The
JOURNEY
Your life. Your choice. Your Passage.
November - December 2013
Innovative Program of the year are C e v i t a i all P s e g a s Pas year Celebrates one
Coping with Grief During the Holidays
NHPCO Creative Arts Winners
We provide individualized, quality care every step of the way.
Our Vision
We deliver expert, personalized care with compassion and respect.
Contributors: Editorial
Kaitlyn Henderson Kansas Swain
Art Direction Kamie Freeland
Staff photographers supplied all photos in this newsletter unless otherwise specified. All photographs are property of Passages Hospice and may not be reproduced without permission. Contact pr@passageshospice.com for permission or questions. This issue of The Journey was made available to the public on October 30th through issuu. View the newsletter at http://bit.ly/1h1r6Sd
Contact Us:
After Hours Helpline
888.741.8983
Connect with Us:
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Nov. - Dec. 2013
D e c e m b e r
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P: 1.888.741.8985 E: info@passageshospice.com W: www.passageshospice.com
N o v e m b e r -
Photography
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Our Mission
2013
Meet the Staff:
Chief Medical Officer Dheeraj Mahajan, MD
Chief Compliance Officer Sharon DeVita
Chief Marketing Officer Shelley Johansen
Chief Financial Officer Sandy Szajkovics
Social Services Roxxi Davis
Spiritual Care David Weiss
Clinical Services Carmen Velez
Physician and Hospital Services Jacob Matich
Palliative Care Emily O’Malley
Public Relations and Foundation Development Kansas Swain
Volunteer Services Nicole Brokaw
Education Alice Amro
Information Technology Tom Schar
Human Resources Ed Jones
Anonymous Compliance Hotline 855.366.5093 As part of our continuing commitment to compliance we are encouraging facilities and other partners to use this number if they have a concern.
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Index 3 Congratulations to the NHPCO Creative Arts Winners 4 Passages is Innovative Program of the Year
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4 IHCA Champion Within award nominees 5 Passages Palliative Care celebrates one year of service 6 Compassionate Care for the Korean Community 7 Volunteer Spotlight 8 Coping with grief during the holidays 9 -10 Veterans Day 11-12 Dreams are ageless 13-14 Around the town
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Now serving‌.Moline, IL! We're excited to open our first western Illinois office in the Quad Cities area! The office will help serve Bureau, Henry, Knox, Mercer, Rock Island, Stark and Whiteside counties. The office will officially be open on November 1st, and a ribbon cutting and open house event will be held early next year. Contact our Moline office at: 609 35th Ave Suite 1-A Upper Level Moline, Il 61265 Phone: 309-517-6196 Fax: 309-517-6197 bherwig@passageshospice.com
Heart of Hospice: As a hospice nurse, I care for each patient’s and their family’s emotional status. I am always in action - caring for my patients with tasks such as charting, vitals, and physical assessment. But the best part of my job is living the hospice philosophy of hope, compassion, and heart with everything I do.
C
ongratulations to RN Laura Blumenstein and Hospice Liaison Ashley Belue on their winning entries to the NHPCO's Creative Arts contest! Laura's photo, Heart of Hospice, won first place in the Nature/Abstract category. Ashley's photo, Web of Love, won an Honorable Mention in the same category. Both photos were featured during the annual NHPCO conference and online.
Web of Love: Much the same as a typical spiders web, death in our culture has the stigma of being viewed as a trap. Just as this spider has attempted to show a greater purpose in his webbing skills, we - as a hospice team - have to show that we’re here to provide a web of support; to celebrate the current phase of life, seeking beauty & dignity in the transition of moving from this side to the other... a path we all must eventually travel. 3
Nov. - Dec. 2013
See all this year’s winners on the NHPCO’s Pinterest page by clicking here!
Innovative Program of the Year Our Walking With You video series was named the Innovative Program of the Year by the Illinois Health Care Association during their annual Staff and Volunteer Awards program.
