01 Note From CEO 02 WELCOME
04 OTT
07 HICC Updates
05 New Employees
08 Community Updates
03 HSI Award
06 Grief Counseling Center
Corporate Updates Events Events
Chaplains Corner
10 Featured Blog- Bea Aistrop: Palliative
Development
Care: What it Means to Patients and Families
HEARTBEAT
September
2017
Founded in 1978. Hosparus Health now serves over 7,000 patients and their families annually.
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elcome to September! We ended August with a Global Meeting filled with announcements and recaps of awards, new programs and updates on Emergency Preparedness and the new Hospice Compare Website. It’s worth mentioning in print how proud we are for the many awards we received in August including the Nonprofit of the Year award from One Southern Indiana. We often recognize individuals for their selfless and exceptional service to Hosparus Health, but to receive an award from our community as the Non-profit of the Year is incredible. Congratulations to the entire HSI team and all our staff who support them, this honor belongs to all of us and deserves to be celebrated! By now, I hope you have seen and shared our new animated commercial called “The Candle”. We are confident this new visual about Hosparus Health and our expanded mission to provide advanced illness care will create lots of opportunities for our communities to connect with our Hosparus Health mission. Please visit our Facebook page and share the commercial with your networks, remember to make your post “public” so your “friends of friends” can also share.
You’ll soon see the commercial in various forms on multi-media platforms across our entire footprint. Healthcare continues to change daily and in our position as the leader in compassionate healthcare, we continue to use our voice and influence with policymakers. In August, senior staff took advantage of the Congressional recess by meeting with some influential lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Trey Hollingsworth of Indiana’s 9th District, U.S. Sen. Todd Young of Indiana and U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky’s 2nd District. Our leadership team also attended a session with U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Congressman Hollingsworth was especially generous with his time during his visit to our HSI office, allowing us to share a lot of information about the hospice and palliative care services we provide to our community. He was a great listener, very knowledgeable about healthcare and is committed to helping us expand our advanced illness care model. We are in continued conversations with Congressman Guthrie to support some key legislation that will help us expand our advanced illness care pilot. Stay tuned for more information.
37 Counties Served 4,826
Patients served to-date in 2017
And finally, the first round of HIS Scores were made public last month on the new CMS Hospice Compare website. I’m sure each of you is aware of this site and are taking part in all the discussions regarding our current scores and ways to continually improve against the national average in the future. Please feel free to reach out to Terri Graham, Diane Collins or me if you’d like an explanation of the scores noted on the website. As you add layers to your wardrobe and enjoy all things pumpkinflavored this fall, take a moment to reflect on the great strides we have made as we head into the final months of 2017. Working together, I have no doubt there will be more exciting announcements to share about our progress towards our Bold Goal of serving 10,000 patients and families by the end of 2020.
93%
Employee Engagement
Corporate News Did you catch the U.S. Solar Eclipse of 2017?! Some of our offices participated by going outside with their solar glasses and watching the partial coverage in their perspective communities. The next one will be in 2024 -until then!
Global Meeting The Hosparus Health global meeting for all communities took place August 31st. It was great to see all of you, some in person, some virtually, and discuss our accomplishments and goals of 2017. Here are some headlines from the meeting: • RECORD billable census on 8/18 of 1,041 patients • Year-to-date our organization has added 99 staff members and achieved a 93% staff engagement rating • New emergency requirements will go into effect on 11/15/17 and training will be available • Dancing with the Stars has 88 seats remaining for sale • Next global meeting - Fall 2017
Camp Evergreen
SEPT
8-10
When: Friday evening - Sunday afternoon What: Evergreen is a weekend retreat for bereaved families with children (ages 6-18) and includes extended family members. Contact Grief Counseling for more information, 502-456-5451.
Dancing with our Southern Indiana Stars
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When: 5:30 PM Where: Hubers Orchard & Winery Proceeds to benefit Hosparus Health of Southern Indiana patients and families. Contact Evan in Development for more information, enoble@hosparus.org.
Julie Hammond, RN RAC, to Participate in Dancing with our Southern Indiana Stars 2
Julie Hammond will be participating this year in the 2017 Dancing with our Southern Indiana Stars event. This is the first time ever a staff member has been a dancer and the team at HSI couldn’t be more proud! Julie has been a hospice nurse for the past 20 years, with the last 17 working for Hosparus Health. She is honored to represent Hosparus Health this year in an effort to raise funds for the continuation of our mission. To vote for Julie, visit: http://bit.ly/2vDsbIZ.
