Heart to Heart - Fall 2013

Fall 2013

e Magazine of Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care

Our Fathers’ Peaceful Passages Steve & Dana Berkus at Serenity House

There When You Need Us Most!

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Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care realized many outstanding accomplishments throughout our first century of service to the Santa Barbara community. There were many challenges that occurred during those first one hundred and five years as well. It has taken both the successes and struggles to shape and build an exceptionally strong organization of people that is prepared and committed to provide you the very best care possible.

care to everyone we serve. The overwhelmingly positive, supportive feedback that we receive from families whose lives we touch confirm that we are succeeding.

We are fortunate to have exceptional leadership guiding us at this time. Our voluntary and visionary Board of Directors understands our community and its needs. The executive staff and senior leadership are highly qualified and committed to maintaining VNHC as a leader These are challenging days for all healthcare in promoting and providing a healthier comproviders. VNHC is no exception. Uncertainty munity. The generous and consistent financial regarding the impact of the Affordable Care support we receive from the community Act, increasing regulations, and budget cuts are bolsters our efforts. the norm today. Every day we are being asked We have one focus every day at Visiting Nurse to do more with less. & Hospice Care, and that is‌ to be there when Yet, I see a resolve among our staff and volunyou need us most. teers to rise above these challenges and stay foLynda Tanner, RN, MSN cused on delivering quality and compassionate

President & CEO

Scan this with a code reader to make a donation to VNHC today.

Thank You!

Santa Barbara | 805.965.5555 Santa Ynez | 805.693.5555 Lompoc | 805.735.4444 www.vnhcsb.org

Our Very Own Band of Brothers (page 8)

VNHC BOARD

of

DIRECTORS

Christopher C. Jones Chair Lynda Tanner, RN, MSN President & CEO Herb Geary, RN Secretary

Volunteer Vets (l to r)

Scott Eschbach, Greg Brown, Don Waters, Aaron Thompson, Jim McClure

Mary Pritchard Treasurer Michael Bordofsky, M.D. Ed Brady

Fall 2013

Erika Buse Rabbi Steve Cohen Stan Fishman Daniel Greenwald, M.D. Jane Habermann Gail Haupt Robert Hirsch Don Johnson Rick Keith Foundation Executive Director Nancy Kimsey Barbara Kummer Neil Levinson Steve Lew Michelle Martinich Immediate Past Chair Chris McNamara Judy Murphy Al Rodriguez Bobbie Rosenblatt James Stovesand Ted Thoreson, M.D. William Vasquez Elna Scheinfeld Director Emeritus

Writers

Frank Newton, Sydney Gardner Rick Keith

Features 4

Centerpiece of a peaceful passing Serenity House

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Instilling Confidence From 1,000 miles away Personal Care Services

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Every Lock Needs a Key We Honor Veterans Program

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Back On My Feet Again Physical Therapy in the Home

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Being Present Chaplaincy Program

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Helping Us Cope With Loss Bereavement Counseling

Departments

Contributors

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VNHC Special Event Coverage Peter Murphy Men’s Night; Mother’s Day Luncheon; Yachts of Love—Charity Regatta

Photographers

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Golden Heart Award Winners Ditte Noack & Patricia Gonzalez

Sam Geli, Dusty Keegan, Dairine Pearson Marion Schoneberger, Kathleen Smith Arlene Stepputat, Lynda Tanner Bill Schoneberger—Clear Concepts Events: Scott Gibson, Rhianna Mercier

Comfortable surroundings in the Breavement Counseling Center at 602 E. Montecito Street

Design

Clear Concepts

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care

@vnhc

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care

Mother’s Day Luncheon Co-Chairs Jodi Fishman-Osti & Pamela Dillman Haskell

Published by Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Foundation 509 E. Montecito Street Second Floor Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805.690.6290 foundation@vnhcsb.org www.vnhcsb.org

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Serenity House The Centerpiece of a Peaceful Passing

Two families brought together through marriage found themselves contemplating common decisions about how to care for their fathers’ declining health.