“These informative videos are helping to change the way hospice services are understood in the community. They are readily available at any time to help patients and their families understand their options when it comes to the difficult decisions regarding hospice care,� said IHCA Executive Director David Voepel. The Innovative Program of the Year award was presented at the annual IHCA Convention and Trade Show in Peoria, Illinois on September 11th, 2013.
Congratulations to our nominees for the IHCA Champion Within awards: Social Worker Telia Starks as Social Services Professional
Natasha Satterfeal as Nursing Assistant
Paul Rouffa as Adult Volunteer
Kayla Grenlund as Social Services Professional
lebrating e C
One Year 10.2012
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ongratulations to Passages Palliative Care on its first anniversary of serving patients! Passages Palliative Care admitted its first patients in the Chicago area in October of 2012, and is now serving the entire state of Illinois!
More than 330 patients and families found symptom and pain relief through Passages Palliative Care. Passages Palliative was also nominated for a Chicago Innovation Award for making palliative care more accessible to those in nursing facilities.
Why palliative care?
If you’ve been diagnosed with a serious illness, but want to treat or cure the disease, hospice isn’t for you. But you might have side effects from the treatments, like pain, nausea or insomnia. Any illness is stressful and everyone in the family maybe experiencing this stress. Palliative care uses the same holistic philosophy as hospice care, but is offered at the same time as regular treatment. Palliative care recommends medications and supplies to manage symptoms, as well as a social worker to help with the stress of the illness. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurances often, but not always, cover palliative care costs. Like hospice care, palliative care helps the person’s family, too.
When should I start palliative care?
Palliative care can start as soon as you’re diagnosed with a serious illness. Palliative care is given at the same time as curative treatments like chemotherapy or dialysis, so the earlier you begin palliative care, the more relief you will feel.
How do I pay for palliative care?
Palliative care is a covered benefit through Medicare and many private insurances.
Where can I learn more about palliative care?
Call Passages Palliative Care toll-free at 888-741-8985 or email info@passagespalliative.com.
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Nov. - Dec. 2013
연민과 간병
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Compassionate Care
e recently launched a new program dedicated to providing education and culturally-sensitive care to the Korean community! Asian-Americans make up about 5% of the country’s population, but account for just 2.5% of hospice patients. Our Community Outreach Specialists are committed to ensuring these families receive the care they need at the end of life. Our Korean Outreach Program includes Korean-language brochures and educational items, community events, and partnerships with local groups that provide services to the Korean community. We’ve also hired compassionate, Korean-speaking caregivers to help our patients feel comfortable and connected to their culture. We’ve held or participated in more than 10 events focused on the Korean culture and are happy to report that we serve more patients of Asian descent than most hospices. Each patient we reach is a life and a family that are experiencing the relief of hospice care!
5% Asian-Americans make up about 5% of the country’s population,
2.5% but account for just 2.5% of hospice patients.
Passages Pooches
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rin is one of our newest volunteers, and joins our St. Louisarea team. After earning an Interactive Digital Media degree from Northwest Missouri State University in Iowa, Erin moved to St. Louis for work. She has always been a dedicated volunteer for pet rescues, animal shelters and other organizations. In addition to her volunteer work, Erin is also a foster parent for animals needing a home. Erin found a volunteer home in our Passages Pooches program, where she could share her volunteer talents with her eight-yearold Cavachon, Lilly. Erin looks forward to sharing her hobbies of crafting with our patients while Lilly shares her kisses and cuddles. Erin also has a blog at www.erinfunk.com
Fun fact: Lilly’s favorite food is cheese, so it’s no wonder she was happy to sit for this photo!
About Lilly: Lilly is a Cavachon - a mixed Erin Funk
Age 22 St. Louis, Missouri
Volunteer Spotlight
breed whose lineage includes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise!