Hosparus Health Receives the One Southern Indiana 2017 Nonprofit of the Year Award! It was announced at the One Southern Indiana annual meeting on Tuesday August 15, 2017 that HSI won the award. One Southern Indiana (1si) is the Lead Economic Development Organization (LEDO) and Chamber of Commerce for Clark and Floyd Counties on the Indiana side of Louisville, Kentucky. 1si pro-actively works to grow our regional economy through
business attraction, retention and expansion; through encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs and workforce development; and through providing government and workforce advocacy, business education, networking opportunities and other business services to our members and investors.
Great Day Live Video & Debut of our New Commercial “The Candle” Did you miss our new commercial “The Candle” during the Great Day Live Dancing with the Stars segment? No worries! Catch it here: http://bit.ly/GDLHH And check out our new commercial here: http://bit.ly/CandleYouT
Give for Good Louisville Day
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When: 12:01AM Thursday to Midnight What: Celebrate with Louisville being a force for good! Donors can contribute to their favorite nonprofits, and you can give to Hosparus Health at: http://bit.ly/2vgks6L.
Hosparus Health Nominated for Today’s Woman “Best for You” Our organization is honored to be nominated in the the Best for You “Helping Others” category! Vote for Hosparus Health so we can be featured in the January 2018 issue by voting ONCE A DAY online at http://bit.ly/2xf8QTC. Voting closes September 20th at noon.
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Over The Top
The Over The Top program is designed to show appreciation to those who provide excellent customer service and support to their peers and in the organization. Staff can fill out an over the top form on any staff member that helped them out in some way. Ask your manager where the forms 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 his or her supervisor.
HL Melanie Drury Cori Wallace Leisa Judd Julie Demunbrun Stephanie Harwood, 2 Angela Sheehan Melissa Ellingsworth Hollie Merriweather Tabitha Hall Bryan Walker Nikki Campbell Rena Kern Connie Simmons Mary Beth Hoofnel Lisa Maddox Geri Brown Jeanne Omer Jessica Aberli Jessica Williams, 2 Stephanie Alvey, 2
HLNE Jane Jayes Laura Lake HICC Michele Fraser Susan Downey Veronic Porter Pam Watkins Rita Gerald Melissa Fuller Ann Hargesheimer Ann MastersonPayne Meagan Yates Lori Stewart Sherry Milliner, 2 Balee Riley Nancy Eversole Andrea Pfalzgraft Lori Stewart
Louisville Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
SEPT
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When: 5-7 PM (dinner at 5:30) Where: St. Matthews Baptist Church What: Dinner will be catered by Gracious Plenty. Bring a friend! We are growing and looking for new volunteers! Please RSVP to Char Kolstolnik at ckostolnik@hosparus.org.
HGR Karen York Tammy Tedrow Stacy Matney Dustin Ford Krissy Smothers Carla Corbin Rosie Edwards Velome Brock Kelly Lane HCL Sean Petty Tracy Shah Brenda Snyder HCK Debbie Dirolf Laurie Catlett Heather Meredith Sheila Otten
Hosparus Health on Great Day Live!
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When: 9AM EST What: Tune-in to Great Day Live Louisville on WHAS11 to hear us share happenings at Hosparus Health!
Chaplain’s Corner Good Enough By: Dina Carroll, M.Div., CT, Chaplain
Sometimes our days are so busy. They can be full of requests from our patients, our supervisors or even our own family members. It can be hard to keep up. Have you ever noticed how you move through space at those moments? Have you noticed your pace, your tone and what you are thinking? I have. I notice that when the demands are great I try to move faster to “get it all done.” I think to myself that by working faster, then I can and will keep up. But underneath my work is a feeling that perhaps “I am just not good enough and perhaps I will never be.”
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HBR Elizabeth Shoemaker Jennifer Byrd Shannon Thompson Kayla Scruggs
Have an interesting story or news to include in the next newsletter? Email schahalis@hosparus.org
Welcome
to Hosparus Health!
In our orientation class from August we welcomed 19 new employees to our organization! From left to right: (Back row) Nicole Crain, CSW; Blake Dela Cruz, CNA; Kensley Rush, PRN, RN; Maya Mason, CNA; Marteneque Stotts, Donations Rec. Assoc.; Terri Turner, Billing Rep; Jamie McPherson, BSSW; Beth Bissmeyer, Intern KKids; Eva Morse, Intern GCC; Darlene Oxendine, Sr. Mgr. Palliative Care, MHA, BSN; Rev. Lawrence Lucas, Chaplain, M. Div. (Front row) Pam Hostefler, RN, BSN; Rhonda Page, CNA; Kim Tribolet, Chaplain, M. Div.; Lenesha Sowell, CNA; Heather Corbin, RN, BSN; Katie Federico, Intern; Maria Coma, Intern; and Carla Heideman, LPN.
Exiting Employees Chenita Martin, HLNE, CNA Shelly Carney, HBR, Volunteer Manager Jennifer Hood, HGR, PRN Laurie Turpin, HBR, Team Nurse
Lelahna Elder, Billing Representative, started in early August.
