corcoran Bill & Lilly Cordwell Jacqueline DeGroft Stewart & Dee Dobson Nancy Dofflemyer Troy & Lisa Doyle Buddy Dykes Bob & Mary Eastman Cathy Gallagher & Jack Ferry First Shore Federal Christina Flamos Ed & Rebecca Galyon Jacqueline Gordon Chip & Connie Gordy Tracey Grupp Sherry Guarino Bonnie Hardt Alvin T. Harmon Melissa Harrison Harrsion Group John & Terea Hastings Diane Heath Nancy Howard Kristine Hudson Susan Jackson-Stein Judy Jameson Jim & Joan Rooney – Paws & Claws, etc.

Thomas & Karin Johnson Mary M. Kent Mary & Frank Knight Rick & Wendy Laws Michael & Connie LeCompte Michael A. LeCompte Art Little & Barbara Tymkiw Ann Lovely Franklin & Paula Lynch Mary Anne & Joe Manganello David Marciniak Linda McCurry Jeff McLaughlin & Charlotte Powell McNamara & Associates, LLC Rick Meehan & Katy Durham Richard & Margery Meeks Paul & Pat Mitchell Daniel & Mary Moore Ocean City Lioness Lions Club Sharyn O'Hare Real Estate, LLC Madelyn & Frank Pettolina Michael Pruitt Crawford & Leah Rayne Geoffrey & Michelle Robbins

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rose Deanna Schloemer Judy Schoellkopf Frankie & Frank Shipper Mr. George Shoben Rev. Olin Shockley Mr. David W. Simpson, Jr. Ann L. Singley John Sisson Kimberly Sledge Mary Slot Charlie & Dawn Smith Stanley & Richstone, PA Michael & Lori Sullivan Jim Sullivan The Hobbit Restaurant The Moore Companies Judy & Jon Tremellen Trond's Pool Construction Mike & Beth Truitt Steven Tyson Ronald P. Weber Willards Lions Club Ed & Kathy Wilson Robin Wolinski Krysten Wolinski Dr. Pamela J. Zorn & Mr. James W. Almand

MICHAEL J. STRAWLEY, SR. MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AFTER PARTY SPONSORS Bearded Clam Carey Distributors Cork Bar Dough Roller Eastern Shore Distributors Pit & Pub The Atlantic Stand

GOLF COURSE SPONSORS Eagles Landing Golf Course Great Hope Golf Course Green Hill Yacht & CC Heritage Shores Golf Course Links at Lighthouse Sound Man O War - Glen Riddle Golf Club Nutter's Crossing Golf Course

O.C. Golf & Yacht Club Ocean Pines Golf Club Ocean Resorts Golf Club Plantation Lakes Golf & CC Queenstown Harbor Golf River Run Golf Club Rum Point Seaside Golf Links

TEE SPONSORS Bearded Clam Berlin FOP Bill Brown's Gulfstream Plumbing Buccheri Family in memory of "Boomer" C.U. Title Ins - Shelly Fears Caruso Pizza Casey Construction Castle in the Sand Chas-Mar Apartments Coastal Accupuncture & Interactive Medicine Coins Pub & Restaurant Cork Bar Crawl St Tavern D. A. Kozma Jewelers Mark Davis / Nick Venuto Debbie Jones Beacon Light Mortgage Fish Tales Fisher's Popcorn Freehold - NJ Teams Greene Turtle West OC Harborside Bar & Grill Alfred Harrison Hobbit Restaurant J. B. Kline Landscaping Gary Cole Jason Cole - Lawn Dr. Tom Lindsey Little House of Pancakes Marina Deck Nori Sushi O.C. Comfort Suites Ocean City Florist Ocean Promotions Home Show Purple Moose Reising Brothers Rita's World of Wine, Beer & Spirits Schmoozers, Inc. Sophia’s Italian Restaurant Soriano’s Coffee Shop Sterling Tavern-Berlin Sunset Grille Tall Tales Taphouse The Original Greene Turtle

