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Journey Your life. Your choice. Your Passage.
Passages Introduces Palliative Care
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month!
Our care makes the difference CC image courtesy of Roger Smith Portrait Gallery
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CONTENTS
Index:
Our New Tagline...........................................3
Providing Quality Care In: Bloomington, IL
404 N. Hershey Road, Ste. A Bloomington, IL 61704 Phone: 309.828.8139 Fax: 309.827.4878
Carbondale, IL
120 North Tower Rd., Ste. A Carbondale, IL 62901 Phone: 618.490.1040
Lisle, IL
515 Warrenville Road Lisle, IL 60532 Phone: 630.824.0400 Fax: 630.395.9235
Rockford, IL
Swansea, IL
Palliative Care...............................................4 Veteran’s Day.............................................5-6 National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.............................7-8
16 Bronze Pointe Blvd. Swansea, IL 62226 Phone: 618.234.7078 Fax: 618.257.7266
Our Care Makes a Difference...................9
Livonia, MI
Employees of the Month........................11
38099 Schoolcraft Road Livonia, MI 48150 Phone: 734-744-5091 Fax: 734-744-5092
St. Louis, MO
1120 South Sixth Street Suite 500 St. Louis, MO 63104 Phone: 314-241-5700 Fax: 314-241-0441
Volunteer Department............................10
October was Pastoral Care Month......12 Welcome New Members........................13 PERK! Winners.............................................14 Around Town .......................................15-22 Passing it on................................................23
929 S. Alpine Road, Ste. 202 Rockford, IL 61108 Phone: 815.226.7785 Fax: 815.226.7786
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.
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Nov. - Dec. 2012 The Journey
Chief Operating Officer ReneĂŠ Svorec
Executive Medical Director Rajiv Kandala, MD
Business Development Shelley Johnsen
Social Services Roxxi Davis
Spiritual Care David Weiss
Clinical Services Carmen Velez
Physician, Hospital and Palliative Services Chris Doyle
Admissions Jen Ashlin
PR and Foundation Kansas Swain
The
Journey Contributors Editorial
Kaitlyn Henderson Kansas Swain
Art Direction Kamie Freeland
Photography
Staff photographers supplied all photos in this newsletter unless otherwise specified All photographs are property of Passages Hospice and may not be reproduced without permission. Contact pr@passageshospice.com for permission or questions. This issue of The Journey was made available to the public on November 5, 2012 through issuu.
Phone 1-888-741-8985 Toll-free
E-mail info@passageshospice.com
On the web www.passageshospice.com
Connect with us! See our care in action on our Youtube channel!
We are proud to be an Honorable Mention in the 2013 Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics through the Better Business Bureau! The award is given to businesses who demonstrate a high standard of ethical behavior with customers, vendors, employees and the public. Check back next issue for pictures of the ceremony.
Did you know that we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau?
On October 1st, we announced our new company tagline. Your life. Your choice. Your Passage. The tagline represents the importance of each and every person getting the care that is right for them. Not every hospice provider offers the same services or quality of care, and it's critical to choose a provider that can give you what you're looking for.
"Since 2005, Passages Hospice has been dedicated to the human spirit and to providing superior end-of-life care," Administrator Michael Gillman said. "Educating the community through an identifiable brand is one of our most important responsibilities as we continue to grow."
The tagline also celebrates our approaching 8th anniversary, and “Since 2005, Passages We have been fortunate over the past 7 years to meet emphasizes our commitment to Hospice has been thousands of kind, wonderful the education and understanding of hospice care as a philosophy. It dedicated to the human patients and families on the will be a cornerstone for new spirit and to providing end-of-life journey. We have educational programs that help been equally privileged to work superior end-of-life care.� with compassionate, caring the public better grasp the staff who not only are mission and philosophy of excellent at their jobs but are also wholeheartedly hospice care. One of the biggest misconceptions good people. it will address is the idea that hospice is a physical place where you pass away. In fact, hospice is a We'll begin sharing our philosophy at community philosophy of care that promotes comfort and education programs over the next few months and quality of life, and can be provided in almost any hope you'll join us to learn more about hospice setting. care.
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Palliative Care If you’ve been diagnosed with serious illness, but want to treat or cure the disease, hospice isn’t for you. But you might have side effects from the treatments, like pain, nausea or insomnia. And illness is stressful. You’re worried about your family, and they’re worried about you. Palliative care uses the same holistic philosophy as hospice care, but is offered at the same time as regular treatment. Palliative care includes medications and supplies to manage symptoms, as well as a social worker to help with the stress of the illness. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurances often, but not always, cover palliative care costs. Like hospice care, palliative care helps the person’s family, too.
When should I start palliative care?
