Heartbeat December 2018 by Hosparus Health

Heartbeat December | 2018

The 2018 Candle Glow Gala held on December 1st.

From the CEO...

I don’t know about you, but I’m still savoring the success of one of our biggest fundraising events ever! Our 13th Annual Candle Glow Gala was the perfect way to wrap up a full year of celebrating the history of Hosparus Health. It was truly amazing to celebrate 40 years of compassionate care with 800 of our closest supporters, family and friends. Thanks to the Development team, the gala committee and all the volunteers, involved in making this event a success.

Yet another reason for celebration is our Joint Commission survey results! The Accreditation, Medicare and Palliative Care certifications are critical to our mission of providing the highest quality care, we are now accredited for another three years. There were many people involved and I am thankful for ALL your hard work in ensuring quality patient care for those we serve!

Another cause for celebration over the past month was a significant achievement for veteran care. During one of the two Veteran Memorial sitting area dedications held in November, we announced that we achieved the four-star level in the national We Honor Veterans program! Thanks to those who led the efforts to earn this elite designation.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to each of you. I look forward to continuing our momentum of serving more patients longer in 2019!

FORWARD MOMENTUM

Take some time and read this issue of the Heartbeat, it is packed with things to celebrate and news you need to know.

Phil Marshall

GALA WRAP UP

TOUGH QUESTIONS

BLOG

What is it? How does it benefit you?

Wrapping up the 2018 Candle Glow Gala, with photos and award winners!

You asked, we have answered some of your Hosparus Health tough-toask questions!

PAGE 2

PAGE 4

PAGE 10

“It’s all about Mom”: How Outreach Can Lead to Advanced Care Planning By: Jason Parocco PAGE 16

SPREADING T HE WORD

Corporate Hosparus Health Holiday Luncheons!

Thank you to all that joined us for the employee Thanksgiving and holiday luncheons!

Forward Momentum

It was great to socialize, meet new staff, and celebrate the holidays with everyone!

What is it? How will you be benefit? Forward Momentum is our new icon to note the technology, process, and communication upgrades that are underway to accommodate our growth. Currently, the forward momentum consists of Tiger Connect, Ceridian, and a new Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system. All of these will help us continue our forward momentum and growth mindset

Watch the Video

We are officially LIVE with TigerConnect, a messaging system that replaced RedE. Please make sure you have the TigerConnect app downloaded, and RedE can now be deleted from your devices. If you have questions or issues with the app, contact Josh Archibald, jarchibald@ hosparus.org. To learn more, click here.

View All Photos

Ceridian Dayforce implementation officially goes â&#x20AC;&#x153;liveâ&#x20AC;? December 23rd! We know you will find it easy to use, and will be as excited as we are to embrace this new technology. Have you signed up for your training yet? If not, make sure to contact your manager or supervisor. Want to learn more about Ceridian? Click here! Questions? Email HR, humanresources@hosparus.org.

S PR E A D I N G T H E W ORD

Corporate Joint Commission Results

Volunteers Are Up to Something Good!

We had a very successful survey of our Kentucky and Indiana hospice program! We maintained our Joint Commission Accreditation and Medicare Certification, and had no significant findings! A tremendous thank you to Diane Collins for her leadership in our survey preparations. Our palliative care program in Kentucky and Indiana is newly certified! Congratulations to Darlene Oxedine and the palliative care team, and thank you for your hard work in preparing for this new certification. We were also surveyed for the new Emergency Management conditions of participation (COP), and I want to recognize Diane for her focus, knowledge, and leadership around the development and implementation of the required emergency management plan. Both surveyors expressed how impressed they were with our organization, the skill and compassion of our staff, and the excellent care provided to our patients and family. Congratulations to everyone at Hosparus Health! This was a team effort and we appreciate your participation and help!

“Hosparus Health is a very good organization and you should be extremely proud of yourselves. I am so impressed with the excellent care you provide, the collaboration of your staff and leaders, and the engagement of your board. You have and clearly demonstrate the “Hospice Heart”. -Lead Surveyor

For the past four years, Hosparus Health volunteers have traveled to the U of L Health Science Campus every November to speak to medical students. These volunteers speak candidly with the students about their experience losing a loved one to a terminal illness. They give examples of positive and negative communication they’ve had with doctors and other healthcare professionals, so that the medical students can learn how to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients and families.