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Thank you to our donors for your continued support and generosity. June 1 - October 1

The Spinnaker Tommy's Pizza - PA T-Shirt Factory Mike Wicklein Yuzu Sushi

DONATIONS Assateague Greens Bad Monkey Baked Dessert Café Bearded Clam Berlin Autowash Big Peckers Burley Oak Earl Cantine Carey Distributors Castle in the Sand Cork Bar Crawl Street Tavern Eastern Shore Distributors Evolution Brewery Fish Tales Fisher's Popcorn Forgotten 50 Distillery Gilbert's Provisions Green Turtle West OC Hampton Inn Headlines Salon Hide-Away Restaurant Hungry Donut Island Creamery Jimmys - Fenwick Jolly Rogers K-Coast Kirby's Pub Lombardi's Restaurant Lost Treasure Golf Marina Deck Mother's Cantina Old Pro Golf Paul & Vinnie's Pizza Ponzetti’s Pizza Pop's Kitchen Purple Moose Rayne's Reef Residence Inn Rick's 64th St Market Roadie Joe’s Rosenfeld's Deli Serpone's Pizzeria Shorebirds Sterling Tavern Tap House The Original Greene Turtle Gabby Wilkins Windmill Creek Winery Wine Rack - West OC Wockenfuss Candies

BUSINESS Bank of Ocean City Casual Day Benevity Patricia Fyffe Bonterra Exelon Corporation Glenn Covington Jennifer Mitchell Ardeen Rhock-Taylor Kimberly Richardson Christopher Smack The Crisfield Heritage Foundation, Inc. Worcester County Commissioners

CHURCH Bates Memorial UM Church Cokesbury Methodist Church Spedden UM Church Wicomico Presbyterian Church

CLUB American Legion Post #123, Boggs Disharoon Cambridge Jaycees Delmarva Irish American Club Women's Club of Ocean Pines

FOUNDATION America's Charities Lynnetta A. Charity-Correa Tyronna A. Davis Kimberly D. Gscheidle Barbara F. Higgins Sandra Holland Jennifer E. How Kelsey H. Kreiser Holly J. Marston Marica E. Parker Evangeline Pastore Deborah A. Pheasant Dawn M. Truitt Holly M. Truitt Sheila L. Uncapher Humphreys Foundation, Inc. Richard M. Laws Sr. & Ruth W. Laws Endowment Fund John B. Parsons Foundation The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Employee Giving Program United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore

GIFT IN KIND Shorebirds Quilters Mac, Inc.

INDIVIDUAL Dr. & Mrs. Alfred Beattie Mr. Philip L. Briggs Judy Cupas Kerry Davis Denise Mersinger Monica Escalante Charles V. Farren Mike & Darlene Fleming Geraldine Gray Logan Hall Nancy L. Howard Leighton & Rebecca Moore Kelly Regan Julia Savage Vicki Sirota Jann Sterner Karen & John Talbott Dee Torres Judith Tucker Steve Val Bartow Van Ness, III Ronald P. Weber

LEGACY

Bruce Leiner's Birthday Marsha Howarth

IN MEMORY OF

Paul P. Battistoni Dr. Karen K. Badros Ken & Sydna Boyer College of Health & Human Services - Salisbury University Dr. Mary C. DiBartolo Dr. & Mrs. Francis Kane Cathy Walsh

Margie Ann Acton Mr. James R. Acton

Robert "Bob" I. Bayly Pat Robinson

Rodney Clark Adkins Edith Adkins Claire Spillane

Myrtle Bebee Dr. Richard F. Bebee

Colette M. Weber Ronald P. Weber

Elijah Dale Adkins, III Dirk & Gayle Widdowson Kenneth D. Allen Beverly & Karen Allen The Leyden Family Sylvia Moyer Angstadt Barbara & Mike Stevenson Robert Van Clief Armstrong Judy Ellis