While both fathers wished to die at home, the families realized the home was not set up for hospice care, and the stress of handling their fathers’ intense pain and deteriorating health was too much to bear.

Barry Berkus was a visionary architect whose work was recognized locally and throughout the world

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www.vnhcsb.org

The Lillian and Jon Lovelace Family Living Room at Serenity House

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hankfully, for the families of Barry Berkus and Jack Engle, they found Serenity House—hidden on a hillside among Santa Barbara’s majestic coastal oaks, a place where patients are cared for in a serene and homelike setting. Each private room allows patients to be surrounded by loved ones, and provides roundthe-clock medical care from a team of specially trained doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, and hospice aides that support emotional, spiritual, and practical concerns.

Serenity House was not the only thing that Barry Berkus and Jack Engel had in common.

They each led successful lives—Barry, a visionary architect, and Jack, an aerospace engineer.

They both shared a deep love for family and for Santa Barbara. There were only a few months of difference in their ages, and only a few days separated them at death.

The Berkus family discovered Serenity House when son Steven Berkus’ father-in-law, Jack Engel, was checked into Serenity House where he spent his final days. Jack’s daughter, Dana Berkus, recalls the day they moved her father into Serenity House. “It is a peaceful

place and we were able, as a family, to move from ‘worried attention to loving attention’ for our father. We are incredibly thankful for Serenity House.”

“In visiting Jack, I learned how wonderful Serenity House was for the very challenging and emotional end of life stage,” said Steve Berkus. Steve told his family of his experience at Serenity House and took them there to see for themselves that it was a perfect setting for their father’s final days.

“Prior to Serenity House, while our father was still at home and his quality of life waning, our family was consumed with wanting to help out and provide any comfort possible,” said Steve Berkus. “When our father moved to Serenity House, the pressure we were managing had been relieved, and we were then able to concentrate all of our energy and love on him.

Albeit difficult, the process became more peaceful.”

Jack Engle, aerospace engineer, devoted husband and father

The Berkus family is deeply rooted in design and architecture and the family was immediately impressed with the tranquil setting 5

Perched on a hillside among Santa Barbara’s majestic coastal oaks, Serenity House patients are cared for in a serene, homelike setting.

and beautiful surroundings. “As an architect, I could immediately see how the principles of design were integrated into the site,” said son Jeff Berkus. “My father’s room had a fountain outside, with gorgeous views of his beloved city. The room was also thoughtfully arranged so that our family was able to gather comfortably around his bed. I also appreciated the meditation room and family room, which were well thought out, and helped my family feel very comfortable.”

The layout of Serenity House is thoughtfully planned to provide the most comfort and ease for its patients and family. The reception desk is situated off the courtyard, so if guests come unannounced, they are treated with a warm welcome but thoughtfully informed if it is not a good time to visit. “Our Dad was a beloved member of this community, and he had many friends who wanted to pay their respects.

However, it wasn’t the appropriate time, and it

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was wonderful to have the staff share our wishes and respect our privacy with kindness and gratitude,” said Jeff.

The picturesque surroundings are complimented by the highly skilled staff at Serenity House, who is expertly trained in preparing families for the final stages. “The nurses and staff were amazing, and kept my family very informed,” said Jeff. “They were never intrusive, and understood subtlety when appropriate, that was really appreciated. They said that in one of the final stages a patient may become highly alert and that it’s important to continue to communicate, as the patient is still aware. This did happen to our Dad, and we were thankful we were able to share that experience because we were prepared. This would not have happened if we were at home. My father had a peaceful passing, and Serenity House was a centerpiece for that.” ❧

Creating peace of mind from 1,000 miles away

personal Care Services

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or many older adults who are advancing in years, a common wish is to remain living in their own home and staying independent for as long as possible. However, daily household duties, increasing doctor visits, and limited transportation can seem overwhelming and unmanageable. Those who seek assistance to stay living independently can find the support they need with Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care’s Personal Care Services.