Q. Do you have any advanced education? A. I attended Devry University and majored in Kinesiology and Health Information Science, I’m thinking of pursuing a Master’s in a Physician Assistant program. I’m also in the U.S. Coast Guard. Q. What are your hobbies? A. I really enjoy being physical and being outdoors. My favorite sports are soccer and diving. I also enjoy crafting, which is something I share with the patients I visit. Q. What made you want to be a hospice volunteer? A. I worked in a lab at a nursing home for four years, and I saw how important hospice care was to families. I love that hospice is so focused on the patient and their family, and admire their work. Q. What kind of activities do you do when volunteering? A. Sometimes I just sit with patients and keep them company, and sometimes I help patients with crafts. I also bring my dog Kalola with me. She’s just one of my four pets!
Cherish Osborne
Coping with grief during the holidays
Holidays are traditionally a time of celebration, joy and family reunion. But when you're grieving, even the happiest memories can hurt. Finding ways to manage the pain, especially during the holidays, can be challenging for even the most optimistic person. Bereavement specialist Tim Mitchell shares advice for getting through this season. Have flexibility and foresight Try to plan ahead and anticipate changes you may need to make. Recognize your limitations—that you may not be able to do everything that you have done in the past. You may have to establish priorities to manage what you need and what your family needs. Even if you have always hosted the holiday meal, it's okay to ask someone else to do it. It will not be the same without your loved one and that
may be a way of honoring them. Inform your family of your plans soon. Be gentle with yourself Be aware of how difficult it is to lose someone, and be kind to yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. Carve out enough time to get the rest you need. It's okay to have fun, and it's okay to cry. Give yourself permission to celebrate and enjoy your day. Take time to be with people you enjoy. Honor your loved one Take time to remember the special loved one who is no longer with you. You could do something special to celebrate their life like lighting a candle or creating a ‘sacred space’ with a photo of your loved one. You can also have your place of worship include your loved one in their prayers, and have family members share a funny story about your loved one following dinner.
Reach out Grieving is difficult work and it may be helpful to find family and friends that are supportive. The holidays tend to magnify feelings of loss and it's normal to feel sadness for that loss. Look for a grief support group where you can tell others about your loved one. A group is a great way to be a support to others who have lost loved ones and that can be healing for you as well. There is no right way or wrong way to grieve Don't be afraid to do things differently. It's okay to do less and say “no” when it doesn't feel right for you. It's okay to change a tradition—or start a new one to help ease the pain. It's okay to resume family traditions if it brings you comfort. Always remember: it is better to do what is most helpful for you and your family.
If you are grieving someone who received Passages Hospice services and need extra care this season, please contact our Bereavement Department at 888-741-8985.
On Veteran’s Day,
we recognize the countless men and women who have given their time or lives in service to our country. We honor them by celebrating their service and the freedom they gave us with their sacrifices. The average age of a World War II veteran is 90, and more than 25% of all Americans who will pass away this year are veterans. We give special tribute to our veteran patients this month through Veterans Day ceremonies across the state.
November
6th Forest Edge Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Chicago, IL 7th Fairview Care Center, Joliet, IL 8th Rock River Center, Oregon, IL Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Downers Grove, IL 11th Aurora Rehabiltiation, Aurora, IL 11th VFW ceremony in Fairview Heights 7th - 11th Passages Hospice booth at Aurora Moving Wall 14th Helia Healthcare of Carbondale, Carbondale, IL
Thank You W
e also recognize that military service affects not only the person serving, but their loved ones at home. We thank those in service to our county as either a member of the military or a dedicated, concerned family member.
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ur third annual Holiday Supply Drive begins on Veterans Day! Supplies collected will be donated to local veteran support groups, including the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and Leave No Veteran Behind. Our drive is co-hosted by local community leaders and political representatives. Bring your supplies to any Passages Hospice office to donate!
