3888 Pacific Avenue • Stockton, California 95204-1953 • 24-hr. main-line: (209) 957-3888 • fax: (209) 957-3986 http://www.hospicesj.org 3888 Pacific Avenue Stockton, California 95204-1953
Lodi Tree Tree of of Lights Lights Lodi Turns 18 Stephen Guasco, Executive Director, Hospice of San Joaquin appreciates the City of Lodi and its residents’ partnership.
By Barbara Pombo, Development Director
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
Permit Nº557 Stockton, CA
Our Mission
The mission of Hospice of San Joaquin, a notfor-profit organization, is to provide comprehensive medical and compassionate care, counseling and support to terminally ill patients and their families, regardless of ability to pay, and to educate and collaborate with health care providers and the public in promoting quality end-oflife care.
A nonprofit agency serving the community since 1980 Hospice is governed by a community Board of Directors and is recognized as a 501(c) (3) organization. Hospice of San Joaquin is licensed by the State of California as a Hospice Agency and is certified by the Centers for MediCare and MediCal Services to provide the Hospice Medicare/ Medi-Cal Benefit. The Joint Commission has accredited Hospice of San Joaquin. For more information or referral, call (209) 9573888.
Quality You Can Trust Joint Commission Accredited
During the evening of December 3rd, two thousand, two hundred and fifty (2,250) lights will simultaneously light up following the community’s count down at the 18th Annual Tree of Lights, lighting ceremony. “On behalf Hospice of San Joaquin’s patients as well as their families, we wish to thank the City of Lodi for –once again– partnering in the Tree of Lights Celebration,” said Stephen Guasco, Executive Director of the many contributions the City of Lodi and its residents offer to the agency. This year, volunteers replaced all lights with high energy saving bulbs. Each bulb will now use 7-tenths of a watt generating a 90 percent reduction in power consumption —from 5,000 watts per hour to 500 watts per hour. The energy saving upgrade was made possible by public benefit money provided through the Lodi Electric Utilities secured through the efforts of Rob Lechner. Hospice of San Joaquin appreciates everyone collaborating in making tree of lights a reality, “members of Lodi’s Public Works Department, under the supervision of Curt Juran, have each volunteered
(Photo By Gene Acevedo)
Tree of Lights 2009
(Photo by www.ulmerphoto.com)
three of their Saturdays to test the lights, replace all of the bulbs with the energy efficient bulbs and placing as well as removing the lights from the tree,” highlighted Guasco. Among the Lodi Tree of
Lights partners is the West Coast Arborists. “Without the West Coast Arborists lightingup our Lodi Tree would be very difficult,” explained Barbara Pombo, Development Director at Hospice of San
Transitions: Participant Family Appreciates the Support By Gene Acevedo Community Outreach Director
Every day, patients and their families receive lifelimiting diagnoses along with advice about the treatment options that are available. However, the shock, fear, and anxiety from this knowledge can increase the complexity of the situation and make it difficult for patients and families to understand the diagnosis or suggested treatment procedures. For this very reason, Hospice of San Joaquin has increased its commitment to quality-of-life by offering
Transitions—a program designed to provide palliative education, emotional support, and community resource information to participants with life-limiting or advancing chronic illnesses. Richard and Diane Park were recent recipients of the Transitions Program. Mr. Park had numerous life limiting conditions and according to his physician he developed a potentially fatal allergic reaction alongside had other life limiting diagnosis. His recovery prognosis was uncertain. The complexity of the numerous medical op-
tions was overwhelming, and their family physician suggested the Hospice of San Joaquin Transitions Program as a professional resource for support. Mrs. Park states, “Hospice of San Joaquin Transitions Coordinator, Pam Byrne is exceptionally knowledgeable and encouraging. She was caring, accessible and very well informed. Her support was like being thrown a life jacket in a stormy sea.” Transitions is a community support program for individuals and families facing advancing chronic or life-lim-
Joaquin. The West Coast Arborist provides staff and equipment to string and remove the lights. The City’s Parade of Lights will follow the Tree of Lights’ lighting program which is schedule at 5:30 pm. This year the Lodi High Meistensigners will provide music under the direction of Amy Dalhstrom. Pastor Rod Suess from Vinewood Community Church will give the invocation. The Lodi Chapter of the Hospice Butterfly Auxiliary will serve cookies and cider. Should you desire to lightup a light for a loved one, you may contact Hospice of San Joaquin’s events line at (209) 922-0242, or you may go online at www.hospicesj. org. Your donation will lightup the Tree of Lights and it will support Hospice of San Joaquin’s programs. Your loved ones name will be posted on the Memory Boards provided by PG&E Volunteer Dave Bender and family.
