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Journey
Freedom
Making a Difference
Meet Our Office Volunteers
Tiffany Boyd Healthcare Hero
CONTENTS
July 2012 Index: A Dialogue with a Hospice Physician..........................................................2 A Benefit for Hospice Dreams
Monday, September 24, 2012
Volunteer Services...................................2-4 Keep Seniors Safe in Summer Heat.......5
at the Kankakee Country Club
Freedom..........................................................6
11:00 am Check in & Registration | 12:00 pm Shotgun Start Reception & Dinner immediately following
Making a Difference................................7-8
2011 Cobb Boulevard, Kankakee, IL 60901
Silent Auction
Prizes
The Dreams are Ageless Golf Outing is a major fundraising effort to support the work of Hospice Dreams. As a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization Hospice Dreams gives hospice patients the opportunity to live out a dream – a final adventure – where they can spend a joy-filled day with loved ones creating memories of living. Help others to live out their dream by participating in the Dreams are Ageless 2012 golf outing as a participant, sponsor or donor. To register for the golf outing please call:
(888) 741-9132
Creative Arts Contest Entries...........12-14 Around Town.........................................15-16 Equine Therapy...........................................17 See Why Our CNAs Love Their Jobs......................................................18
For more information on sponsorship opportunities please call
Employees of the Month...................19-21
To download a registration form, visit our golf outing website at: HospiceDreams.Wordpress.com hospicedreams.wordpress.com
See the Puzzle Pieces that Make Us Who We Are.................................................22
Stacy Barclay at: (815) 953-2286
Mission Statement: Hospice Dreams is a non-profit wish granting organization dedicated to fulfilling unmet wishes, decreasing stress and improving quality of life for adult hospice patients.
www.HospiceDreams.org 1
Healthcare Heroes.................................9-11
July 2012 The Journey
The
Journey
A Dialogue with a Hospice Physician
Administrator Michael Gillman
Executive Medical Director Rajiv Kandala, MDs
Social Services
Click Here
Roxxi Davis
Spiritual Care Joe Barefield
Clinical Services Carmen Velez
Physician Services Chris Doyle
WELCOME
Admissions
Emily O’Malley
PR and Foundation Kansas Swain
Phone
1-888-741-8985 Toll-free
info@passageshospice.com
On the web
www.passageshospice.com
Connect with us!
New Volunteers North Chicagoland Gina Erbacci Youngeon Kim Bloomington Area Corine Jackson Alyssa “Skye” Wheatley Arvind Jujare South Chicagoland Margaret Mayes Christine Patterson Meaghan Patterson Danielle Chiaramonte Swansea Area Keya Wadlow Austin Ward
July 2012 The Journey
2
Meet Our Offi
Marc Connolly
I have a strong sense of altruism and compassion along with a need to act. I've been charitable and participated in volunteer activities for different organizations' activities throughout my adult life, but I wanted to find a chance to give more regularly. As an administrative volunteer, I've been so lucky to have the opportunity to work with fantastic, caring people across many areas of the Passages organization. I've enjoyed learning what it takes behind the scenes to make good on the promise of the company's mission, and to help make the patient care teams' results possible. I love spending time with my dogs, seeing movies with friends, and hiking and cycling now that summer is here. I also practice activities such as meditation, music, and art to help me enjoy living in each perfect moment.
Sneha
I decided I wanted to vol grandpa died. My whole fa had to do to be there for other people who maybe d
From volunteering I have dying. I feel much more em and I don't want them volunteered I had never ta and now I can see how diffi these people need. I also f old and dying now because to h
I'm a student at U of I Urban listening to music, goin journaling, reading autobio baking. I also volunteer at P the kittens and cat
ice Volunteers
a Gaikwad
Karolina Bys
lunteer for Passages after my amily put aside everything they him. I wanted to be there for didn't have that same support.
I'm working on my B.S. in Technical Management with a concentration in Health Services Management. I was recently accepted into my school's Salute to Excellence event, which was the highest honor to me.
e gained insight on aging and mpathetic for the elderly now, m to feel forgotten. Before I alked to anyone with dementia fficult it is and how much help feel less worried about getting e I know someone will be there help me.