Please join us in thanking them for their service! Abbie Creed Barbara Claire Mary Borders Barbara Hogg Julie Mushkin Ursula Eckstein Kathy Ising Gail Henson Jan Mueller Ruth Fitzwater Pat Carey Bob Mueller Tony Heitzman Carolyn Riddle

Cathy Simmons David Harrington Janet Taylor June Hampe Karen Crook Katy Sauer Mary Gatton Mary Romelfanger Maurice LeFevre Melanie Schraeder Sherry Holbert Vicky Johnson

Don’t forget: Use Amazon Smile to Shop!

As you do all your holiday shopping, make sure you are contributing to a good cause too! Connect your Amazon account using Amazon Smile to Hosparus Health, and we receive a portion of the purchases for eligible items.

Having a Office Holiday Party? Send us your photos!

Next Heartbeat we want to share all our staff holiday photos! Tis’ the season for friends, giving, and joy! Show us how you celebrated the holidays with your coworkers!

CONNECT ING YOU TO EVEN TS

Calendar See more events & programs on our website, and show your interest and share our event pages on Facebook!

2019 Payroll Calendar now available

DECEMBER THURS. 12/13

Kourageous Kids Holiday Party

Click Here

WED. 12/19, 5PM Kendra Scott Give Back Shopping Event Benefiting KKids Where: Oxmoor Mall Time: 5-8 PM

SUN. 12/23 First Ceridian Punch

PAYROLL CALENDAR FOR 2019 Pay Period Beginning:

Pay Period Ending:

Paydate:

Holiday Observed:

TUES. 12/25 CHRISTMAS JANUARY MON. 1/21 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

SAT. 1/26, 9 AM Volunteer Training - Southern Indiana Where: Hosparus Health Southern Indiana For more information contact Vonya Gresham, vgresham@hosparus.org.

FEBRUARY American Heart Month

FRI. 2/1

Wear Red Day

FRI. 2/15

National Caregivers Day

January

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

February T

JULY W

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Happy Holidays to all our staff & volunteers!

AUGUST T

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

SEPTEMBER T

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

NOVEMBER F

March

JUNE T

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

OCTOBER S

MAY T

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

APRIL S

Orientation:

DECEMBER F

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

AT T HE CORE OF OUR WORK

Volunteers Hosparus Health Ambassador Program

Volunteer Potluck in Central Kentucky

Our Ambassador Program is an extension of our outreach and volunteer staff program. It has officially launched throughout our entire footprint! Our ambassadors help us share information about the benefits of Hosparus Health and how we improve the quality of life for those in our communities that need us most.

Hosparus Health volunteer Ginny Hamm hosted the annual Breckenridge County get-together to focus on volunteer needs and education. There was wonderful discussion about the progress that has been made in the number of patients and families we serve in ‘Breck’ County and how we can work together to ensure continued growth. The volunteers also shared their volunteer joys and challenges they encounter when visiting with patients and families.

Know someone who would make a great ambassador? Contact your community Outreach Manager. Welcome to our newest Ambassador:

STEVE ORR Kentucky State Chaplain for American Legions, retired Air Force veteran. Campbellsville, KY

Veteran Volunteers

Serving our country in a different way Hosparus Health was honored to help World War II veteran Frank DeYoe travel to Washington, D.C., with Honor Flight Bluegrass to visit war memorials and reflect on his service alongside other vets. He said it was the happiest day he’d had in a long time. We are so thankful for our veteran volunteers, like Lin Kalson, that answer the call to help patients, like Frank.

Watch the full video

Frank & Lin

“Just coming in here and talking to me helps a lot. I spend time with Lin, and as long as we can sit and chat, it makes my day.” - Frank DeYoe Frank & Mark Gallagher, Frank’s caregiver joined Frank on the flight. 5

FUND I N G T H E M I S S ION

Development GIFTS

We received the following gifts and donations to help our patients and families who need us most: • $5,000 from the estate of Anne Moran • 3 new members in the Autumn Leaf Society • Two gifts via the Louisville Community Foundation: one anonymous donor gift of $4,275 and a $2,500 gift from John & Marilyn Monohan • The Hosparus Health of Central Kentucky Thrift Shoppe Christmas Bizarre collected $12,000 (a new record, $2,000 more than last year) • $10,000 from the Horseshoe Foundation for Hosparus Health of Southern Indiana for the expansion of palliative care to residents of Floyd County • Two $10,000 gifts for Hosparus Health of Louisville • The Mildred V Horn Foundation gave a grant of $3,000 for the pink roses fund, which provides flowers for special occasions for patients and families •$129,781 estate gift from James & Betty Holman for Central Kentucky • $3,000 from a family served by our Kourageous Kids program

Hosparus Health Teams Up with the Hardin County Chamber to Host After Hours Event The After Hours event, held at Swope Cafe, celebrated Hosparus Health’s 40 years of care and served as a chance to network with new faces in the community.