Richard Park Transitions Participant (photo by Diane Park)
iting illness. Transitions Program is separate from hospice care. It is sponsored by Hospice of San Joaquin and is free of charge to participants. Ms. Byrne, Ph,D., R.N. says, “When you or someone you love has advancing chronic or life limiting illness your life is affected in countless ways. Coping with the changes may be challenging or difficult. The Transitions Program is here to help and to offer information, respect, comfort and support when you need it most.”
NHPC & Gene Acevedo
Hospice care helps patients and families focus on living. This is the message that Hospice of San Joaquin is sharing with the community during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. However, this important message lasts beyond the month of November and is important all year round. “November is an important month to raise awareness about the importance of quality of life when cure is no longer possible,” said Stephen Guasco, Executive Director of Hospice of San Joaquin. “However care does not follow a calendar nor is limited to a particular season. The needs of our patients arrive any day at any time, so our message must make an impression that stays with people all year long.” Every November hospice
agencies across the country raise awareness of the compassionate care hospice and palliative education provides. The Seasons of Caring theme reminds people that life’s final seasons can be some of the most fulfilling, especially when hospice care supports the patient and family. Hospice care includes a professional team, experts in medical care to keep patients comfortable and able to enjoy quality time with their loved ones. The team offers medical answers, advice on what to expect, and helps families with the duties of
being a caregiver. The team also provides emotional and s p i r i - tual support for the entire family. “With the help of hospice, patients and families alike can focus on what’s most important – enjoying life together and living the final seasons to their fullest,” said Guasco, “It’s about quality of life.” “There’s an inaccurate perception among the American public that hospice means you’ve given up,” said J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “Those of us who have worked in the field have seen firsthand how hos-
Officers:
Edward G. Schroeder, President; President & CEO, O ‘ Connor Woods G a y l e R i l e y, R N , Vice President; Nurse, Healthcare Administrator Chris Mccaffrey, Treasurer; Vice President-Morgan Stanley Chris Olin, Secretary; Community Volunteer
Members:
Mark Wallace, Ex-Oficio Director of Human Resources, Lodi Memorial Hospital Diane Park; Fund D e v e l o p m e n t Consultant Gary Giannini; Principal at Schwartz Giannini Jack Gilliland, MD Retired Jacqueline Bagatta, RN; Deputy Director – San Joaquin General Hospital Margo Kozina; Teacher, St. Mary‘ s High School Peter G. Gormsen, C.P.A.; Degreogori, Gormsen, Ringer, Inc. P h y l l i s B e r g e r, E s q . ; Professor, Humphreys College School Of Law Scott Beattie; Partner/ Lawyer At Calone Law Group Steve Larson; Grants Officer Port Of Stockton Stephen Guasco; Executive Director and Member of the Board
Support Personnel
Robert T. Browne, M.D.; Medical Director James Saffier, M.D.; Staff Physician Mobin Ghavami, M.D.; Staff Physician Gail E. Wigley , RN; Director, Clinical Services Jo Paganini, MSW; Director, Social Services Becky Burnett, RN; Hospice House Manager Pam Byrne, Ph.D., RN; Transitions Program Coordinator Audrey Wuerl, RN, BSN; Education Coordinator S t e v e P a r s o n s , C PA ; Director Operations / Finance
National Hospice Month:
Seasons of Caring
Board of Directors
Patty A. Rieber; Human Resource Manager
pice and palliative care can improve the quality of life. And there’s a growing body of research showing that hospice and palliative care may prolong the lives of some people who receive care.” Patient / Physician communication is the key in understanding the disease trajectory and options to balance quality of life at end-of-life care. “It is unfortunate that more than 70 percent of the population will jeopardize quality of life with curable measures which have no benefits in prolonging life once cure is exhausted.” explained Audrey Wuerl, RN, Education Coordinator, Hospice of San Joaquin. For more information about Hospice of San Joaquin, and how your family may benefit from hospice care, call (209) 957-3888, or you may visit the agency’s website www.hospicesj.org.