Thank you to our Staff Chaplain Michael LeMay, Navy Volunteer Marco Fields, Coast Guard Volunteer Cherish Osborne, Coast Guard Volunteer Mike Pace, Army RN John Carlson, Army Volunteer Michelle Martinez-Velazquez, Air Force
Navy David Culbertson, Brother of CNA Rebecca Ferrell Jazmine Culbertson, Sister-in-law of CNA Rebecca Ferrell Christiana Culbertson, Niece of CNA Rebecca Ferrell Albert LeMay, Father of Chaplain Michael LeMay Eldon Corn, Father-in-law of Chaplain Michael LeMay Freddie Bledsoe, Cousin of Office Manager Martika Jackson William Louis Ronk III, Father-in-law of CNA Tina Collier Gabriel Putz, Husband of Hospice Liaison Stephanie Putz Brandon Harris, son of RN Linda Harris Air Force Michael Farrar, Son-in-law of Chaplain Michael LeMay John Graham, Husband of Volunteer Coordinator Emma Graham Becca Guenther, sister of Volunteer Services Liaison Army Eric Rutherford, Brother of PR Specialist Kamie Freeland Thomas Wagner, Brother-in-law of CNA Rebecca Ferrell Larry Vinyard, Husband of RN Director Mary Vinyard Larry Dale Smith, Father-in-law of CNA Bethany Norris Joey Hall, Cousin of CNA Bethany Norris Matthew Williams, Uncle of CNA Bethany Norris Lawrence Mais, Father of RN Mary Anderson Darrell Farmer, Stepfather of Office Manager Martika Jackson Willie Trujillo, Husband of LPN Irma Trujillo Charles James, Father of CNA Trena McGuire Chad Szopinski, Son of CNA Judi Lynn Szopinski Luis Villanueva, Brother of Clinical Director Carmen Velez William Rosado, Uncle of Clinical Director Carmen Velez Nathaniel Johnkin, Husband of RN Betty Johnkin William O’Brien, father of Director of Public Relations Kansas Swain Rob Henderson, father of Communications Manager Kaitlyn Henderson Theron Pretzsch, father of CNA Tabatha Naylon James Zei, son of Volunteer Coordinator Aileen Zei Army Reserves Ryan Anderson, Army Reserve, Son of RN Mary Anderson Gabrielle Swinford, daughter of Director of Public Relations Kansas Swain Marine Corps Johnny Wright, Son of LPN Julia Smith Brandon Szopinski, Son of CNA Judi Lynn Szopinski William Matich, grandfather of Director of Physician Services Jacob Matich National Guard Caleb Williams, Nephew of CNA Bethany Norris Ivan Parayao, brother of CNA Raphael Parayao
Dreams are Ageless
Passages Hospice’s preferred not-for-profit organization is Hospice Dreams!
[ Cliff ]
Cliff Turner was only 19 years old when he dropped his first bomb from an airplane during World War II. Now 88, Cliff has lived a full life, including a family and pride in his military service. Hospice Dreams helped Cliff have the afternoon of a lifetime on an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C through financial support and a goodbye-and-welcome committee of supporters.
[ Elaine ] Elaine Johnston has spent her entire life caring for others, especially her daughter Patti. Patti has special needs, and Elaine wanted to make sure Patti was settled comfortably in her new group home. Hospice Dreams provided hotdogs (Patti’s favorite!), transportation and medical staff to ensure Elaine and Patti enjoyed a worry-free visit. Read more about the visit in the Iroquois County Times Republic by clicking here.
[ Delores ] Delores is a shop-till-you-drop kind of woman, and her favorite store is Bergner’s in Peoria, Illinois. Delores’s Dream included a complimentary makeover by Lancôme and new shoes, socks and a purse. She was accompanied by her sister Carol and husband Ken (who patiently held her purse while she shopped.) Read more about Delores’s trip in the Peoria Journal Star newspaper by clicking here.
www.hospicedreams.org
[ Bob ]
Bob Devore, 95, attended his first Cubs game in more than 40 years with his children and grandchildren. He was decked out in Cubs gear and enjoyed all the ballpark favorites like popcorn, a hotdog, nachos and more. Bob waved his "95 and still waiting!" sign to cheer the Cubs onto a win before declaring "This is wonderful. No, better than wonderful."