Over 325 employees have made a pledge or gift for our 2019 Hosparus Health Employee Giving campaign – the most staff we have ever had participate and we have surpassed our goal!

Thank you!!!

The Good Stuff

Submitted by patients & families, this is the ‘why’ behind what we do.

“I went to my first grief counseling meeting today. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was god to get there and meet others going through the same thing [as me]. The staff was also super nice and lead a good discussion. [I] will definitely be going back. - Facebook Review by R. Kern

13 T H A N N UA L

We had a record crowd at our 13th annual Candle Glow Gala December 1st! Nearly 835 guests came out to support Hosparus Health’s 40 Years of Compassionate Care, raising over $340,000 for patients and families!! The gorgeous new Omni Hotel Louisville provided the perfect backdrop for an elegant evening of cocktails and mingling, bidding on a jam-packed silent auction, a decadent dinner and dancing to live music. Thanks to Gala Chair Denise Roby and Glow Lounge Chair Lauren Hendricks, along with their hardworking committees, for making the magic happen! We were pleased to honor some special people for their lasting contributions to Hosparus Health. CHPNA Robyn Mathias was honored with the Dr. Joe Rotella Compassion Award for going above and beyond in

caring for patients and families, the Dahlem family received our Sister Marilyn Spink Service Award for their continuing support the past 10 years, and the late Jim Ryan was honored with the Sherrill Thirlwell Award for his generous bequest of $2.5 million, the largest in our history. We are so grateful for each of them! Thank you to all staff and volunteers that helped before, during, and after the event, we couldn’t have done it without you. The Gala turned out to be an awesome way to celebrate our Ruby Anniversary! Here’s to the next 40 years!

View the Photo Gallery

The Dahlem Family receiving the Sister Marilyn Spink Service Award

Robyn Mathias receiving the Dr. Joe Rotella Compassion Award

Kelsey Kizina, Jim’s great niece, receiving the Sherrill Thirwell Award on behalf of Jim Ryan.

H E R E TO H E L P

Employees Human Resources, Education and Employee Health News

Congratulations!

We love seeing our staff represent us in the community and industry!

Employee Discounts

There are many benefits to working at Hosparus Health, take a look at a few:

Casey Stallsmith, Project ManagerCasey has been selected for the Spring 2019 class of Ignite Louisville! She and the other members will spend the next seven months learning from some of the best leaders in top organizations in our community. She will also compete in the Ignite Louisville Challenge. To learn more and stay up-to-date on Ignite Louisville, click here. Dr. Bethany Snider, Senior VP and Chief Medical Officer- Dr. Snider has been named a Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (FAAHPM)! This is the premier, national professional organization for physicians who care for patients with serious illness. FAAHPM status is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a physician member. Read the full press release here. Danielle Archer, Director of Development & Annual Giving- Danielle is now a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)! She has fulfilled all requirements in the fundraising field of education, experience, performance, service, and examination.

List of JCC 2018 shows

All of these discounts and their details can be found on the Hub.

Land’s End and Green River Scrubs Gear

Treat yourself this holiday! Refresh your Hosparus Health wardrobe and gear!

Hosparus Health Lands’ End

(links directly to Hosparus Health shopping site)

Hosparus Health Green River Scrubs

1. Click on Group Sign In. 3. Your Group Sign In code is: Hosparus 4. At the bottom click “Click here to see the items for “Hosparus”. *Green River Scrubs items can be purchased using payroll deduction.

Job Openings

Checkout these hot jobs available at Hosparus Health! • Visit Nurse, HCL- Louisville, KY • Clinical Manager, HLSE - Louisville, KY • Facilities Tech, Corp. - Louisville, KY • Certified Social Worker, HCK- Elizabethtown, KY • Team Nurse, HSI - New Albany, IN View all available positions here.

Welcome New Employees In our recent orientation classes we welcomed the following new employees to our organization!