Leo Ronquillo; Information Systems Manager Gene Acevedo, MBA; Director, Community Outreach and Public Relations Barbara A. Pombo, MBA; Director, Development Carolyn Gomes; Annual Gifts & Events Coordinator Carrie Lane, M. DIV.; B e r e a v e m e n t Coordinator Becky Freeman; Volunteer Coordinator Jim R. Russow, M. DIV., D MIN.; Chaplain
Message from the Executive Director
During this Holiday Season, Hospice of San Joaquin celebrates a unique partnership with our Community. It was thirty years ago that Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of California to establish Hospice of San Joaquin. The filing of those Articles on November 5, 1980 fulfilled the dream of those twelve dedicated professionals who comprised our first Board of Directors. Their dream was to create an agency that provides “palliative and supportive services which coordinate and facilitate physical, emotional and spiritual care for the dying persons and their families.” Hospice of San Joaquin continues to fulfill that dream by striving to provide the highest level of care for both our patients and their families. Hospice of San Joaquin continues its voluntary Accreditation through the Joint Commission – the Nation’s leading health care accrediting body, evaluating and accrediting more than 19,600 healthcare organizations in the United States. Accreditation through the Joint Commission is the highest seal of approval for the delivery of health care services. Throughout this Newsletter, you will see articles and pictures of a few of the many contributions by individuals and companies throughout San Joaquin County who appreciate and support Hospice of San Joaquin’s long history as the County’s only not-for-profit hospice. Our partnership with the community ensures that the dream of our twelve founders will live many more years into the future. Sincerely Stephen Guasco, Executive Director Hospice of San Joaquin Below are the dedicated professionals who responded affirmatively to supporting the concept of Hospice in the Stockton/San Joaquin communities and helped guide its growth by participating as the founding Board of Directors. The list includes their names and their respectful titles as they served at the formed Hospice of San Joaquin Board. John Morozumi, M.D., Physician Ort Lofttus, President, KJOY, KJAX Robert Browne, M.D., President, S.J. Medical Society Mike Monnich, Director, S.J. Medical Society Shiela Stephens, R.N., BSN, Oncology Dept. Head Karen Hanson, MSW, Oncology Social Worker Joan Heffernan, Board of Directors at Newman Club Lois Erickson, R.N., BSN, Nurse Franke Hey, School Board Member and Symphony League Fundraiser Rabbi Chester, Rabbi, Temple Israel Father Harmon Skillon, Priest, St. Edwards Church Reverend Holmes, Minister, Trinity Lutheran Church
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Hospicio de San Joaquin ofrece sus servicios en español Si desea que alguien le interprete este boletín en su idioma, por favor comuníquese con Gene Acevedo, Director de Relaciones Públicas Josie Minor, Maestra en Trabajo Social Diane Medina, Maestra en Trabajo Social
(209) 957-3888
Pacific Gas and Electric Company Employee/Volunteer honored for service to Hospice of San Joaquin in northeast San Joaquin County
PG&E honors Cynthia Haynes
By Barbara Pombo Development Director
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is recognizing Cynthia Haynes with the prestigious Mielke Award. Cynthia Haynes, PG&E employee, and volunteer with Hospice of San Joaquin, is recognized for her dedication and perseverance to increase participation in Tree of Lights. Annually, across the state PG&E selects one recipient, out of 400,000 members, to receive the Mielke Award based on outstanding, above and beyond community service. Ms. Haynes became inspired by the PG&E/Hospice of San Joaquin’s Tree of Lights Stockton partnership. In 1997, her inspiration led her to engage at Hospice of San Joaquin and to expand the Tree of Lights in Lodi. “The Tree of Lights used to be at Hutchins Street Square and we wanted to make the lighting more visible for everyone to learn about hospice services,” shared Ms. Haynes, “hospice care brings families together and I understand what it means to have choices at end-of-life as my grandfather received the service.” Part of her plan was to initiate the Parade of Lights in Lodi which has now become a tradition following the lighting ceremony of Hospice of
By Audrey Wuerl, RN, BSN, CHPN, Education Coordinator
In previous articles, I have discussed challenging behaviors in Alzheimer’s disease, such as wandering, that cause families distress and result in the patient being institutionalized. In this article I will address a behavior concerning disruption of the sleep-wake cycle, one that results in increased confusion, restlessness, agitation, and anxiety—especially after dusk—and may continue throughout the night. It has been documented to occur in 20 percent of all patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and has been appropriately named sundowning as it coincides with “the sun going down.”1 Sundowning syndrome is also known as Sundowner’s syndrome. Sundowning can be especially difficult for caregivers as it is, in effect, wandering after dark.