OCT
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HSI Yard Sale When: Saturday 8-2 PM (Pre Yard Sale for Staff/Volunteers and their friends and family: Friday, October 27th (9-6 p.m.) What: Items available--Clothing, furniture, holiday decorations, jewelry, shoes, housewares, toys, board games, movies, etc.
It took me some time, meditation and a yoga practice to recognize this. I do have a lot of control over my pace, the tone of my voice or the thoughts I think. I can make choices on how to proceed. As I began to recognize my own power and to let go of my inner critic, I discovered this: by slowing down I am actually giving more attention to what is right in front of me. I am more present, more effective and I make fewer mistakes.
But not giving in to the voice inside that says “I may not be good enough” is not always easy to do. It is a blessing to work at Hosparus Health and a blessing to be a part of this universe, but we all come from family systems and communities that often told us how we should live, how we should work, and what we should accomplish. The list of “shoulds” we have inherited are great. But when we get really quiet and connect with the
NOV
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Candle Glow Gala When: Saturday, November 4th Where: Louisville Marriott Downtown What: Elegant Evening of cocktails, dining, awards & fundraising. Discounted employee tickets available. Contact Evan in Development for more information, enoble@hosparus.org. Read More
wisdom within, then we can hear a powerful truth. We are indeed good enough!
Deep within I have recognized that I am a part of creation and just as creation is a gift to me, I am a gift too. Recognizing my own giftedness takes time and practice and stillness. But when I get quiet enough to listen, then this deeper truth is born, and I am be free from my compulsion and free to slow down and to take things one step at a time.
Good enough is my new mantra. The inner critic defeated! May you know, too, you are good enough!
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Grief Counseling Center New Program Coming In October: Rooted In Hope 1st & 3rd Monday October 2nd - December 18th 6:30 PM-8:00 PM A family focused support group. We invite all families with children ages 3-18, who are coping with a loss due to death, to participate. For questions, contact the Grief Counseling Center at 502-456-5451.
NOV
11
Hosparus Health Green River Tea & Auction When: November 11, 2 PM What: Tea and auction benefitting patients in the Green River community Where: Campbellsville Baptist Church Contact Ginny Whitt for more information, gwhitt@hosparus.org
Hosparus Health on Great Day Live!
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When: 9AM EST What: Tune-in to Great Day Live Louisville on WHAS11 to hear us share happenings at Hosparus Health!
Development We are thrilled that two of our Hosparus Health nominees will be recognized at the 2017 National Philanthropy Day luncheon, to be held at the Galt House, Friday, November 17th: • James Ryan will receive the Baylor Landrum Leave A Legacy Award (James has generously placed us in his will for $2.5 million) • Margaret Schneider will receive the Outstanding Volunteers Fundraiser Award. Margaret has done countless things for us, such as Hats Off for Hosparus, Purses for Nurses, HICC rooms, and more!
Gifts & Fundraising • $25,000 grant from Kosair Charities for our Kourageous Kids and children’s grief programming • An anonymous Foundation gift of $7,500 for the HICC renovation • First ever event at a winery (Millanova Winery in Mt. Washington) made $2,200 this month
HICC Updates! Construction is moving along at the Hosparus Health Inpatient Care Center! The project to renovate and expand the space at the Norton Pavilion downtown Louisville started this summer awith a completion date of mid-November. Funds raised from this years’ Gala will help us finish the renovations and provide an inviting space for patients and families as they receive our care. Stay tuned for more updates!
Family room before
Remodeled Family Room
Conference Room Before Remodel
Remodeled Conference Room
New Large Family Room Under Construction
“The HICC is continuing to advance our construction efforts throughout the remaining areas of the 6th floor of the Norton Pavilion. Our goal is to have construction completed by mid November!” -Doug Hedges
Community Updates
Hosparus Health Showing Support FORE Oldham County Chamber Hosparus Health sponsored a hole at the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce Golf Scramble, where more than 100 golfers competed for prizes, and to show off their best Jordan Spieth skills.
Dr. McKain, MD, Medical Director Southern Indiana Thomas McKain, MD, has been with Hosparus Health since 2003. During his tenure, he has worked in several capacities throughout our footprint. As of August, Dr. McKain be serving our Southern Indiana area exclusively.
Here we GROW! Hosparus Health of Southern Indiana has officially expanded to 4 more counties: Dubois, Jefferson, Orange, and Perry! We now cover 37 counties in Kentucky and Indiana.