Talent Knows Talent

Hosparus Health Referral Program

WELCOME TO: Angela L. Judd, Team Nurse- HCK Amanda L. Mason, Certified Social Worker- HCK Martha M. Clark , CNA- HCL Magen A. Meyer, CNA- HCL Latosha N. Woods, CNA- HCL Tiffany Bingham , Manager Community Outreach- HL Gabriela Gaines, Billing Representative -Certified Coder - HL Sherri L. Johnson, Dietitian- HL Consuelo “Kay” Bagaipo, RN- HICC Shawna R. Hall, RN- HICC Rachel B. Peters, RN- HICC Amy B. Womack, RN- HICC Toni M. Chaudoin, Team Nurse- HLSE Jessica R. Oliver, CNA- HSI Ellina L. Allen , CNA- HLSW Kelly J. Pearl, RAC- HLSW Kennedy K. Drake, Social Services Liaison- HL Charles J. Moran, Office Custodian- HL Brittany L. Wright, Team Nurse- HLNE Kelley L. Perry, CNA- HSI

Don’t forget about our employee referral program! Current employees who refer full-time new hires may be eligible for a bonus. Make sure the referred employee lists your name on their application for employment.

In 2018 we paid $26,000 in referral bonuses!

OTT

The Over The Top program is designed to show appreciation to a fellow co-worker who has provided excellent customer service and/or support to their peers. Staff can fill out an Over The Top card on any staff member that helped them in some way. Ask your manager where the cards are at your location. Completed cards should be put in the designated box. A copy of the card is then sent to the nominated individual and to their supervisor. HICC Amber, 2 Andrea Pfalzgraf Balee, 2 Barbara Taylor Donna, 2 Drew Wagoner HICC Team Irene Nagaraj

Jennifer Gomez Jenny Jewell Moore Joyce Dryden Kate Anderson Marsha Bryant Megan Melissa Pam Watkins

Rose Chandler Shenita Sherry Milliner Steffene Harris Tammy Wagner

HL Doug Tribolett Keith Hedrick Liana Quinn Pam Hostetler Rafael Macaranas

HLNE Tracy Shah HSI Dulcy Looney Onyenyechi Eze

Shining Star

Our Shining Star program was created so staff could receive the recognition they deserve from families. Patients and families give a donation to Hosparus Health in honor of a caregiver to say thank you.

Chaplains

Lawrence Lucas, 6 Rafael Macaranas, 4 RNs Rev. Beth Causey, 2 Kelly ToddSmith Sprouse, 2 Kirstie Jordan Tom Price, 2 Kristi Hobbs Jennifer Meeker Joan Payne Suzetta McKim

Social Workers Karen Downey

CNAs

Candace Berentz, 2 Danielle Mills, 2 Denise Smith, 2 Geraldine Spalding, 2 Maya Mason Tonya Mitchell, 2

Other Staff Elizabeth Scott Nurses

Alicia Stinson, 2 Amanda Logsdon, 2 Becky Arnold, 2 Carla Corbin, 2 Dana Fower, 4 Donna Crume

Ida Stephens, 2 Jennifer Bradbury Joan Durbin Karen McCubbins Ketlin Schneider Kirstie Jordan, 2 Lisa Smith, 2 Melanie Wheeler, 2 Melissa Renfrow Michele McCoy, 4

Suzetta McKim, 2 Tasha Hellman Tracy Hardin, 3

Social Workers

Melanie Drury, 2 Michelle Sanders, 4

HERE TO HEL P

Employees

Human Resources, Education and Employee Health News

Tough Questions Q: Working from home appears to be a common practice around Hosparus Health these days. When was it announced or

made known that this was a regular option for employees? My supervisor was not aware when it was brought to their attention in February. Has there been education? Is there criteria/parameters?

A: Working from home has been piloted for several years by the Customer Support Team, and it’s been very successful.

Other departments felt that a work from home option might be a benefit when work requires minimal disruption. We established a working from home policy to provide some parameters to the expectations when working remotely, but ultimately, some positions are better suited for working outside of the office environment. Certain job functions need to be performed on site, or may require a high level of collaboration with teammates making it challenging to complete from a remote location. We’ve left the option available when a manager feels that his/her employees’ work may be suitable for a work from home arrangement, but it is at a manager’s discretion to allow or grant permission to work from home.