When Does Sundowning Occur?
When I refer to the sleepwake cycle, I am referring to a patient’s circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythmicity is what regulates all of our bodily processes, including body temperature, secretion of hormones, heart rate, and so on, and is controlled by the brain. We see behavioral changes in these patients because Alzheimer’s disease causes damage to the brain resulting in brain cell death, and shrinkage of the organ. Most of the behavioral issues concerning this dementia are caused by ongoing changes in the brain. We tend to see sundowning in the Moderately Severe or Mid-stage of this disease, which we call Stage 6. Sundowning occurs while the patient is still ambulatory. While this behavior is challenging for families and staff, the good news is it tends to peak in this stage and then diminish as Alzheimer’s progresses.
What the Experts Say About Sundowning Hospice Awareness is a quarterly newsletter published by Hospice of San Joaquin Located at 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204 * (209) 957-3888. Gene Acevedo, Director of Community Outreach: Editor Barbara Pombo, Director of Development: Co-Editor Hospice Staff: Article Contributions Roberto Radrigán, G. D., GráficaDesign: Design & Layout Comments, questions, sponsorship opportunities or if you wish to be removed from our mailing list, please contact our office at (209) 957-3888
In a recent study entitled Sundowning and Circadian Rhythms in Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers investigated the relationship between sundowning and circadian rhythms. They concluded that while behavioral symptoms associated with dementia can occur at any time of day, Alzheimer’s disease caused disturbances of circadian rhythms; and, sundowning was related to a phase delay
Cynthia Hanes, PG&E Employee and Volunteer; Carolyn Gomes, Program Coordinator, and Stephen Guasco, Executive Director, Hospice of San Joaquin, converse about the 2010 Lodi and Lockeford Tree of Lights. (Photo by Lewis W. Stewart)
Pacific Gas & Electric Employee Volunteers Mark Rasmussen Dave Ayers Lisa Wallace Jimmy Pacheco Greg Cobarrubias Emily Barnett
(no longer with PG&E)
Theresa English Bob Severson Ken Ruffin Sr Chad Lavezzo Evan Slayton
San Joaquin’s Tree of Lights on the steps of City Hall. In 2006, Cynthia Haynes’ Tree of Lights vision to incorporate other communities took yet another step towards growth. This time along with friends and colleagues, she initiated a partnership with Hospice of San Joaquin
Baird Beeson Robert Beeson Josh Casenave Pat Windschitl Rich Cody Gerrett Matthews Chris Tarp Scott Whitney Mark Fort Dave Diebner John Christensen Dustin Powell
and the Lockeford/Clements Chamber of Commerce. As a result, the local community now enjoys the local tree lighting ceremony, “The overall Lockeford/Clements community joins us in lighting the tree,” explained Tim Fowler, former Chamber President, “while some people who
Alzheimer ’s Disease:
Understanding the Sundowning Syndrome
in body temperature that was a result of the disease process. 2 The authors point out therapeutic goals for sleep disturbances, such as respiratory problems like sleep apnea, differ from those used to treat sundowning, where the emphasis is on patient safety and comfort rather than sedation and sleep. For that reason, they conclude the term “sundowning” should be associated with behavioral disturbances that occur during the late afternoon and evening hours when the patient is expected to be awake. Further, the authors caution that this population is difficult to accurately study as many patients with Alzheimer’s disease are hospitalized during the later stages— which contributes to changes in circadian rhythms—or, have other comorbidities that affect their sleep. For families and caregivers or institutions, it is important to keep in mind that each patient is individual and their needs (and behaviors) should be addressed on that basis.