I began volunteering with Passages Hospice while I was enrolled in a sixteen-week Senior Project where I had to implement a real project in a real work place. It was a great experience for me and helped to improve my administrative skills. I acquired a vast amount of skills when working on my project: manipulating data in different software, exploring hospice policies, and understanding the importance of thehospice volunteer program.
na-Champaign. I enjoy running, ng to concerts, making art, ographies, being in nature, and PetSmart and love taking care of ts during the summer.
I was very pleased to work with Volunteer Coordinators Trish Thein and Nicole Brokaw on the project tasks. Both ladies were extremely helpful, always there for me, and wanted me to succeed within their organization as well as my school.
July 2012 The Journey
5
Keep seniors safe in summer heat As the summer heats up, seniors can be especially vulnerable to heat illness and dehydration. Temperatures in the 80s and 90s that seems tolerable to younger groups can be troublesome for older adults. Keep the seniors in your life safe and comfortable with a few tips:
1 2 3 4 5
Fans help, but aren’t enough. If you can’t turn the air conditioner on, spend the day somewhere with AC. Many community centers, senior organizations and public buildings like libraries open their doors as a cooling center. If you’re outdoors, stay out of the sun. Shade, umbrellas and even hats offer protection both from sunburn and the dehydration. Wear lightweight, loose and light-colored clothing. Give your skin room to breathe and sweat. Sweat is the natural way your body cools itself. Take cool showers or splash water on yourself. Apply a cool, wet washcloth to places like your neck, wrists and ankles. Drink water constantly. Caffeinated, alcoholic or sugary beverages can make you dehydrated. Drink water in small amounts all throughout the day – it will do more good than downing a large amount of water all at once.
Most importantly, check on seniors regularly throughout the day. Many older adults need help to stay safe in the heat. For more information and other health resources, contact your local senior resource organization. 5
July 2012 The Journey
This July 4th, we celebrate the many freedoms we enjoy, and we recognize the sacrifices that others have made in order for us to enjoy them. haplain dwig, C u L n li r Ma
Freedom
This time of year (near the 4th of July) most of us think of our country and reflect on the freedoms that we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America. And one of those freedoms that we enjoy is the freedom of religion to worship God in a way that we choose. So as we think about the freedom of religion that we all enjoy in this country, I thought it would be appropriate to ponder some statements made by some of our nation’s founding fathers: On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, reflecting on what he had shared in Congress and, he declared the importance of this day: “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” As you may know, the decision of the Continental Congress to sever its ties with Great Britain came on July 2, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence was adopted two days later on July 4. President George Washington said, “It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are indispensable supporters.” Even today, almost every state constitution has references to God in it. Consider these words from the preamble to the Illinois Constitution: “We, the People of the State of Illinois - grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He has permitted us to enjoy and seeking His blessing upon our endeavors....do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of Illinois.”
Melissa shares this poem with families as a source of comfort. E. E. Cummings i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)i am never without it(anywhere i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done by only me is your doing,my darling) i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true) and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
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July 2012 The Journey
Social Scene
rker cial Wo o S , y d Bun Melissa
Making a Difference If there is such a things as a good death, I feel that it is one where the person passes peacefully and surrounded by love. When someone passes away peacefully and comfortably, we all know here at Passages that we have done our job and done it well. I began my career in hospice with my second-year field placement while I was finishing my master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I chose to do my final field placement at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Hospice and Bereavement. My role was mainly with bereavement: providing counseling to bereaved family members, caretakers, friends and some community members. This experience opened my eyes to a career path that I had not really even considered previously. I was surrounded by a cohesive system utilizing a holistic healthcare approach that really allowed the patient’s comfort, care and family to come first. I was “hooked”, so to say, and knew this was the right place for me. Hospice social work allows me to work in a helping profession and really makes me feel that I am helping. It allows me to help my patients and families navigate the sometimes difficult and negative aspects of the healthcare world to access the care they deserve and the resources they need. I absolutely believe that death teaches us so much about life, and I carry this with me daily. The work that I do translates to the life that I lead and the love that I have for my friends, family and fellow mankind. I am thankful to be in this position and look forward to all of the challenges, good times and sad moments that lie ahead. This is a poem I like to share with hospice family members when they lose a loved one and I feel it does a good job of capturing the feelings of pure love.