Palliative care can start as soon as you’re diagnosed with a serious illness. Palliative care is given at the same time as curative treatments like chemotherapy or dialysis, so the earlier you begin palliative care, the more relief you will feel.
How do I pay for palliative care?
Palliative care is a covered benefit through Medicare and many private insurances.
Where can I learn more about palliative care?
Call Passages Palliative Care toll-free at 888-741-8985 or email info@passagespalliative.com.
We are proud to announce that Passages Palliative Care is now serving patients and families in the greater Chicago area! Palliative care is an extension of the hospice philosophy that creates a better continuum of care. Passages Palliative Care is growing, and we expect it to reach all our service areas in early 2013.
Our southern Illinois staff participated in a September 11th ceremony at Heritage Health in Gillespie. Hospice and Palliative Liaison Elizabeth Elliot is in the National Guard and played trumpet for the ceremony’s 21-gun salute. Here, Elizabeth greets one of the residents.
T H A N K Y O U
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Nov./Dec. 2012 The Journey
Passages Hospice Staff
Jordon Wolf, Regional Social Services Director, Army (Currently deployed in Afghanistan) April Martinez, RN Director, Army National Guard Steven Campbell, RN, Navy Jeanette Dickerson, CNA, Army Heather Sconzo, Hospice/Palliative Liaison, Navy Ellizabeth Elliot, Hospice/Palliative Liaison, Army National Guard
F O R ALL Y O U DO
On Veteran’s Day, we recognize the countless men and women who have given their time or lives in service to our country. We honor them by celebrating their service and the freedom they gave us with their sacrifices. Most of the World War II generation is now 80 or older, and many are seeking hospice care as a compassionate, comfortable way to live at the end of their life. We give special tribute to our veteran patients this month through Veterans Day ceremonies across the state. We also recognize that military service affects not only the person serving, but also their loved ones at home. We thank the following people in service to our country as either a member of the military or a dedicated, concerned family member.
Passages Hospice Loved Ones
T H A N K Y O U
Nancy Hillman, Navy, Mother of LPN Kim McCaslin Keith Zellers, Air Force, Father of LPN Kim McCaslin Tony Zellers, Air Force, Brother of LPN Kim McCaslin Luis Villanueva, Army, Brother of Director of Clnical Services Carmen Velez William Rosado, Army, Uncle of Director of Clinical Services Carmen Velez Luis Rosado, Army, Cousin of Director of Clinical Services Carmen James Zei, Army, Son of Volunteer Coordinator Aileen Zei Sean Chramega, Army, boyfriend of Billing Specialist Nicole Punke Jake Townsend, Navy, Husband of Director of Information Elise Townsend Michael Coulter, Air Force, Husband of RN Michelle Coulter Alexander Landis, Army, Nephew of Hospice/Palliative Liaison Renea Huth Johnny Wright, Marine Corps, Son of LPN Julia Smith Michael Jumps, Air Force, Father of RN Dena Sawka Jake Kaszubski, Air Force, Brother of Hospice/Palliative Liaison Kate Kaszubski Richard Kazsubski, Marine Corps, Father of Hospice/Palliative Liaison Kate Kaszubski Brittany, Marine Corps, Step-sister of Hospice/Palliative Liaison Kate Kaszubski Everett Olmstead, Army Reserves, Father of Social Worker Wanda Rohl Jay Rohl, Marine Corps, Husband of Social Worker Wanda Rohl Austin Kember, Marine Corps, Son of Social Worker Wanda Rohl Matthew Wilsterman, Navy, Husband of Hospice/Palliative Liaison Jennifer Wilsterman Andrew Bach, Marine Corps, Nephew of RN Liza Ott Angela Schultz, Army, Sister of RN Laura Segelhorst Todd Schultz, Air Force, Brother-in-law of RN Laura Segelhorst David Acevedo, Navy, Husband of Medical Records Assistant Jessica Acevedo Jonathan Kirksey, Army, Husband of Medical Records Director Berenice Kirksey Freddie Bledsoe, Navy, Cousin of Office Manager Martika Jackson Darrell Farmer, Army, Step-father of Office Manager Martika Jackson William Wilson, Army, Uncle of Office Manager Martika Jackson Eric Rutherford, Army, Brother of PR and Development Coordinator Kamie Freeland Nov. - Dec. 2012 The Journey
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November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month! This year’s theme is: Comfort. Love. Respect. Top tips for the best hospice experience: 5. Do your research. Every hospice provider offers similar base services, but based on your plan of care we add other options to help our patients and families experience the best quality of life possible.
4. Tell us what’s important to you. Hospice services are provided by professionals and volunteers. They provide medical, emotional and spiritual support to the patient and family members.