Anne R. Smith Revocable Trust John Edward Whittington, Jr. Charitable Trust

Debra Rose Aurelio Renee Dorsey Leslie & Kevin McIntyre Keith Widdowson

TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF

Thomas S. Aydelotte George & Faye Dryden Lindsey Palmer Kelly and Mike Rew David & Sandra Shockley

Carol & Andy Anderson Ryan & Leslie Mosher Reverend Joel K. Beiler Harriet Murray, Becky and Tim & Millie and Rob Chet Carbaugh Donna Long Rebecca A. Kimmel's Birthday Dr. Kent N. Kimmel Jennifer Konopik Starlinda Lormejuste Sara McClure Hayley Stayman Steve Haray

Claudia S. Baldwin Margie Bohi Madeline Ann Chaffinch Teresa Emge Louise Hearne Nancy Lucas The Girls Barbara W. & Donald V. White Pamela J. Banks Cheryl Lee Judith Holland

Anne M. Bennett Melodie Carter Chestnut Hill Dev. Assoc.

Karon L. Dennis Dr. & Mrs. Robert Harper Sharon Hearn Mardela High School – Class of 1961 Barbara & Carroll Mills Jeffrey Mills Dr. Michael G. Murray Pat Robinson Willis & Carol Robinson Lawrence & Karen Somers Barbara W. & Donald V. White Dennis N. Bergeron Bruce Peterson Shirley A. Bounds Joyce Phillips, Geno & Dawn Lowe, Mike & Becca Lowe Hales Farms, Inc. Gertrude W. Bozman Andy Anderson Viola R. Bivens Mary Fosnaught Laverne Gladmon Carroll Nichols Joel & Kimberly Phoebus Marian & Webster Price and Family Bruce & Sharon Ramsay Janet Smith Sandy Winter Clinton G. Bradway, Jr. Romona Bradway, Jay Bradway and Sherri Bradway Virginia L. Brown Norma Collier

34 | Coastal Hospice News

Thank you to our donors for your continued support and generosity. June 1 - October 1

Jack D. Burkett The Family of Jack D. Burkett Shirley Short Barbara W. & Donald V. White Mary E. "Mary Beth" Calloway Robert & Sharon Adkins Eric & Morgan Banks Susan Bradford Frank & Darleen Cooper Herman & Janice Davis Cynthia Hubbard Chuck & Karen Lutz Judith Rayne Oaks Sandra L. White Elizabeth K. "Bette" Campbell Lawrence Campbell Sandy & Bob Reifsnyder

Charles E. Ewing Mildred Bullock Vickie Ellis Judy Moore Laura Schussler Carmelia "Camille" M. Fico Wayne & Carol Hancock The Houlihan Family – Country Estates, Inc. Constance "Connie" R. Fisher Faye Meyer & Brenda Douglas Beverly "Kay" Gambrill Pat Robinson Robert Franklin Gannon, Sr. Frances Gannon & Debbie Gardner

Tammy Jo Cannon Eagle Transport Corp

Joan G. Glime William M. Glime

Richard "Nick" Carter Pat Robinson

Donald W. Godfrey Tamara Averell Jim & Nadine Jackson Melson’s UM Church Janice Minton Judy Quillin Diane Spiegel & Family

Helen Frances Chaphe Stacy Cooper Carol L. Ellis Pauline Killmon The Owens Family Alton & Gloria White Diana Young Robert J. Chapman, Sr. Oriole Branch No. 176 – National Assoc. of Letter Carriers Diane S. Charnick Judy Taylor Norma W. Colechia MJ Sokolik Suzanne H. Coons Hall Coons Patricia P. Derby Barbara W. & Donald V. White Josephine L. Elder Vivian & Streak Elder Sharon L. Evans Pat Robinson

Robbin W. Gray Bruce & Vicki Bozman Elaine Brown Chet Fritts Freda Gates Ronald G. Rayne Shirley Records Jackie Richardson & Family Earl Savage Mindy T. West Wicomico East Side Chamber of Commerce Cathleen A. Habeger James Angstadt Dan & Becky Bailey The Laird Family Diana Craig, Marlea & Richard Fulchiron, Peter & Melanie Laird, and Frank & Pam Laird Chris Francone Joyce & Bill Glock Karen Kaplan Joan & Bernie Kessler Sue Kuntz Dr. Frank E. Lucente Carol Ludwig