July 2012 The Journey
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Congratulations Heal
THANK YOU for submitting more than 150 nominations of Healt incredible caregivers, administrative and support staff of any
“Everyone deserves care and attention.” When Tiffany Boyd’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, she and her sister took it upon themselves to care for her. Tiffany became a Certified Nursing Assistant, helping her mother until the end of her life. A few years later, her sister also became a Certified Nursing Assistant. “My sister’s my best friend,” says Tiffany. “We’re partners.” Losing her mother gave Tiffany a deeper understanding of what families face at the end of a loved one’s life. She considers herself not only empathetic but passionate about helping other families on the journey she experienced. Tiffany received a record number of nominations as a Healthcare Hero from her coworkers and staff at the facilities where she works.
lthcare Heroes
thcare Heroes among our staff! We truly have some of the most y hospice. Congratulations to our two top-nominated Heroes!
“I’m teaching my kids to care.” Jill Quiroz decided to be a CNA after she was in an accident and required a lot of care herself. Although it was hard to get used to, Jill realized that she needed the help - and that her nurses genuinely wanted to help her. Now, with four children at home, Jill explains that she helps take care of sick people. “I hope they learn that it’s okay to need help,” Jill says. “And that if someone else needs help, you should help them.” Patience is a virtue as a CNA, Jill thinks. She enjoys being the ‘answer’ to a family’s questions or concerns. “A lot of people don’t really understand hospice, but I try to make them comfortable.”
“You were the one who taught me,” he said. “I never looked at you without seeing the sweetness of the way the world goes together, or without sorrow for its spoiling. I became a hero to serve you, and all that is like you.” - Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn
Congratulations
Aisa Lopez Amanda Connor Amy O’Dea Amy Voytko Angel Mueller Angie Umstadtt Ashlee Heinzel Awe Becky Williams Betty Johnkins Bianca Crossley Carrie Lamont Cheon Hackett Cherie McCormick Chrissy Cataldo Claudia Ong Corey Tague Cris Eslinger Dana Ellis Dana Sellers
to everyone who was nominated
Debbie Tideman Dena Sawka Gerry Brown Grace Rathek Heather Greer Heather Moslener Jeanette Dickerson Jill Quiroz Jo Roper Julie Thomas Julie Weishaar Karen Pucilowski Kate Pinnow Kathryn Donmeyer Kaylie Novak Kiley Berlatsky Kim Gaines Kim McCaslin Kristen Kolwelter
Kristin Pierce Laura Smith Leslie Dusek Lindsey Snyder Lisa Gremba Maria Coulter Megan McDonough Michelle Boland Michelle Rickert Mindy Burge Natasha Boyd Nicole Brokaw Nicole McCoy Pam Matzen Rebecca Pratt Ricki Kravat Rosa Martinez Sandra Dominguez Sandra Ralph
Sarah Kehoe Seth Gillman Shelly Roy Stephanie Lansford Sue Cholewinski Tara Coleman Tiffany Boyd Tiffany Pilcher Tilisha Jones Tom Schar Tomika McNeal Trina Dollison Trina McGuire Trish Christopherson Trish Thein Ty Lyman Violet Heller
Our Heroes are inspired by their own life! Hear them explain their care in their own words.
Click Here
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July 2012 The Journey
Photo Taken By: Kansas Swain
Serenity
Director of Public Relations Kansas Swain took this photo on the campus of Notre Dame University during a family trip. “I love this photo because it really shows how beautiful the end of something can be,” Kansas said. “The sun will set on everyone’s life, but we can appreciate and enjoy dusk, too.”
Serenity
Partnership
RN Laura Segelhorst submitted this photo to the NHPCO's Creative Arts contest as an example of Diversity in hospice care. Good luck, Laura!
This photo was taken on the beach in Mexico. There are two examples of diversity: in the American hands on Mexican soil and in the hand prints themselves. The hands are different not just because of the size or the gender, but who they came from. One of the hand prints came from me, a Passages Hospice nurse. The hand that made that print has touched so many of our patients’ lives. The other hand print was from my husband. The hand that made that print has worked hard to provide for our family, allowing me to dedicate my time to my patients. Diversity is only valuable if we overcome it and work together. These hand prints remind me of how different, but ultimately similar, everyone is.