Last September, Karen was looking for a service provider who could assist her mother Jane with minimal care, such as taking her to doctor appointments and grocery shopping.

Karen, who lives in Seattle, WA, knew she needed to find someone whom she could trust and who could provide compassionate care so her mother could remain in her home, as was her wish. “When it became obvious my mother needed someone to assist her so she could stay in her home, we contacted Visiting Nurses and had a visit with the Personal Care Services coordinator,” said Karen. “It was then that I learned the breadth of their services, and we have been working together ever since. I feel confident given Visiting Nurses’s long track record that they would be reliable and would always be able to cover my mother’s needs as those needs evolve over time.”

“For me, living 1,000 miles away with no other family, I appreciate having the extensive services of PCS, and have confidence that anyone they send to be with Mother has first been screened by them and has their oversight,” said Karen.

“I would tell anyone in my situation that having the quality and consistency of care and care management that I have had ensures my peace of mind while at the same time has given my mother the life she wants – content, healthy and in her own home.”

As months passed, the overall health of Jane improved tremendously because of proper personal care, healthy meals, and friendly companionship. “Prior to their care, mother wasn’t eating well, was not taking good care of herself, and was taking risks that jeopardized her health due to her insistence on being independent,” said Karen. “The improvements are measureable and huge. I can’t get over how much healthier she is, how well fed she is. Her clothes and house are always clean and she always looks just great.” ❧

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Helping Veterans Every Lock Needs the Right Key

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he purpose of hospice care is to bring comfort to patients and families at the end of life. But that comfort comes much harder for some than for others, especially if it involves traumatic feelings and memories that have been locked up inside a person for many years.

Unfortunately, this applies to a rather sizable group of Americans—our veterans. Those who are close to veterans know that many returned from warfare with harsh memories and confusing emotions. Those who did not see combat, but who served our country, have their own unique memories and issues. Many veterans respond by bottling up their emotions as best they can. Some have gone decades without ever opening up and expressing those recollections, even (or perhaps especially) to their closest loved ones.

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With age and illness, a person’s defenses tend to weaken. For a veteran who is growing old and afflicted with serious health problems, painful recollections repressed for years may suddenly burst out again. If that happens, it makes the end of life especially hard for the veteran and for those who love and care for them.

Through the We Honor Veterans program, a national partnership between the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Veterans Administration, VNHC provides special support to our veterans. The program pairs veterans who are in hospice care with veterans who are trained hospice volunteers.

The results are remarkable, as the volunteers report that something clicks and there is often an immediate rapport established between the

www.vnhcsb.org

Jim Wheeler gratefully accepts the certificate of recognition for his service from fellow Air Force Veteran Aaron Thompson

two veterans. “It’s a vet thing,” some volunteers explain, “or maybe a common lingo or a shared experience that connects us.”

This connection is perhaps not so surprising.

When something is locked up in a safe, it takes the right key to open it. In the case of a veteran in hospice care, the right key clearly seems to be another veteran. “This doesn’t mean they instantly open up and pour out their story,” says Hospice Volunteer Scott Eschbach, retired Army. “Some are still reluctant to express their experiences.” Hospice Chaplain Don Waters, retired Navy, agrees: “We have to earn their trust. We may just get them to say ‘thank you’.”

Yet the veteran-to-veteran emotional connection is real even across various branches of service and the special bond is strong. “The guys really want to talk about their experiences,” says Hospice Volunteer Aaron Thompson, retired Air Force, “especially to someone who gets it!”

Aaron visits another Air Force vet, Jim, at the facility where Jim resides and plays cribbage weekly. They talk about a wide range of topics, but their shared military history allows Jim to talk to someone who gets it.

The hospice volunteers agree that this bond from a shared military experience can make their fellow veterans feel safe talking about their military experiences. Each of them has a unique story to tell, and through the volunteers’ compassionate listening, the veterans find relief from emotional isolation and release from traumatic life experiences. The veteran link promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation and fosters a special compassion.