Suspected Causes of Sundowning
There are identified triggers that tend to precede sundowning behavior, although there is not consensus on actually why the patients react to the triggers. Most behaviors are attributed to the following factors: • End-of-day (afternoon) confusion or exhaustion • Disturbance in the “biological clock” (this is the circadian rhythm) • Decreased ability to handle stress
• Poorly lit rooms and increased shadows (coupled with possibly poor eyesight) • Difficulty differentiating dreams from reality • Restlessness due to boredom • Decreased need for sleep (common in older adults) • Caregiver communicated fatigue I often tell families that being a caregiver may be the most important job they will undertake in their entire lifetime. Taking care of themselves will allow them to have the energy to care for their loved one. Learning what to expect and what is expected can help them feel more comfortable in this new role. (And, if their loved one is now institutionalized, the “caregiver” role does not just go away. In fact, it can be confused with the guilt often felt when families can no longer care for the patient at home.) If hospice care is involved by this point, the hospice team will provide teaching about the disease process so the family can feel confident when giving care, as well as addressing the psychological and social needs of the patient and family. If the patient is institutionalized, hospice will support the facility in identifying stages and what changes to expect—and communicate these changes to the family.
Coping with Sundowning Behavior
The following suggestions can help keep the Alzheimer’s patient safe, and reduce anxiety. Try to maintain a structured routine that provides activities within the patient’s coping ability, as well as applying the following tips to cope with sundowning behavior. • Plan activities for earlier in the day, rather than in the afternoon, to avoid exhaustion. • Discourage daytime napping and encourage exercise such as taking a walk to use extra energy
are not fully aware of hospice services appreciate the ceremony; others who have received hospice services have a deeper and meaningful experience.” The Tree of Lights in Lockeford, Tracy, Manteca and Stockton is made possible by PG&E Employee Volunteers (see adjacent list). Starting in Stockton in 1988 this dedicated crew and their family members have string lights and maintained the memory boards adding new location ass interest grew across the County. T h e L o c k e f o r d Tr e e Lighting attracts the entire community including families, businesses and a unique group which adds a musical contribution — caroling on horseback. Community participation has grown substantially over the years. The 5th Annual Tree of Lights in Lockeford is set for December 1st, with Cynthia Haynes once again energetically and expertly leading the effort.
and promote sense of well-being. • Take special notice of the patient’s diet—limit caffeine and sweets to early in the day to reduce sleeplessness and agitation. • Monitor noise levels from televisions, radios, or stereos to decrease agitation. • Keep sleeping room partially lit to prevent patient from becoming disoriented. • Caregivers should remember to take care of themselves to avoid transferring stress.1 We can better accept the changes that occur in the Alzheimer’s patient if we understand the changes that occur in the brain. Confusion, restlessness and agitation occur because the brain can no longer sort out clues in the patient’s environment. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, more and more nerve cells or neurons (we normally have about 100 billion!) in the brain die, resulting in brain shrinkage. This “shrinking” equates to losses in functional ability. The FAST scale helps illustrate for families and caregivers or institutions, the expected losses at each stage. Sundowning occurs in Stage 6, so beside the disruption of the sleep-wake cycle, the patient may begin to exhibit suspiciousness concerning his or her surroundings, delusions regarding the caregiver as really being an “imposter” and repetitive behaviors. So, too, this is the stage in which we begin to see wandering behavior. Understanding what triggers sundowning, taking steps to reduce those triggers, and realizing the main goal should always be safety for the patient, helps us all cope better when caring for the Alzheimer’s patient. And, knowing what to expect as Alzheimer’s disease progresses and sundowning behaviors occur, receiving the necessary support along the way, will make this road a little easier to navigate—for family and caregivers alike. 1 Alzheimer’s
Association. 2007. Sleeplessness and Sundowning¬, pp. 1–2. Accessed May 4, 2009. 2 Volicer, L, Harper, D, Manning, B.C., Goldstein, R. and Satlin, A. (2001, May). Sundowning and Circadian Rhythms in Alzheimer’s Disease. American Journal of Psychiatry, 158:5, pp. 704–711.