Diane McGraw John & Ardell McNult Penny Miller Ellen & Jim Morvick Ray & Linda Olsen Craig & Carol Purdy Patricia Reinknecht Sonja Rozaieski Catherine Russo Samuel & Lisa Schwartz Robert & Kathleen Shayer Barbara & Mike Stevenson John & Gail Straub Joan & Robert Strauss Ruth Taliaferro Arnold L. Torres Janice Van Restorff Heather Washam & Megan Lois West Donna Hall's Birthday Delores Bell Diane Lynn Hall Jennifer Frock Douglas H. Hampshire, Sr. Andy & Joanne Hall Susan Lee Donna S. Hanson Herman & Janice Davis Philip & Nancy Donmoyer William M.Glime Ryan Goodwin & your IMPACT Work Family Louise & Joe Howard Wilson & Ann Matthews Patty, Phil & Ann Offer John & Liz Tyler Pamela Sue Haray Jane & Bob Empfield Richard Engel Steve Haray Mr. & Mrs. Richard C. Insley, Jr. Darcy M. Harding, Sr. Patti & Porter Hopkins Jeannie M. Harris Esther Dwyer First Shore Federal Vicki Gray Barbara Kline Jane D. Harrison Sharon & Newt Chandler Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Mayne

Georgianna Hayman Donna Long

Harrison J. Langeler Sylvia D. Langeler

Paul C. Herring Brett Herring

Darryl J. Lewis Robert A. & Terri F. Benson Linda Filewicz Allison Foltz Juliane McKenney Mrs. Teri McKenney Chelly Taylor

Gladys T. Holland The Family of Gladys Holland William & Lynn Benson Rebecca Bishop Linda Ennis Richard & Rosalie Ennis William Farlow Kathy & Jack Gilliss Bill & Elaine Herz Candy & Mark Holland Freddie & Charlotte Holland Judith Holland Peggy G. Palmer Pocomoke High School – Class of 1964 Pocomoke High School – Class of 1963 Sharon Worth Richard Lee Hudson, Sr. Richard L. Hudson II Edward E. Hughes, Jr. Carol Matusky Sarah G. Hughes Doris Hughes Gilbert J. Hurley Guy B. Mowbray Shirley M. Johnson Patty Stratmann Jack David Jones Dr. & Mrs. Robert Harper Arthur W. "Sonny" Jones, Jr. Randall E. Marine Vienna Power Plant Retired Employees Club Frank J. Kilian, II Bradley E. Watkins Margaret Ann King Carolyn "Blondie" Parsons Mary Patricia "Trish" Koval Vanessa Collins Kate Everts & Mark VanGessel Ron & Jennifer Horner Jean Marochak Jean McDonald Barbara L. Taddonio Ronald Wasilak

John Daniel "Dan" Magnes Nick Kolesar The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Employee Giving Program Kenneth A. Maio Sam Burge L.V. Martin & T.F. O'Connor Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd B. Martin Elizabeth Matthews Ernest Matthews Cynthia Maycock Richard Stepanian Bernadine "Bernie" K. McCurdy Allen Lions Club Randolph B. Bloxom Jim & Martha Bradley Con & Barbara Dryden Doris Hughes Dr. & Mrs. Philip A. Insley, Jr. Dr. Thomas W. Jones Laura Lockwood Hunter & Sherry Mann Henry L. Phillips Mary Rutledge J. King White Rick & Amy Wootten Joan E. Meredith Denise Johnson Joan M. Mersinger Joan Howard Deares Denise Mersinger James J. Middleton Kirk Turner & James Loveless Charles "Carroll" Miller, Jr. Anna Belle Baker Clara Greives Joan Lolli & Benedict Li Pira

Fall/Winter 2023 | 35

Thank you to our donors for your continued support and generosity. June 1 - October 1

