2 - Valley News
December 8, 2012
www.valleynewsadk.com
High Peaks Hospice helps people cope with death and dying By Shaun Kittle
shaun@denpubs.com Hospice care isn’t about giving up, it’s about making a decision—a decision that can define how the final days of a person’s life will be lived. “The misconception is that hospice care is about dying or about giving up, and it’s not,” said Ingrid Roemischer, Development and Outreach Coordinator of High Peaks Hospice. “The patient is who we take care of. It’s still their life, it’s still their choice.” When a doctor gives someone six months or less to live, they often have the option of staying in a hospital and receiving treatment. Hospice caregivers, like those who work and volunteer for High Peaks Hospice, can offer the patient, and the patient’s family, other options. “A lot of people want to be home their last days, and we help them do that,” Roemischer said, adding: “It’s care, it’s not a cure.”
What Roemischer means is that the purpose of hospice is to offer support and to make a person’s last days as comfortable as possible. High Peaks Hospice staff members become as involved as the family, and the patient, would like them to be, and will come to a person’s home, nursing home or hospital. Staff can visit daily, or weekly, depending on a patient’s wishes, and can perform tasks that range from simple conversation to helping take care of the patient. It’s what Roemischer refers to as the circle of care. In the center is the patient, and then the primary caregiver and the patient’s family. Around that is hospice, and then the doctor. The bulls-eye is always the patient, the focal point of all factions of hospice care, and everyone with a diagnosis of six months or less to live is eligible. “We do not turn people away based on age, gender, race, religion, or ability to pay,” Roemischer said. It’s true that hospice focuses on the needs of
Receive FREE Ward Lumber gift card with purchase! 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Piece Combo Kit with 2 Batteries
10" Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw With Laser
SALE
$299
$499
*And $25 WL Gift Card!
*And $5O WL Gift Card!
Even though hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most health management organizations and private insurance companies, some expenses, like bereavement and mileage reimbursement, are largely funded by donations and community support. High Peaks Hospice also relies heavily upon See HOSPICE, page 8
We have many tools on sale starting at just $55, and get FREE gift cards when you purchase select tools! Go to www.WardLumber.com for details.
The Elizabethtown Thrift Shop is ready for Christmas! Party clothes for Girls & Boys, Warm Winter Coats & Hats. Christmas Decorations & Gifts for All. Shop Thursday ‘till 7pm and Saturday 2-4pm. Thrift Shop Hours M, T, W, F 10am-2m Reach us also at www.etownthrift.org. Find us on facebook or email etthrift@yahoo.com, phone 518-873-6518 or by mail; Elizabethtown Thrift Shop, PO Box 361, Elizabethtown, NY 12932
42245
Four-steel rail sliding system , 6 Linear ball bearings. Capacity for up to 6-5/8-inch crown molding (vertically nested), 4Model LS1016L 3/4-inch baseboard (vertical), and 12-inch cross cuts at 90 . Prices good Powerful 15 AMP direct drive thru Dec. 24, motor. Exclusive 4-3/4-inch 2012 tall dual sliding fence system.
* For tools that come with a free Ward Lumber gift card, gift cards are to be used for future purchases.
the patient, but they are also there for the needs of the patient’s family. “End of life can be very stressful for everyone involved,” Roemischer said. “Sometimes, the family just needs to get away for a few hours.” High Peaks Hospice has served more than 5,600 patients and their families in Franklin, Essex and Warren counties since it was founded in 1986.
Elizabethtown Thrift Shop upstairs at Deer’s Head Inn Restaurant
SALE
Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time. Uses energy to match Model LXT239 torque and RPM to the changing demands. Variable 2-speed Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill (0-400 and 0-1,500 RPM) delivers 400-Inch-Pound of Max Torque. Brushless driver delivers 1,420Inch-Pound of Max Torque in a compact
Carol Finke, Hospice Care Coordinator for the High Peaks Hospice Warren County office, signing in CEU participants at a High Peaks Hospice bereavement workshop. Photo provided
The Elizabethtown Social Center presents...
697 Glen Rd, Jay, NY 800-836-0950 Mon— Fri: 7am — 5pm Sat: 8am — 2pm 42818
SHOUT FOR JOY! Holiday Spirituals by
The Pleasant Valley Chorale
Cold Spring
Friday, December 7th ~ 7:30pm Essex Community Church Essex, New York and
GRANITE COMPANY www.granitemountainstonedesign.com
Sunday, December 9th ~ 3:00pm United Church of Christ Route 9, Elizabethtown Susan Hughes, Director Mary Lu Kirsty, Accompanist Admission to both concerts is free. Donations accepted at the door.
• Countertops & Vanities • Fireplaces & Woodstove Hearths • Custom Fabrication • Installation or Pick Up • Pick Out Your Slabs • Great Pricing
Largest Slabyard In The Area! 13791 NYS Rte 9N South Ausable Forks, NY
42814
Elizabethtown Community Hospital
Pediatric Care Close to Home Dr. Michael Celotti offering pediatric services in Elizabethtown. • Complete pediatric care • School physicals • Well-child visits • Vaccinations
Call the Elizabethtown Community Health Center to schedule an appointment at 873-6896
Elizabethtown Community Health Center 66 Park Street, E’town 873-6896
Call 518-647-8192 41587
41613