When Do We Say Enough?
Care choices at end-ofto be managed? Hope to life can be daunting and spend time with loved ones, poorly understood—and, or just hope to have “time choosing between “quality to say good-bye”? of life” and “quantity of Hospice stresses quality life” can be frightening for of life, patient autonomy, individuals and families a belief in dignity and realike. spect, and support for paA recent article appeartient, caregiver, and family ing in The Record (Asduring these final months. sociated Press, June 29, This option can be a wel2010) highlighted the dicome relief for patients lemma many people face both physically and finanwhen confronted with a cially when all therapies life-limiting illness. Titled, have been exhausted. But Americans Are Treated, all too often patients are And Overtreated, To Death, referred late in the disease By Audrey Wuerl, RN, BSN, CHPN it brings to light the often trajectory. According to futile attempts made to the National Hospice and Education Coordinator prolong life at a point when Palliative Care Organizahonest discussion regardtion of all patients receiving goals of care should be ing hospice care in 2009, taking place. Indeed, Americans are the average length of stay was spending more time in hospitals dursixty-nine days, with thirty-five ing their final days, often pursuing percent dying within seven days treatments that only buy weeks of of admission. time rather than any “cure.” Choosing hospice care at end As our population ages, diseases of life has proven to prolong the once thought only “chronic” have lives of certain patients. A study in fact become life-limiting; and, done in 2007 and published in the for hospice admissions, cancer New England Journal of Medicine, related deaths account for fewer showed patients’ survival rates than fifty percent of all terminally improved under hospice care, estreated deaths. 1 Americans are pecially for congestive heart failure now “sicker” as they approach end of life, and often and lung cancer, probably due to the treatment is a greater burden than the illness itself. At earlier referral for services and better pain and symptom a time when health care costs are skyrocketing, exploring management.2 When do we say, “enough is enough”? At what point do options for care with an emphasis on quality of life when quantity is no longer possible can be the best solution in we recognize continued, aggressive care (without result) as futile and stop treating, and over treating people to death? As the final months. Physician-patient discussions regarding options when this article illustrates, having honest, meaningful physiciangoals of care are changing can be extremely beneficial for patient conversations regarding disease prognosis can allow individuals as they explore treatment choices. According time to concentrate on what is really important now—and, to this article, “one large study of Medicare records found help those facing life-limiting illness time to “celebrate the that nearly twelve percent of cancer patients who died in rest of their lives.” 1999 received chemo in the last two weeks of life, up from 1,2 NHPCO Facts and Figures: Hospice Care in America, ten percent in 1993.” People simply do not want to give up—and hope can be a wonderful thing. How about, hope National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, 2010 Edition, for pain to be controlled, or hope for exhausting symptoms retrieved from www.nhpco.org/research October 15, 2010
As the temperature begins to drop, the fireplace at Hospice House exudes the “presence of home”. Hospice of San Joaquin’s professional staff and volunteers ensure that both patients and their families feel comfortable (and warm) during their visit. Twice a month Hospice House guests receive a special treat —live piano music by Linda Smith, volunteer at Hospice of San Joaquin. While Hospice of San Joaquin offers music therapy to both inpatients and outpatients, Hospice House residents and their families enjoy the selections Linda Smith plays on the grand piano. ““Music therapy offers patients various forms of comfort; including mental and physical relaxation and reminiscence of life’s events (joyous and sorrowful). Each person has their own emotional response to music and more often than not, it touches the soul and brings a gentle comfort and peace to the listener,” explained Jo Paganini, Director of Social Services at Hospice of San Joaquin. For the past three years Linda Smith has offered her talent as a volunteer. “After loosing my mother… A friend [Sharon Benninger volunteers as a Team Member and with the Butterfly Auxiliary] recommended that I to start playing the piano at Hospice of San Joaquin’s House,”
The holidays will not be what they used to be… shared Jo Williams of Linden, this winter holds her first holidays without her husband Steve Williams who died May 2, 2010. Mr. Williams was diagnosed with cancer in April and within a window of 10days Mrs. Williams had lost her husband. “At first I was refusing to believe he was gone; emotions of anger, disbelief, and emptiness filled me,” she noted in a quiet tone. As she attended Hospice of San Joaquin’s Memorial
Experience the rewards and satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others
Volunteer Training
March 3 — March 22, 2011 Monday & Thursday Evenings 6:00 to 9:00 pm For further information or to register, call the Volunteer Coordinator at
(209) 957-3888
Helping Teens to Cope with Grief and Loss November 20, 2010 2:30– 5:00 pm Losing a loved one is hard. Family, friends, and teachers don’t always understand what you are going through. We do! Come and meet other teens who have had a loss and let us help you learn some ways to get through the holidays and beyond!