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Board certified in both Family Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Medicine, with more than 30 years of experience, he is a leading expert in compassionate care for serious and lifelimiting illness. Dr. McKain is dedicated to providing exemplary care to hospice patients and their families, enabling them to experience the highest quality of life possible in the terminal phase of their disease. He is also committed to educating the community on the benefits of engaging in hospice and palliative care sooner. “We look forward to his increased ability to make patient visits as well as provide education to the community, including physicians and nurses at the local hospitals. “ - Jackie Budrovic, HSI Community Director
Leadership Hardin County (LHC) Ginny Whitt, Special Events Planner for HCK, HBR, and HGR, has been selected to participate in the Leadership Hardin County for the class of 2017-2018 with Hardin Co. Chamber. Leadership Hardin County (LHC) is a leadership development and community educational program that connects and inspires local leaders. The 11-month program consists of retreats, presentations and seminars, service projects, discussion groups, independent study, and meetings with key community leaders.
Larue County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon We had an opportunity to speak at the luncheon on August 16th about Hosparus Health’s mission. Jamie Disselkamp, Manager of Outreach, Laurel Bicksler (Patient Support Volunteer), and Dave Bicksler (Thrift Shoppe volunteer) were all in attendence to represent Hosparus Health and spread the word about our efforts in the area.
First Ever Kentucky Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition Meeting While advocating and staying dedicated to improvng children’s palliative and hospice care, we decided to borrow from the Children’s Hospice & Palliative Care Coalition of California to builid a coalition in Kentucky! We aspire to: • Advocate and initiate change in policies • Establish forums for open, integrated discussion on issues relevant to pediatric palliative care • Collect, develop, and share best practives and initiate/share research • Engage funders and others in support of activities • And so much more! For more information contact Denise Gloede at dgloede@hosparus.org
Have an interesting story or news to include in the next newsletter? Email schahalis@hosparus.org
Hosparus Health’s First Pet Placement! Little Socks the cat was the pet of a long time patient. After passing, her pets were relocated except for Socks. Hosparus Health is excited to be partnering with Purrfect Friends for Adoption, Inc. to find homes for pets of our patients. They posted on social media, and we are happy to announce, Socks has a home! Thank you to Patti Warren and Kim Tharp, two of our volunteers, who put a lot of work into making this happen! Thanks to HSI Volunteer Manager Vonya Gershom for working to get this program started.
Socks
Palliative Care: What It Means to Patients and Families By: Beatrice Aistrop As the coordinator for palliative care, one of my primary responsibilities is to contact patients and families who are not eligible for hospice care but have a chronic, debilitating illness. I explain our palliative services and offer them the opportunity to enroll.
It’s not enough that we just support the caregivers, but that we help them detach from that caregiving role, even if it’s just for a little while. I have had family members ask me to come to their home just to meet me, which is such an honor.
I hear many stories in my conversations. Many times, it is the caregiver (usually a family member) who is calling us for help. I always ask, “What are the patient’s The best part happens when the team goes out to visit goals for their quality of life?” With that, I am able to patients — the nurse, social worker and explain how our services can help the CNA. Our staff does such a wonderful job family meet those goals. Often, they are working with our patients, and sometimes so relieved that we can help them, they “I am proud that navigating difficult family dynamics. burst into cheers and tears of joy.
my work can make
We have referred many patients back to I have had families tell me, “I wish I had a real difference in the our hospice services, which is also a relief known about this sooner,” and “I’m so lives of the people I to the families because they didn’t have to glad that I’m finally getting help!” The speak to every day.” go through that process without support. bond with the families and our staff Hospice can be a scary word to our begins with the conversations I have patients, but when we let them know that it with them. I give them understanding by doesn’t necessarily mean immediate death, listening. I let them cry on the phone with it means getting intensive support at home and allowing me. I give them time to think and ask questions. the patient to have the best quality of life possible, it helps them get over the hump, so to speak. Sometimes, I even work with outside resources, such as physician they still hesitate, and we just have to be patient and offices and hospitals, explaining what we do and how compassionate. we help patients with all different kinds of illnesses, from ALS to kidney failure to cancer. People have asked me how we are different from home Compassion starts with the first contact. It doesn’t health. That’s a great question. I let them know that we matter if they use our services or not. They will have are there for the long term, we are specialists in palliative care, and our nurses are trained to identify when a patient a lasting impression of an organization that really may need to be referred to hospice.
cares about what happens to them.
The caregivers I speak with are usually so strung out and all over the place, it’s hard for them to focus. I usually have to repeat the program details more than once, but that’s OK. I don’t mind doing it. I had a patient family member cry on the phone because she has to work full time, take care of three children, and she has limited resources to care for her parents. After we talked, she said she felt like there was finally someone to help her.
We take care of the caregiver and the patient as one, whereas a home health agency will come in and only do what their order tells them to do. We also offer volunteer support, which is different from home health. The real difference is that we care. We provide support to the family as a whole. I am proud to help spread the word about Hosparus Health’s palliative care serves, and I am proud that my work can make a real difference in the lives of the people I speak to every day.