July 2012 The Journey
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Around the Town
Celebrate
A group of RNs and CNAs wait anxiously for food
CNAs Paul Chae and Jesse Fettinger man the hotdogs
Chaplain David Weiss and LPN Irma Trujillo
Our team in the Chicago area celebrated summer with a picnic on June 21st in Naperville. An early storm couldn't keep the fun away!
Our Lisle office celebrated National Smile Month with a Send-aSmile event! Staff could send an encouraging message to a co-worker, and it was hand-delivered with a smile. Billing Specialist Jennifer Cwiak won a giftcard to Culvers for sending the most Smiles, and our IT team, Tom Schar and Mike Frye won cookies from a local bakery for receiving the most Smiles! Public Relations Coordinator Kristine Borcz even painted a celebratory plaque for the winners. 16
July 2012 The Journey
We were proud to support the Swedish Covenant Hospital Associates' Board event at U.S. Cellular Field on June 22nd. Passages Hospice sponsored the 5th inning, and we had a great time getting to know the people that do such great work at SCH.
Regular Season July 6th July 12th July 20th Championship Tournament July 27th August 3rd
The Passages Hospice team in the Streator Women's Softball League is 4-1! Good luck for your remaining games!
Our Volunteer Services team enjoyed a well-deserved day off when they took in a Chicago Cubs game last month! L-R: Amy O’Dea (Rockford area), Nicole Brokaw (Volunteer Information Coordinator), Darla Watkins (Swansea area) and Sue Cholewinski (Chicago area).
July 2012 The Journey
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Our equine therapy program was featured in the Northwest Herald on June 14th. One of our patients, Ruth, has been using equine therapy to improve her quality of life.
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July 2012 The Journey
We asked our CNAs why they love their job!
answers: ir e h t f o w e f a Here are just makes ecause it
ood me feel g ach - April Ro a CNA b .” g t in s e e b b e e v I lo u are th e tells “Yo n o e m o s when turn at I get in re h w d n a ts n e reside at I give to th th n tio n e tt a k The love and nnifer Sedloc e J . ss le ce pri from them is smile, my face and ee s ey th d n t’s room a into a patien lk a w I en h W Boyd r! - Natasha te et b s el fe g nothin ods blessing to G a be to y it n opportu because it’s an A N C a g in I love be son dira Richard children. - Ya k metimes thin o s o h w le p on peo get to love I A N C a g I love bein eatherby - Shamica W . le b a v lo n u they’re . We quality of life e th s e v ro p e do im oyd cause what w e b A N C n. - Tiffany B a o g d n in e e p b e e d v I lo ts have to of our patien e m so t a th are all and a better day or f re ca I e that to give thos is A N C a My job as Berlatsky face! - Kim r ei h t on a smile ily. y second fam m re a f o re a rs I take c Switzer ause the elde c e b A ts. - Meghan N n C e ti a a g p in y e b m r ve I lo caring fo passion when m o c d n a e d I take pri of them le, taking care p o e p ew n g ve meetin Kandy Gibson A because I lo N . C life a ’s g e in n e o b e e I lov in som ade a difference m I t a th g in and know
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July 2012 The Journey
Employee of Kaitlyn Henderson Kaitlyn has great team work and always makes time to help others.
Joe Barefield Joe gave extra support to the clinical team during our routine review from the Illinois Department of Health.
Melissa Weber Melissa shows great team work, efficiency, excellence, and a great attitude.
Emily Chance Emily made several phone calls to her staff to ensure a coworker had the support she needed with a patient, even though it wasn’t her job.
Wanda Rohl Wanda worked closely with a family to ensure a patient’s DNR form was signed and filed correctly. Her extra effort meant better care for the patient.
f the Month Jesse Fettinger Jessey is always willing to drive the van for patient transports, and goes aboveand-beyond by getting the oil changed.
Ricki Kravat Ricki always has a positive attitude and keeps her coworkers laughing. She’s a great team player and is always willing to help.
Melissa Haney Melissa was very quick to respond to requests for help from other departments.
Nicole Brokaw Nicole Brokaw rescheduled her day to assist the clinical department during its routine review from the Illinois Department of Health.
Xinmei Liu Xinmei was exceptionally attentive and helpful during a patient’s outing with her family.