This VNHC service is part of a growing movement to honor our nation’s veterans. One out of every four deaths in America is a veteran and many served during World War II. As well, many are aging Korean and Vietnam War veterans who are nearing the end of their lives.

“The entire VNHC organization is doing more for veterans nowadays,” explains Arlene Stepputat, Manager of Volunteers. “All new clinical hospice staff are trained to be aware of veterans and trained to ask clients, ‘Are you a veteran?’

With a positive answer, a complete military

history is now done and this gives insight into caring for the whole patient. All volunteers also receive training about working with veterans.”

“We are also doing more to educate other organizations and to partner with veteran groups,” Arlene adds. “This Veterans Day, we’re doing a special honoring ceremony for staff, volunteers and community members, along with other veterans organizations.”

Arlene points out that VNHC’s hospice program has also initiated a special pinning ceremony to honor veterans. The volunteer visits the hospice patient in their home facility, or at Serenity House, and presents them with a pin honoring them for their military service, along with a small American flag and an engraved certificate. “It’s very gratifying that VNHC is doing this pinning ceremony,” says Chaplain Waters. “It shows special appreciation for our veterans… and I see a big smile on their face.”

“And it’s important for their families, too,” adds Volunteer Thompson. “The family members get in tears.”

It’s meaningful for the hospice volunteers as well. “I feel it’s a huge honor to share this experience with them,” says Volunteer Eschbach. “I feel so honored to be included in the final days of their life. The hospice experience is great in itself; but when it’s with a fellow veteran, then it’s even finer.” ❧ 9

Did you know you have the right to choose your In-Home Health Care Provider?

Here’s Why Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is the Right Choice!

VNHC is the oldest and largest non-profit provider of in-home health services in Santa Barbara County.

VNHC provides the widest range of in-home health services helping patients recover from an injury or illness, providing relief from pain and other symptoms, maintaining independence at home, and offering care and compassion at the end of life.

VNHC offers Serenity House, the only in-patient residential hospice care center on the Central Coast.

VNHC provides services to all community tation… members, including those & Rehabili ess or surgery.

Nursingover an illnmillion in community support and unable to pay. We provided $2 om fr ry ve otes reco re… services in 2012. Prom ing illness.

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VNHC is state-licensed and Medicare/MediCal certified and has earned d of Hospice le at the en rt for peop fo m co d an accreditation from Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP), re ca es id Prov re Services…at home. ty Personal Catoanquality. acknowledging our commitment fe sa d dependence Support in use. ouse…

Serenity H ly inpatient hospice ho area’s on e th in re RN ca 5-4444 Offers 24/7 mpoc 73 | Lo Contact us and you’ ll |receive this to keep with you 3-5555card a Ynez 69 55 Sant SB 965-55 if the need for our services should arise. We’ ll be there when you need us most!

www.vnhcsb.org

Back On My Feet Janet Hagen Walks Again!

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fter a long, productive life as a special education teacher and several trips around the world, Janet Hagen developed Stage 4 bone cancer in 2010. Intense chemo-therapy addressed the cancer, but it severely aggravated her arthritis. Janet became totally bed-bound, and a doctor gave her the devastating prognosis that she would probably never walk again.

That’s the point when VNHC physical therapist Dusty Keegan, DPT came into her life.

In March of 2012, Dusty began physical therapy several days a week in Janet’s home.

Janet had pain, weakness and numbness in her legs and was extremely fatigued from the chemotherapy. She needed assistance from caregivers with even the most basic daily activities like getting out of bed. Many people in her situation would have decided that physical therapy was too much work, but Janet was motivated to get back on her feet. Over the next weeks and months, Dusty helped Janet regain enough strength and stamina so she could get out of bed and use a wheelchair around the house. Walking was still a long way off.

“Dusty constantly inspires me and always praises me. That helps a lot.

Thank God for VNHC’s support.”

Janet’s multi-level home provided additional challenges. Following a home safety assessment, Dusty made recommendations to rearrange some furniture and install grab bars and bathroom safety equipment that allowed Janet to live on a single level of her home.