Congratulations

Celebrating Our Staff with Service Milestones in HCK, HBR, HGR

Our southern communities had their service milestone lunch recently, celebrating 5, 15, and 20 years of service! The staff members recognized were:

5 Years

John Burgess, HCK Donna Cundiff, HCK Dustin Ford, HGR Carla Medley, HCK Kathleen Nuckols, HCK Kristina Smothers, HGR

15 Years

Rosine Edwards, HGR Annette Kappel, HCK

20 Years

Jacqueline Rambo, HCK

Pictured: Donna Cundiff, Rosine Edwards, Josh Burgess, Jacqueline Rambo, and Annette Kappel.

Have you rated us and left a review on Glassdoor yet? If not, please do so we can attract talent, like you! Click the button below!

Exiting Employees: Angelia Collins, HBR Team Nurse Mary Lou Kitterman, HSI Clinical Manager Suzetta McKim, HLNE Team Nurse Angela Kincaide, HLSW CNA Amanda Logsdon, HLSE Team Nurse Shelly Jenkins, HGR PRN RN Barbara Taylor, HICC Unit Secretary Lindsay Pate, HICC PRN CNA Andrea Pfalzgraf, HICC RN Katie Hosier, HBR Counselor Cynthia Lawrence, HCL Referral & Admission Coordinator

HERE TO HEL P

Employees Human Resources, Education and Employee Health News

Back Injury Prevention As we see a trend in lumbar strain work-related injuries resulting from lifting, we want to share information with you on preventing back injuries. TIPS: 1. Avoid twisting, turning, and bending of your back, especially when lifting 2. Maintain good posture at all times - standing, sitting, working, sleeping 3. Stretch to prevent/relieve muscle soreness/stiffness 4. Exercise regularly to promote flexibility and muscle strength 5. Avoid overexertion – ask for help if an object or patient is too heavy 6. Avoid repetitive tasks, which may cause muscle fatigue For more information, visit the Hub.

PHI & Picture Taking Practice Alert

With the implementation of TigerText, Hosparus Health employees will be able to take pictures within the TigerText App, and securely send them to medical records, other team members, or the patient’s EMR. All employees must adhere to HIPAA policies regarding patient’s protected information (PHI). Devices All pictures must be taken within the TigerText app and cannot be stored outside of the app. Examples of Items Photographed Per policy, staff may take pictures of patients, documents (advanced directives, insurance cards, POA, etc.) or other forms of PHI. Process To identify the picture, the patients name, ID number, and date must be seen within the picture. Once taken, it must be sent to the intended receiver and Medical Records, through TigerText. All pictures used in medical decision making must be documented in the patient’s EMR. Questions about photos or the process? Contact your manager.

Phil Takes Cover!

Phil was visiting the finance department in the 1000 Building in Louisville when the earthquake drill sounded. He did as he was trained and took cover! As an added protection, someone grabbed him a hardhat too!

KEEPING YOU CONNECT ED

Community

Across Southern Indiana, Louisville, Central Kentucky, Green River and Barren River

Hosparus Health Minute

This month, Outreach Manager Jen Van Mersbergen, and Volunteer Manager Carrie Truitt appeared on the Hosparus Health Minute at Big Dawg radio in Campbellsville. The segment is on every 3rd Monday of the month. This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s segment covered volunteering, the ambassador program, and veterans. Listen Here!

Barren River Radio host tells her Hosparus Health Experience Bowling Green radio personality, Kellie McKay, offered a moving testimonial about how Hosparus Health cared for her grandfather and supported the family after his cancer diagnosis, allowing them to make the most of his time left. Listen Here

Media Spotlight In case you missed it!

Medical News: THE HOSPARUS HEALTH PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT: Stephanie Alvey Banks, RN

News Enterprise: Christmas Bazaar a family tradition for some shoppers

Voice Tribune: Hosparus Health launches a Project ECHO clinic to increase access to palliative care education in rural and underserved communities

Lebanon Enterprise: Become a Hosparus Health Ambassador

News and Tribune: Organizations Benefit from Horseshoe Foundation

News Enterprise: Remembrance service offers hope to those grieving

KE E P I N G Y O U C O N NECT ED

Community Across Southern Indiana, Louisville, Central Kentucky, Green River and Barren River

Hosparus Health Honors Veterans

Our staff and volunteers spent November honoring veterans in many ways throughout our communities to recognize Veteran’s Day.