Geraldine Pruitt Mitchell Dr. & Mrs. Mark and Melissa Cockerill Ruth Ann Collins Jacqueline McCabe Linda K. Mitchell Raymond Thompson Dr. Pamela Zorn & Mr. James Almand Taylor Bank Bruce A. Moore Dirk & Gayle Widdowson Mildred Ann W. Muir Dale W. Jamison Kenneth H. Mullinix, Sr. Jamie, Wayne & Thomas Albert Leroy Murray Milicent Dunlap Kay & Jeff Riall Robert "Bob" Francis Musterman, Sr. Sean & Nina Callahan Susan Curtis Jeanne Hamilton Lane Engineering, LLC Levene, Gouldin & Thompson Jim & Mary Rhodes Thea L. Nelson Becky & Kenny Bennett Parker Nicholls Claudia Nicholls Elaine Nufrio Carol Stogran Linda J. Nylund Joan B. White & Ellen R. Coffin Kim Del Roccili Dr. Arlene White Peggy Palmer Parker Linwood & Mary Louise Barnes Louise Bassett Nancy Bounds Directors, Officers & Employees of The Bank of Delmarva Jacqueline McCabe Charles E. Mumford, III Lindsay Palmer Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Skeeter Mr. & Mrs. George Stoll, III Sue & Terry Tomsky Thomas Truitt

George M. Pearce Alice Eyler Malcolm "Mac" W. Peverley Rodney & Debbie Abbott The Aten's Barbara Black Carol & Michael Brown Charles R. Dashiell, Jr. Doris Hughes Dr. & Mrs. Philip A. Insley, Jr. Valerie Kitch Ann Lamdin & Bruce Thommen Stuart Levy Ginnie & Bob Malone Dr. & Mrs. James E.Martin DJ & Trish Monagle Darryl & Leslie Nixon Marie Noplock Amy Notte The Porters Kathleen, Whit, Carver, & Mason Henry & Nancy Rojewski Henry & Mary Louisa Rutledge Bill & Jean Smith The John B. Parsons Foundation Sharon Walsh Dr. Joseph & Anne Welch George & Barbara Whitehead Wicomico Garden Club Dirk & Gayle Widdowson Ronald & Susan Wilkins Vicki Woerner David E. Phillips Lois Andrew Walter English & Sandra English Ovens Mary Frances English Rinas & Karl Rinas Judy M. Taylor Phyllis M. Waters William E. Postles, III Gordon and Mary Sue Gladden Larry S. Quillen Diane R. Madara Joseph Madara Jose "Josie" F. Ritenour Margaret Martin Bonnie B. Roth Greg Holland

Annette B. Rudd Park View Federal Credit Union Dr. Robert Scherr Dr. & Mrs. Alfred H. Beattie Carolyn & Keith Conners John & Brenda Corcoran Elliott & Dana Corn Rhonda Evans Ms. Sandy Gershenfeld Karen L. Hughes Leonard Jaffe David Kessler, Pam Selway & Gary Bell, Jr. David & Hannah Miller Joyce Pepper Nick & Sharon Servadio Robert G. Schiffer Betty & Bill Harrison Martha L. Shafer Abundant Life Worship Center C. Sonny Chiofolo Michele Messick Dr. Michael G. Murray Carroll Nichols North Salisbury Sunshine Committee Charles B. Silvia, Sr. Jenny & Ed Hastings Vicki & Mike Purkey Ronald & Susan Wilkins Ferdinand H. Sinclair, Jr. Kim Bartman John C. Staley Solveig Crowley Elizabeth & Dennis Dare Michael Higgins Ellen Stanton Robin Pontz Mary E. Stine Joseph Stine Sylvia Stroop Mark & Averill Jones Pearl E. Stuckey The Family of Pearl E. Stuckey

Patricia J. Stuiber Cheryl Cermele April Conaway, Frances Wilkinson, Gina Gurney, April James JoAnn Neutz Nancy & Jim Terry Brandon Viar Sharon L. Taylor Kim Mumford Gail Anne Reese Timmons Ewing Timmons Kathleen Cooper Timmons Delmarva Coon Hunters Assoc.