Family and caregiver training is an important part of in-home physical therapy. Janet’s caregivers were an integral part of her physical therapy program. Dusty taught them how to work with her on daily activities as well as her home exercise program. This helped Janet continue to make progress between her treatment days with Dusty.

Janet & Dusty take a break during a recent therapy session

There was one more hurdle for Janet before she could walk again. She needed to have surgery on her ankles to allow her to stand again without pain. Janet was then fit with special braces to support her ankles for walking. She literally started with baby steps, but with Dusty’s careful diligence she is now helping Janet to walk around the house.

Progressing from completely bed-bound to using a walker, Janet is delighted. “Dusty is my guiding light,” she says. “She’s my angel!”

Dusty demures, but Janet is insistent in her praise. “Dusty constantly inspires me and always praises me. That helps a lot.

Thank God for VNHC’s support.”

Janet’s exuberance is not unique–not even out of the ordinary. VNHC’s care professionals are extraordinary in the quality and dedication of their work.

Patients clearly appreciate their effort, professionalism, and their human touch. ❧

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Make a real difference!

Become a Hospice Volunteer

Maria Hernandez (l) and VNHC Volunteer Raquel Lagan (r)

You can make a real difference in someone’s life!

You can provide companionship, run errands or fill in so a family member can take a needed break.

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is recruiting Hospice Volunteers for their training program.

For more information please contact Arlene Stepputat at (805) 690-6274 or email: arlene.stepputat@vnhcsb.org Learn more about our Hospice Volunteers ~ www.vnhcsb.org/volunteers

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www.vnhcsb.org

Chaplaincy Means

Being Present

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he word chaplain is familiar to most, but understanding the role a chaplain plays in hospice may not be. According to Sam Geli, a hospice chaplain for more than 20 years, the biggest misunderstanding is that chaplaincy is about death. “No!” Sam insists. “Chaplaincy is about life! And when it’s conducted professionally and compassionately, it truly enhances a person’s quality of life.”

Sam, a staff member at VNHC for the last three years, explains, “a chaplain is a vital member of the hospice team, along with the nurse, health aide and social worker.” A team approach across various disciplines, including spiritual support, is embraced and covered by Medicare.

Specifically, the nurse and doctor handle medical needs, the social worker provides bio psychosocial support and links to resources, and the health aide cares for the patient’s activities of daily living like dressing and showering.

The chaplain tackles perhaps the most profoundly complex issues of all—the patient’s spiritual needs.

“We are called to listen to the needs of others,” Sam explains. The experience of facing death naturally evokes powerful emotions and questions, often involving faith, anger, hopes and fears. Whatever the need, the chaplain stands ready to respect, listen, appreciate and simply be there. Being present for the patient is vital.

Objectively, there are specific responsibilities assigned to chaplains in hospice. They offer compassion for a patient’s pain and suffering, assist the patient in seeking inner peace, advocate for the patient, help link to religious and spiritual resources in the community, and support hospice volunteers.

A chaplain is sensitive to cultural and religious diversity and a patient’s individual choices.

They listen to the patient without imposing, assuming or instructing. The chaplain advises, but doesn’t decide, striving to act in the best interest of the patient. Ultimately, a chaplain recognizes that during a health crisis, spirituality can become crucial to patients and their families, and uses sensitivity to help the patient cope with the crisis.

VNHC Hospice Chaplain Sam Geli

As Sam Geli explains it, “I encounter a lot of strong, mixed feelings like anger and fear. I accept what people are feeling and saying. I listen.

I support. I am present for them, physically and emotionally, trying to ease their anxiety and comfort them.” Sometimes simply holding a hand in silence with loving intention is what is required—a presence of support.

Without chaplaincy, the hospice team would not be complete or as effective. Addressing spiritual needs can be as important as medical needs, especially in the final stages of life.