[
Rosie
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Rosie celebrated a family reunion with more than 30 loved ones at Timbuktu Saloon in Decatur, Illinois! The family-owned business was a halfway point for members of Rosie’s family, and the group met there often over the years. Rosie’s Dream was to see them all together in her favorite place again.
[ Marguerite ]
Marguerite celebrated her 100th birthday with cake and friends in Pittsfield, Illinois. She snuck a spoonful of frosting and told the partygoers, “When you’re 100, you eat all the frosting you want.”. Hospice Dreams helped make her birthday extra special with certificates of recognition for her centenarian achievement from the State of Illinois!
The second annual Wine, Beer and Food Festival raised more than $11,500 for Hospice Dreams! More than 300 people attended the festival, which featured 50 wines, beers and liqueurs and food from local restaurants. The Festival was held in cooperation with the Kankakee Valley Park District and nearly doubled in size from the last year’s event. Save the date for the third annual Festival on September 19, 2014!
Around the Town
Our staff participated in the Fiesta Parade in Sterling, IL to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month!
Cynthia Walter, Manager of Clinical Initiatives, pins a pink ribbon onto the collar of David Weiss, Director of Spiritual Care, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Community Outreach Specialist Randy Kim participates in a KACS event to provide hospice education to the Korean community.
We partnered with Dignity Memorial to bring the Pillars of Honor, a scale replica of the World War II monument, to Weinstein Funeral Home in Glencoe, IL through our We Honor Veterans program.
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Nov. - Dec. 2013
We’ve been busy attending Health Fairs, Senior Fairs, Veterans Fairs and more across the Midwest. We meet a lot of great people, including this representative of Hines VA Hospital! Rosemary from Green Valley Manor in St. Louis shows off the “lucha libre” mask she made to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
One of our We Honor Veterans partners is the Honor Flight organization. Our staff attended a send-off event for the Lake County Honor Flight group, cheering for our veterans and wishing them well on their trip. Ralph the scarecrow enjoys the sunshine at Perry Farm in Kankakee. Ralph is representing Passages Hospice in the Bourbonnais Township Park District’s scarecrow contest.
Capture the moment!
Follow us on Instagram to see the best photos of our staff, activities and events!
Your life. Your choice. Your Passage.
Bloomington, IL
404 N. Hershey Road Ste. A Bloomington, IL 61704 Phone: 309.828.8139 Fax: 309.827.4878
Carbondale, IL
Lisle, IL
Carmel, IN
Rockford, IL
St. Louis, MO
515 Warrenville Road Lisle, IL 60532 Phone: 630.824.0400 Fax: 630.395.9235
120 North Tower Rd. Ste. A Carbondale, IL 62901 Phone: 618.490.1040
929 S. Alpine Road, Ste. 202 Rockford, IL 61108 Phone: 815.226.7785 Fax: 815.226.7786
Moline, IL
Swansea, IL
609 35th Ave. Ste. 1-A Upper Level Moline, IL 61265 Phone: 309. 517.6196 Passages Hospice Fax: 309.517.6197
www.passageshospice.com
16 Bronze Pointe Blvd. Swansea, IL 62226 Phone: 618.234.7078 Fax: 618.257.7266
888-741-8985 Call us to be connected with someone in your area.
2325 Pointe Parkway Ste. 110 Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317.564.8779
1120 South Sixth Street, Ste. 500 St. Louis, MO 63104 Phone: 314-241-5700 Fax: 314-241-0441
Janesville, WI
1828 N. Washington St., Ste., 170 Janesville, WI 53548 Phone: 608.531.2212
info@passageshospice.com