Live Pian o M us i c
A Treat at Hospice House
Register at (209) 957-3888
This workshop is for high-school students who have lost a loved one and is led by Hospice of San Joaquin Bereavement Staff and volunteers. The cost is FREE but pre-registration is required. Please call to register (209)
957-3888
Tree of Lights 2010 Light Up a Light… Light Up a Life
Ms. Smith reminisces, “…my mom loved piano music.” Linda Smith discovered her passion for music since her early childhood, “I would play all kinds of television commercials.” Following her music passion, her mother decided that she would learn piano at age 5. “My mom was a Southern Baptist and she wanted me to learn how to play hymns rather than cigarette or beer commercials,” Ms Smith explained. Neither Linda or her
mother ever imagined that her music would benefit Hospice of San Joaquin’s patients; but, she quickly learned about the appreciation and need for her talent, “at first I thought the music would be a distraction; but, as soon as I started playing people came out and appreciated the music.” Today, she visits regularly throughout the month and plays the hymns her mother enjoyed during her life. Nowadays she also plays pieces following special requests.
Linda Smith, Volunteer Piano Player at Hospice of San Joaquin Photo By Gene Acevedo
“We have seen how some of our guests come around Linda to sing along while she plays,” noted Verna Baker, Hospice House Cook. The grand piano was a kind donation to Hospice of San Joaquin In Memory of Daniel Paul Sheehy by Beverly, Matthew, Stephanie & Michael Sheehy.
New Friendships Start in Grief Groups By Gene Acevedo, Community Outreach Director
Volunteer at Hospice of San Joaquin
Isela Guerrero, Volunteer at HSJ
By Gene Acevedo Community Outreach Director
JOIN THE TEAM
Service and learned about the agency’s bereavement groups; she also learned she was not alone. Mrs. Williams remembers her first day as she signed up to attend a group, “The first day I was trembling with fear… especially because you don’t want to show your weaknesses among a group of strangers.” Hospice of San Joaquin offers six-week group sessions for participants to learn about coping with their loss, reflect about ways to cope with the grief, explore care methods, and ultimately participants discuss transformation and growth following their loss. Mrs. Williams’s group was
formed of 14 participants who had lost their spouses. “It’s been wonderful, from day one, I felt I knew everyone,” she shared. Similar to other individuals participating on bereavement groups, Jo Williams found herself surrounded by new acquaintances whose relation is building up to a new level of friendship. “We continue meeting at restaurants and we have even visited among each others homes.” As the holidays are approaching she knows her family will come together; however, without Steve these holidays will be different. “I know I will enjoy each holiday
with my family. However as the holidays approach, the days will be difficult because we don’t have the acceleration of happiness,” explained Ms. Williams. Prior to the holidays, the 14 member group is planning to support each other. For anyone in the community who has lost a loved one in the past year, Hospice of San Joaquin has bereavement groups throughout the year. You may contact Carrie Lane, Bereavement Coordinator, Hospice of San Joaquin at (209) 957-3888 or you may learn more on line at www. hospicesj.org.