So even though some people initially may not grasp the role at the beginning of hospice, during the final journey patients and their families typically express their deep admiration and gratefulness for the chaplain “being present.” ❧ 13

Bereavement Counseling

Helping Us

Cope

with Loss

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any of us tend to avoid thinking about death, and as a result, we don’t know how to mourn. We may have difficulty accepting or expressing the complex and powerful feelings that accompany loss. Losing a loved one can be one of the hardest things a person will ever face so it’s important to take time to heal and to find support in family, friends and the community.

The Bereavement Program at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care is a wonderful source for such support. Their bereavement counselors remind us that grief is a natural healing process.

Initially, our feelings of anger, depression and confusion are normal. Many experience physical reactions, like changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Upsurges of grief may occur at certain times with specific stimuli, or may happen out of the blue.

Closely integrated with Hospice Care, bereavement services provide a comprehensive 13-month follow-up program for all survivors of hospice patients. Bereavement counselors help survivors navigate their own unique journeys through loss, cope with intense feelings, reach out for social support, and find ways to remember and memorialize their loved ones.

According to Suzie Taylor-Meadows, MSW and VNHC Bereavement Counselor, “People often say, ‘I don’t need any help.’ So it surprises them when they find out that talking to a counselor really helps.”

And because of VHNC’s charitable mission, bereavement services are available to every-

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one in Santa Barbara County, free of charge, regardless of how a person may have died.

These services include individual, family and group counseling sessions, as well as workshops and a variety of support groups. Grief support groups address a range of bereavement themes, such as coping with holidays, using spirituality and creativity to heal from loss, and the distinctive needs associated with the loss of a parent, a spouse or other close relationships. All grief support services are available in Spanish with a bilingual and bicultural bereavement counselor on staff.

The Bereavement Program also provides information and referrals, in collaboration with other local agencies. It provides outreach through in-service trainings and by organizing and holding special remembrance events.

The breadth of these services reflects the complexity and diversity of the grief experience. Men and women tend to express grief in different ways—children react differently than adults, depending on their developmental stage. Cultural background and religious beliefs can greatly affect a person’s emotional, behavioral and social reactions to death.

To talk to a counselor or for more information on Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care’s Bereavement Program, please call (805) 308-9602 during office hours or email bereavement@vnhcsb. org. Information, including a listing of current support groups, can also be found on VHNC’s website www.vnhcsb.org. ❧

Peter Murphy Men’s Night

Roberta & Stan Fishman, Judy Murphy

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Jane Habermann

t the Peter Murphy Men’s Night in April, over 80 guests enjoyed a beautiful night with delicious food and drink and learned about the important hospice and home health services that Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care provides to the Santa Barbara community. Inspired by the legacy of Peter Murphy (pictured at right), the guests responded by raising nearly $80,000 to underwrite our 2013 Mother’s Day Luncheon.

Scan this with a code reader to view this event’s entire photo album.

(l to r) Neil Levinson, Judy Murphy, Bob Murphy, John Murphy

(l to r) Norm Habermann Chris Toomey Dr. Roger Dunham Herb Geary

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Mother’s Day Luncheon

Jodi Fishman-Osti, Pamela Dillman Haskell

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Lynda Tanner, Charles Browning, Jane Habermann

ontinuing a special tradition that honors and remembers mothers, we celebrated Barbara Ireland and the late LaVerne Browning at our annual Mother’s Day Luncheon in May. Starting the day with refreshing pink grapefruit martinis and an exciting silent auction, 325 guests then enjoyed a delicious luncheon, exciting live auction, and a touching program. The event raised over $260,000 so that families in our community have access to compassionate, quality health care at times of great need.

The Ireland Family (l to r); Kathy, Barbara-honored mother, John, Mary, Chloe Jen Caesar, Robyn O’Hearn, Teri Green, Jessica Molony Willbanks

Chris Jones-VNHC Board Chair, Sharon Jones Scan this with a code reader to view this event’s entire photo album.