3. Let us know where you want care. We’ll come to you - whether you’re at home, in a nursing home or in a hospital.
2. Consider hospice for YOUR diagnosis. Cancer is common, but dementia, heart disease and many other diagnoses qualify for care. For a complete list of qualifying diagnoses, visit our website.
1. DON’T WAIT until the last few hours or days of your life to call hospice. If you have a terminal diagnosis of 6 months or less to live, we can help. What sets Passages Hospice apart from other providers?
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We educate the family, so everyone understands what to expect near the end.
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We offer memorial services and educational in-service events at your loved one’s nursing home.
We provide all four levels of hospice care - routine (home) care, general inpatient care, respite care, and Continuous Care (for crisis situations).
We can help! Our dedicated staff is standing by to answer your questions. Call us toll-free at 888-741-8985 or email us at info@passageshospice.com.
CC image courtesy of Roger Smith Portrait Gallery
CC image courtesy of Roger Smith Portrait Ga
CC image courtesy of Isafmedia on Flickr
Our care makes the difference Volunteer program:
Our compassionate and dedicated volunteer team is available to spend one-on-one time with your loved one.
Passages Pooches:
Our volunteer dogs are all sizes and breeds, but each one has a gentle, loving personality and a generous spirit. Passages Pooches are accompanied by their dedicated and trained owners on patient visits after passing a thorough health and temperament check. Walking With You video series: Our Walking With You video series helps patients and families understand hospice with short, easy-to-watch videos. Each video has a Passages Hospice professional explaining an aspect of hospice care and answering common questions. The videos are available online at www.youtube.com/passageshospice, or on disc through a Hospice and Palliative Liaison.
Do you have a Dream?
To help our patients celebrate their hopes and dreams, Passages Hospice started a nonprofit organization, Hospice Dreams. A Dream is available hospice patients of any provider. In the past, Passages Hospice patients have ridden in a Harley Davidson sidecar, celebrated a wedding vow renewal ceremony and attended baseball, basketball and football games. For more information about Hospice Dreams, visit www.hospicedreams.org.
allery
Above Left: Ray visits with his volunteer, Maddy, who
is a nursing student at Illinois State University. Volunteer Coordinator Amy O’Dea and Communications Manager Kaitlyn Henderson were also visiting that day.
Above Right:
Passages Hospice Volunteers give of their time and offer compassion to the patients that they visit on a weekly basis. Many times, the relationships that form are equally as meaningful, both for the patient and the volunteer. Passages Hospice volunteer Christina has been visiting with a patient for seven months and they have formed a friendship that is extraordinary. Christina goes out of her way to brighten the patient’s day by reading to her, bringing her books on tape and even brings meals from time to time. The patient is so excited about Christina’s baby that is due in four months that she is helping Christina crochet a baby blanket!
RN Sandra Ralph introduces Izzy to Thumper the bunny. Midnite the Black Lab says hello to Izzy.
At Right:
Izzy Tobianski got a visit from his favorite friends - animals! Izzy used to live on a farm and misses the special comfort animals give. Our amazing Passages Pooches volunteers brought a lot of smiles to Izzy’s face!
Interested in volunteering? Call 888-741-9895 or email volunteer@passageshospice.com.
Stay Tuned! Our next Walking With You video will feature our incredible volunteers!
Employees of the month Employees of the month are chosen by their co-workers for going above-and-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!
September:
October:
North Chicago area
Detroit area
Nurse: Katie Stec
Rockford area
CNA: Mary Richey Nurse: Mary Vinyard
Bloomington area
CNA: Debra Haggard Nurse: Heather Moslener
South Chicago area Nurse: Angie Chivers
Swansea Area
CNA: Kemetra Alexander
Regional Staff
Social Worker: Lila Dilbaitis Hospice and Palliative Liaison: Rachaun Wilkins Physician Liaison: Becky Crow Volunteer Coordinator: Sue Cholewinski PR and Development Coordinator: Christy Cooper Chaplain: Cliff Close
Nurse: Stacy Lynn Temple
North Chicago area CNA: Jennifer Gills Nurse: Irma Truijillo
Bloomington area
CNA: Jennifer Sedlock Nurse: Tiffany Pilcher
South Chicago area
CNA: Samantha Griffin Nurse: Blanche Payton
Swansea area
CNA: Brandi Stevenson Nurse: Mary Colyer
Regional Staff
Social Worker: Shelly Roy Hospice and Palliative Liaison: Mary Rossio Volunteer Coordinator: Aileen Zei PR and Development Coordinator: Stacy Barclay Chaplain: Tim Mitchell
October was Pastoral Care Month! Our chaplains gathered in our Bloomington, Illinois office for some official business, then enjoyed fellowship and fun at a local pumpkin farm.
with Weiss poses id v a D re a C piritual ington. Director of S d Marc Wash n a ll e w e N uth Chaplains R
Chap
lains C “atta hrissy Ca t ck� e ach o aldo and D ther with avid Bily gour eu ds.