During this special season, honor or remember a loved one through Hospice of San Joaquin’s “Tree of Lights”. Your gifts directly benefit patient’s quality of life Please print Donor’s Name: Street: City, State, Zip Phone Select a light Color
Select a location
Red
$
5.00
Stockton:
Green
$ 10.00
Lockeford
Blue
$ 25.00
Lodi
White
$ 50.00
Rio Vista
Yellow
$ 100.00
Treetop
$ 200.00
Manteca Tracy
Please Print: In MEMORY of: In HONOR of: Send Notice of gift to: Street: City, State, Zip: Check enclosed and completed form mailed to: Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204 Please charge my donation to MasterCard Visa Am Ex Discover Credit Card # Name on Card: Exp Date: Signature: Or, visit our website to make your gift online If your gift includes more names, download form online
www.hospicesj.org
The Quarter in Review (right) Olive Garden Staff appreciated Hospice of San Joaquin dedication to provide the next level of care when cure is no longer an option. On labor day, Olive Garden surprised the agency’s staff with a free meal at Hospice House. (Photo By Gene Acevedo)
(left) Dr. Berlin, Volunteers at Camp Caterpillar 2010, the annual, day camp supports children K - 8th grade grieving the lost a loved one in the past 12 months. (Photo by www.ulmerphoto.com)
(right) During the evening of October 4, 2010, Hospice of San Joaquin appreciated members of the Butterfly Auxiliary, along with friends and supporters of the agency in an evening titled —“Sharing the Care” (photo by www.ulmerphoto.com)
(left) Barbara Galgiani President of the Butterfly Auxiliary surprised Hospice of San Joaquin with a pre-season check by the Auxiliary’s ongoing fundraising efforts. (left to right) Edwarde Schroeder, Board President; Barbara Galgiani, Butterfly Auxiliary President; Stephen Guasco, Executive Director (photo by www.ulmerphoto.com)
YouAreInvited
Butterfly Auxiliary meetings are open to anyone interested in membership. Stockton Chapter Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month (February November) at 6:00pm at the Hospice of San Joaquin Office. Lodi Chapter meetings are held the second Thursday of every month (February - November) at 6pm at Vinewood Community Church in Lodi. Tracy Chapter, meets on the first Monday of the month. New members are most welcome!! For information, call Gloria Bacchetti (209) 835-9569 Fundraising events benefit Hospice House, the only residential hospice home in San Joaquin County. For membership information, visit our website at www.hospicesj.org or call 209-922-0380
Fall 2010 Calendar Tree of Lights The community is invited to join with family and friends to remember and honor loved ones by dedicating a light on the Tree of Lights! Names of honorees and donors are placed on a marquee at the base of each tree. The tree will remain lit for the entire holiday season. Proceeds from this event help Hospice of San Joaquin provide care for terminally ill patients and their families. Additionally, it allows the agency to support the community with bereavement programs for those grieving the loss of a loved one. You may donate a light by calling (209) 9220242. Stockton – Tree of Lights Tuesday, November 23, 2010 — 6:00 pm San Joaquin Delta College 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton
Manteca – Tree of Lights Wednesday, December 1, 2010 — 6:00 pm Manteca Doctors Hospital 1260 E. North Street, Manteca Lockeford – Tree of Lights Wednesday, December 1, 2010 — 6:00 pm Preceding the Cowboy Craft Faire 19000 N. HWY 88, Lockeford Lodi – Tree of Lights Thursday, December 2, 2010 — 5:30 pm City of Lodi at City Hall 221 W. Pine Street, Lodi Tracy – Tree of Lights Friday, December 3, 2010 — 6:00 pm Tracy Outlets 1005 E. Pescadero Ave. Tracy Rio Vista – Tree of Lights Saturday, December 4, 2010 — 5:30 pm City of Rio Vista at City hall One Main Street, Rio Vista
Kids Korner
A special group just for children who are grieving the recent loss of a loved one January 15, January 29, February 12, and February 26, 2011 9:00 am — 11:00 am at HSJ Administration Building A special little “korner of the world” where grieving kids can share, heal, and grow in a safe supportive atmosphere with their peers Cost: Free —However, preregistration is REQUIRED; space is limited Contact: Hospice of San Joaquin’s Bereavement Coordinator (209) 957-3888
Teen to Teen
Helping teens to cope with grief and loss November 20, 2010 2:30 — 5:00 pm at HSJ Administration Building This workshop is for highschool aged teens who have lost a loved one. Cost: Free —However, preregistration is REQUIRED; space is limited Contact: Hospice of San Joaquin’s Bereavement Coordinator (209) 957-3888