Two Sitting Areas and Four Stars- WOW! The new flags and sitting area dedications were held at the Southern Indiana office in New Albany, and the 1000 Building in Louisville. We were honored to host friends, family, staff, volunteers, and community members to recognize our veterans. At the Louisville dedication, we announced that we officially achieved a four star rating for the We Honor Veterans program, a goal we set in 2017. Thank you to all that attended, and all that helped to make four stars a reality!

Volunteer Manager Carrie Truitt, and Outreach Manager Jen Van Mersbergen co-hosted a Veterans resource fair at the Taylor Co. Public Library, meeting with over 40 veterans.

Some of our staff got to be part of Honor Flight Bluegrass’ recent honor flight with Hosparus Health patient Frank DeYoe.

Hosparus Health Barren River participated in the Bowling Green Veteran’s Day Parade.

Hosparus Health Central Kentucky staff attended the Kentucky Veterans Business Alliance Conference at Pritchard Community Center in Elizabethtown.

Pictured are Outreach Manager Kristen Roderick, and her son, Volunteer Manager Jessica Briley, and Development Coordinator Stacie Lee, along with her children.

HE L P I NG NAV I G AT E T HE G RI E V I NG P ROC E S S

Grief Counseling

Annual Remembrance Memorial Services Thank you to all who orchestrated, volunteered, and attended our annual memorial services in each community. We know how much the services mean to our families who are grieving the loss of their loved one, especially around the holidays, and they are comforting programs every year. Below are a few photos from Louisville and Southern Indiana, view all the photos here.

Grief Counseling Center Launches Quarterly E-Newsletter We are excited to announce the first distribution of the quarterly grief counseling e-newsletter! The newsletter will contain information about grief counseling events, support groups, announcements, and blogs. The next one is set to hit inboxes in January. If you or someone you know may be interested in receiving the e-newsletter, sign up here.

New Helpers at the Central Kentucky Grief Counseling Center After submitting a proposal, the HCK Grief Counseling Center was chosen to receive a donation of puppets from the Cecelia Homemakers Group to help in child/adolescent grief counseling. 16 puppets now have a new home in Elizabethtown, and the staff is very thankful to be using them!

YOUR SPIRITUAL CONNECTION

Chaplain’s Corner What Is a Death Doula? By: Peggy Holthaus, Chaplain

When most of us hear the word, ‘doula,’ we think of a childbirth coach. However, doulas aren’t only available for when life begins, they can help when life ends too. They are called death doulas, end of life doulas, spiritual midwives, death midwives, or doulas to the dying. Their work focuses on creating a safe space for the one dying and the family to engage in the emotional and spiritual labor needed to prepare for death. They are there to help facilitate a ‘good death,’ according to the wishes of the dying person. Doulas first help the dying to explore the question, “How do I want to be remembered?” This is facilitated mostly through the process of life review. At Hosparus Health we do this kind of work using the Life Review Workbook. This is often facilitated by our volunteers, and sometimes the stories are recorded for future generations. Legacy work can also involve making memory books, life scrolls, letters, or a collection of recipes. It is a way for families to hold onto their loved one and continue to be inspired. Lastly, doulas help the dying to determine post-vigil care. What does the dying person want the loved ones to do after death? Some options include sitting quietly, praying, sharing memories, washing the body with certain fragrances, dressing in a certain outfit, and waiting a while before calling the funeral home. Doulas help with home funerals and are trained to have the knowledge to provide the family with after life alternative death care options, including green burial, flame-less cremation and alkaline hydrolysis. As part of the post-vigil care, doulas also facilitate some early grief work with families by having them reflect and talk about their experience of the dying process. Grief

counseling services may be offered through the local hospice or other counseling agency. The role of the death doula is deeply consistent with the holistic approach taken in hospice care. Hospice workers participate in doula work every day. Death doulas are supportive to hospice and are considered an extra layer of care and support for families. They do not take the place of hospice. Doulas, are not covered by Medicare in the hospice benefit. Hosparus Health supports doula work. Recently, Henry Fersko-Weiss, former hospice social worker, co- founder of the very first End of Life Doula Program in the United States and President of the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), conducted a training in Louisville at no charge, for local veterans who want to serve other veterans at the end of life. Five of our veteran volunteers and five staff members attended this training.We want this effort to expand to all we serve. Death doula work matters. The end of life is as worthy of as much beauty, care, and respect as the beginning. If you would like to learn more about doula work, checkout the book Caring for the Dying: A Doula Approach to a Meaningful Death, by Henry Fersko-Weiss.