Jenny Hastings Loretta Wanda G.Todd Cambridge High School – Class of 1957 Miguel H. Torres Marsha Howarth John & Betty Tustin Jeanne D. Townsend Elaine Wallingford Janice Ward Robert "Bob" H. Truitt Ann L. Kaplan Mike & Christina Seidel Zoe L. Smith James W. Taylor Ethel L. Turner Ivy Young Jeffrey Scott Turner The John B. Parsons Foundation James E. Wagner Willa Klingensmith Ronald K. Ward Thomas & Carolyn Allen Daphne Hayman Terri Moran Cynthia Oursler Mrs. Helen Snyder

Phyllis B. Webster The Aebly Family Steve & Suzy Benedict William R. Hall Stanley & Kathy Howeth Arthur Marvel Sally Owens Pat Robinson Helen Senkbeil Bruce & Sandy Wharton Ruth S. Widdowson Coastal Chiropractic Center Rick & Sheila Darrah Orville Dryden & Family Mrs. Betsy Dykes Peggy Pruitt Sue Rogan Diana Shumate Susan Walls Janice Ward Ruth E. Wilkerson Betty Hudson Wayne Thomas Wilkerson William F. Farlow Pocomoke City VFC Auxiliary Wayne T. Wilkerson's Birthday Rhonda Wilkerson Shirley J. Wilson Billy & Brenda Beauchamp Robert C. Yore Sharon Smith Francis "Dick" M. Young Suzy Benedict Dottie & John Butler Directors, Officers and Employees of The Bank of Delmarva Orville Dryden, Jr. William S. Erwin Fred R. Moore & Son, Inc. Margaret & Joe Hinson Teresa McCain SU Foundation, Inc. John & Betty Tustin David & Liz Walker Bob & Arlene Weeks Peter K. Zimmerman William Hyle & Alan Merritt-Hyle

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NEWS

Caring for Families in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico & Worcester Counties

Fall/Winter 2023-2024 Edition Executive Director Monica Escalante, President & CEO Editor-in-Chief Alejandra Lazcano, Director of Communications Associate Editor Joy Stokes, Communications Coordinator Collaborators Lauren Blair | Community Relations & Development Manager Dr. Stacy Cottingham | Special Programs Access Liaison RN Alvin Harmon | Director of Spiritual, Bereavement, and Supportive Services Lauren King | Community Education & Caregiver Academy Manager Toni Knobloch | Volunteer Services Manager Alejandra Lazcano | Director of Communications Ann Lovely | Chief Clinical Officer Tammy Patrick | Director of Advancement Nancy Stewart | Access Services Manager Robert Williams | Bereavement Counselor Contributors Venessa Bowers Milt Hess Stacey McMichael Pennie Savage Jim White Coastal Hospice News is a quarterly newsletter published by the Coastal Hospice Communications Department.

410-742-8732 ext. 537 communications@coastalhospice.org Coastal Hospice Inc. PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802 410-742-8732 | www.CoastalHospice.org

If you are looking to work within a supportive and collaborative culture, reach out to Tracy Juergens | Human Resources Generalist 410-742-8732 x123 | tjuergens@coastalhospice.org www.coastalhospice.org/careers

Change of Address Please send both your address from your last issue and your new address to communications@coastalhospice.org If you wish to be remove from our mailing list, please use email above.

Connect With Us Facebook @coastalhospice Instagram @coastalhospice YouTube @hospicevideos LinkedIn @CoastalHospiceInc The Communications Department appreciates the collaboration of Coastal Hospice staff in the production of this newsletter.

Coastal Hospice, Inc. PO Box 1733 Salisbury, MD 21802 www.CoastalHospice.org 410-742-8732 410-742-7866 Follow us online: @CoastalHospice @CoastalHospice @CoastalHospice @CoastalHospiceInc

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