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Santa Barbara Yacht Club

Charity Regatta

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he Santa Barbara Yacht Club hosted its 9th Annual Charity Regatta benefiting Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in September. More than 300 guests watched the boats race through the sea, enjoyed a delicious barbecue and raised a record amount—$156,000! The net proceeds go directly into our community by providing care for those in need at Serenity House.

Top left (l to r): Sue Parker, Suesan Pawlitski, Raegan Erdman, Lil Nelson Middle left (l to r): Tom Parker, Robyn Parker, Lynda Tanner, Commodore Francie Lufkin, Rick Keith Bottom left: Volunteers from the Youth Foundation Below right: Herb Geary Scan this with a code reader to view this event’s entire photo album.

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Golden Heart Award Winners Each quarter, one Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care employee is selected to receive the Golden Heart award.

They are nominated by their peers based on their outstanding commitment to VNHC’s mission and core values of compassion, integrity, teamwork, and excellence.

Ditte Noack

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Hospice Admissions & Intake Coordinator

ome people have a special gift assisting others in their end-of-life journey.

Ditte Noack is one of these people. Her coworkers and other VNHC staff recognize Ditte’s extraordinary qualities, and they selected her as a Golden Heart Award winner. “I feel gratitude and am honored by even being suggested for and receiving the Golden Heart award,” says Ditte.

Ditte has spent the last three years as the Hospice Admissions & Intake Coordinator, an extraordinary job as the gatekeeper and facilitator to ensure that patients and families are informed and supported during this sensitive time. With nearly 20 years’ experience in the hospice field, Ditte addresses all queries and questions about VNHC’s support and services, and addresses all concerns that relate to patient issues and triage.

“What I have learned from my experience of working at VNHC is that everyone has their own path to experience regarding their end-of-life journey. I’ve come to appreciate and be thankful for my abilities and gifts of being able to help, share, and assist others in their journey. I know that my personal faith sustains me and allows me to celebrate life with others. I’m grateful for all that I continually learn from my interactions with others.

I am also appreciative of this agency’s core values and mission statement which allows me to work in the hospice environment on behalf of our community.” ❧

Patricia Gonzalez

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Hospice Scheduling Coordinator

isiting Nurse & Hospice Care staff clearly had no qualms about selecting Patricia Gonzalez for the Golden Heart Award. The wonderful comments poured in, along with the votes.

“She is a ray of sunshine in the office.”

“Patty is consistently positive and proactive... and a tremendous help.”

“She is excellent in all she does.”

“She always has a kind word for staff as well as families.”

Patricia was amazed by this outpouring of support. She feels that being bright and helpful is just a natural part of her work. “I always try to help the staff do a better job,” she says. “I know that really helps the patients, too.”

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Patricia Gonzalez (behind) Ditte Noack

This reciprocity between staff and patients and her is a vital part of how she sees her role.

“When we try to bring joy to others, it brings joy to us,” she explains. So she makes a point of being positive. For example, every morning when she sends out the staffing schedule for the day, she always includes an inspirational quote for the staff.

Patricia comes from Lima, Peru, and arrived in America in 2008. She earned her Home Health Aide certification at Santa Barbara City College and worked for the next three years at VNHC caring for patients at home and at Serenity House. Now that she’s the Scheduling Coordinator, she focuses on the staff. “But I still feel connected to the patients and families because sometimes I go out to work in the field, and that always makes me very happy.” ❧

OPEN Monday — Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Call 805.690.6235 602 E. Montecito Street

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Please visit www.vnhcsb.org/donate-now to make a donation, or call us at 805.690.6290 www.vnhcsb.org

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Three good reasons you should have an estate plan‌ Your Family Yourself Your Community Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care has been taking care of individuals and families in the community for over one hundred years.

By including Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in your estate plan now, you will help ensure a second century of compassionate care and service for future generations.

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To learn more about the benefits of providing for VNHC in your will or estate plan, contact Rick Keith, Executive Director of the Foundation, at 805-690-6222 or rick.keith@vnhcsb.org

Thank you for helping us be there when you, your family, and our community need us most.