StoryCorps: Road to Resilience Hosparus Health has been selected as 1 out of 6 participants to be in a new project designed to leverage the power of stories and storytelling to help children cope with the death of a loved one. StoryCorps is the national oral history organization leading the project, in partnership with the New York Life Foundation, who will provide us with the training and equipment to embed the story telling model into our bereavement services. We can’t wait to hear the impactful stories that come out of this project!

Y O U ’ R E T H E E XPERT

Blog

“It’s all about Mom”: How Outreach Can Lead to Advanced Care Planning By: Jason Parocco, Louisville Outreach Manager

November was National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and it reminded me of a recent “mom” event — sometimes the need to have “the” conversation hits you right between the eyes — and when you least expect it. Here’s what happened: You know that feeling when you look down at your phone only to see that the same person has called you 6 times while you were in meeting. (I make it a practice to silence my phone during meetings, but I had also turned off the vibrate on my phone that day--that buzz can be stressful, try turning it off…it may add years to your life!) Anyway, I knew something was wrong when I realized the number was from one of our Hosparus Health nurses, Jennifer Bradbury. She explained that she was at one of our nursing homes visiting a Hosparus Health patient when she was summoned by staff to check on a person who had fallen outside the building. The person was not a resident, she was a visitor. Jennifer approached an elderly lady who was on the ground and bleeding from her forehead. She then asked her to call “my son, Jason.” Jennifer looked at her and asked “Jason Parroco?” Jennifer called 911 for my mom and proceeded to blow up my phone. No, this isn’t a typical occurrence in a day in the life of a Hosparus Health Outreach Manager. But then again, it actually is a good example. The way I look at it: • It’s busy • It’s about making connections • It’s about passion and caring • It’s always an opportunity to learn

Here’s what it’s like to do outreach for the region’s most compassionate, nonprofit hospice and palliative care organization. Busy: On any given day, I can start off at coffee with a community leader, attend a palliative conference at UL downtown, participate in a Norton Palliative meeting, make a lunch presentation to a physicians group, put out a fire at a nursing home and speak to students about careers in healthcare and the importance of volunteering. Most of our days are proactive vs. reactive, but the flexibility is paramount. Fluidity is important just in case your mom takes a fall and ends up in an ambulance…

When the incident with my mom happened, she was visiting a Sunday school friend. That friend’s son was the CEO and keynote speaker at a ribbon cutting ceremony that I had attended that morning. The nursing home employee who asked Jennifer to care for “the injured lady in the parking lot” was once my children’s babysitter. The doctor in the ER was my neighbor and golf buddy. All these folks circled back to me to ask about Mom and how she was doing. Lives around here are interwoven. This sense of connection makes my job fun and underscores the importance of patient centered care. Passion and Caring: This is our battle cry, our badge of honor at Hosparus Health. Does that sound too dramatic? Not really! We are known for passion and caring. It’s why I’m having to allot for extra time at Kroger, because when I wear my Hosparus Health badge in public (Kroger, Panera, Chinese buffet) someone always stops me to tell me about their wonderful experience with us. And I will never tire of these conversations, even if my ice cream is melting in the bascart. Always an Opportunity to have “the” conversation: I’ve never worked for a company whose purpose and mission is as important as Hosparus Health. And because of this: it’s very easy to talk about Hosparus and what we do for our community. I find myself easily diverting daily conversations toward my job and my company. This is because everyone is our customer. Everyone! Unless of course you are immortal, an Avenger… which would be really cool!

Everyone needs to know what we know. Sure, it’s a tough conversation but it’s definitely easier to have a tough conversation before it’s a tough situation. We are challenged to be creative in delivering our message to multiple and diverse customer groups each and every day. Technically, there are 11 people in Outreach, but everyone who works for Hosparus Health does outreach for us. We all have opportunities to share our mission and purpose to our friends, neighbors, families and friends. We are all marketers!

Connections, connections, connections, thank goodness for connections: Call it coincidence, karma, fate. I like to say we live in a “million-person Mayberry.” Our communities are tight. Kentucky and Indiana are awesome places to live because of our quality of life and incredible sense of community.

Back to Mom: After 10 stitches to the forehead, her CT scan showed a non-operative eye socket fracture. Besides looking like Stallone in Rocky, she is doing well. My family and I are planning to talk to her about hospice and palliative care soon. We all know that we need to have this tough conversation. And what better time than during Hospice Month?

Won’t you consider having “the” conversation with your loved one?