July 2012 The Journey
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Yesi Lizama Yesi helped during a patient’s outing and took care of all concerns the family had.
Gina Theis Gina’s charting was extremely clear and complete and helped ensure excellent patient care.
Bethany Norris Bethany works far away from her local office, but takes care of everything. She always gets positive reviews from her patients and families.
Michelle Rickert Michelle rearranged her day on short notice to help with another department’s project. She helped keep the patient calm and happy.
Employees of the month are chosen by their co-workers for going aboveand-beyond in their work. Join us in celebrating these dedicated staff members for their efficiency, excellence, creativity, positive attitude and team work. You are what makes Passages Hospice great!
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July 2012 The Journey
These Are the Puzzle Pieces that Make Us Who We Are: We appreciate these kind words from families!
Thank you to all who cared for my very sweet special friend who passed today. You are all angels! - Crystal Woodward
Thank you for allowing my mother to leave comfortably and with dignity. – Stephanie Strickland and Family
Thank you for the wonderful care given to my husband while he was at Alton Rehab and Nursing Center under hospice. Kathy, Lisa, Tonya, and Kirsten are top in my book of caregivers. – Louis Runyan and Family
May God bless each and every one of you. It takes special people like you to help families through difficult times as we just went through. - The sisters of Judith
Thank you very much... you ALL are awesome and I appreciate the follow up calls after their passing to check on our families...you rock :) - Glenda Farmer
My sincere thanks for all you have done during my mom and dad’s illnesses. The plant was beautiful and Kip and Jeanette’s presence at mom and dad’s funerals meant the world to me. You are all special people and we are blessed to have you here on earth. – Monica Threlkeld
Thank you all for your sincere help and kindness shown to our family. – The Dellinger Family I appreciate all the wonderful care my mother received from all of you. Linda, Sarah, Tracy, and Steve to name a few. Thank you so much for making this experience easier to handle. – Cathy Neumann
Thank you for the wonderful care you gave my mother during her last days at Blu Fountain Manor. I felt like I had angels helping me deal with all that was going on. I will never forget all the kindness from each of you. – Janet Blakely and Family
A very special thank you to the Passages Hospice staff who helped with our mother, Elizabeth Betty Krieg. She loved all of you and you made it special for her journey home to our Lord.. - The family of Betty
Everyone with Passages was wonderful. They really helped make a difficult time a little easier. Thank you. - Carol Smith
Thank you for your great care of Angelo and all those you help each day. - Patricia Donohoe and Elinore Davis
Your passage to care and comfort. We are dedicated to enhancing quality of life by promoting superior end of life care, easing the suffering, and providing continued compassion for the sick and dying in a way that ensures dignity and respect. We are dedicated to promoting realistic outcomes. We are dedicated to working with professionals who follow the highest values of excellence to establish an individualized plan of care offering personal choices and decisions while still maintaining each patient’s uniqueness. We are dedicated to being receptive to each patient and family’s social, emotional, intellectual, safety and physical needs. We are dedicated to a level of care that encourages the safe and cost-effective delivery of hospice care.
We are dedicated to the human spirit.
Providing Quality Care In: Bloomington, IL 404 N. Hershey Road, Ste. A Bloomington, IL 61704 Phone: 309.828.8139 Fax: 309.827.4878
Lisle, IL 515 Warrenville Road Lisle, IL 60532 Phone: 630.824.0400 Fax: 630.395.9235
Carbondale, IL 120 North Tower Rd., Ste. A Carbondale, IL 62901 Phone: 618.490.1040
Rockford, IL 929 S. Alpine Road, Ste. 202 Rockford, IL 61108 Phone: 815.226.7785 Fax: 815.226.7786
New loca t comi ng s ions oon! Swansea, IL 16 Bronze Pointe Blvd. Swansea, IL 62226 Phone: 618.234.7078 Fax: 618.257.7266
Livonia, MI 38099 Schoolcraft Road Livonia, MI 48150 Phone: 734-744-5091 Fax: 734-744-5092
Anonymous Compliance Hotline (866) 842-7093 As part of our continuing commitment to compliance we are encouraging facilities and other partners to use this number if they have a concern.
Passages Hospice
www.passageshospice.com
info@passageshospice.com