To learn more about hospice chaplains, click here.
Our Spiritual Care department gathers on an old tractor.
Welcome new team members:
Christopher Canedy/// Human Resources Generalist
Jen Ashlin/// Director of Marketing
Ginger Lane/// Quality Assurance Analyst
Shelly Johansen/// Chief Director of Business Development
Brittany Herwig/// Regional Director (Rockford)
Jennifer Wilsterman/// Hospice and Palliative Liaison (Chicago area)
Stacy Barclay/// PR and Development Coordinator (Chicago area)
Congratulations to PR Coordinator Kristine Borcz, whose hand-painted golf ball sold at a charity auction to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities for $10,000!
Perk!
Winners
Right: Physician Liaison Casey Rolape Left: Medical Records Assistant Winifred Muema
Congratulations to our recent contest and PERK point winners!
Left: CNA Linda Greer Right: Social Worker Lila Dilbaitis Bottom: RN Tracy Williams
around town
Left : PR Coordinators Stacy Barclay and Christy Cooper get ready to roll at the Wheel-a-Thon event to benefit Options Center for Independent Living, a local organization for people with disabilities. Right: Our southern Illinois staff participated in the Making Stride Against Breast Cancer Walk in St. Louis.
Residents at Franklin Grove Nursing and Rehabiliation held a community picnic in September!
Feliz Dia de la Independencia! Hospice and Palliative Liaison Fe Gonzalez helped celebrate the Independence Day of Latino countries with fiestas at Casa Central, Ambassador Rehabilitation and West Chicago Home! Watch a video of the celebrations here!
We met a lot of great people at the Illinois Health Care Association convention in Peoria last month! We showed off PARO’s unique charm and help people understand more about hospice care. Watch a video of how PARO works on our Youtube Channel by clicking here!
We attended a presentation by Dr. Atul Gawande, one of the country's leading hospice advocates. His passion for hospice care is inspirational!
Thank you to Bravehearts Riding Center in Harvard, who helped us hold a very special memorial service for a woman named Ruth. Ruth loved participating in our equine therapy program, and after she passed, we helped her take one more ride. Next month, we’ll present Bravehearts with a plaque of appreciation for their work with Ruth.
Our staff works hard, and time off is important! Staff attended picnics in their local areas to enjoy a beautiful afternoon.
L-R CNA Director Nikki Wallarab and RN Director April Martinez had a few things to take care of before they could relax.
Hospice and Palliative Liaisons Rachaun Wilkins, Mary Rossio, Gus Martin and Kirk Swanson pose with Regional Marketing Director Dave Lithgow.
LPN Paul Blanchette was a guest speaker at an Alzheimer's Disease support group in Pittsville, Illinois. Admissions Coordinator Rachaun Williams and Physician Liaison Jacob Matich were also on hand for support.
We held fall football celebrations at our offices in October. Staff wore college or NFL football clothing and shared in a potluck lunch. Rockford Office Manager Liz Gastmann poses as the Heisman Trophy and roots for the University of Michigan. Regional Director Bonnie Fisher and Chaplain Tim Mitchell show their pride in the University of Illinois and Ohio State University.
Vandalia Rehabilitation and Health Care Center participated in the Vandalia Lion’s Club Halloween Parade. Heather Sconzo, Passages Hospice and Palliative Liaison, marched amongst the pirates.
click here
Kaylie Novak on our Michigan Medical Records team and her daughter Amora enjoy our office trick-or-treating celebration on October 30th. Amora was a Spiderman Princess!
Hospice and Palliative Liaison (and trained opera singer!) Natalie Cochran held a concert at Sunrise Assisted Living. Residents loved the oldies and classic tunes. Hear a snippet from the concert here!
Residents at Watseka Rehabilitation and Health Care and Gilman Health Care Center celebrated fall with a pumpkin decorating party!
The Cyr family shows off their pumpkins.
L-R Chaplain Marlin Ludwig, PR Coordinator Christy Cooper and Hospice and Palliative Liaison Mary Rossio help Theresa Miller paint her pumpkin.
Click here to read
Click here to read
“Tips for talking to someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer” - Rock River Times (Rockford, Illinois) October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What do you say to someone who has been recently diagnosed?
“Hospitals penalized for readmissions” - The Southern (Carbondale, Illinois) As of October 1st, hospitals will receive reduced payments from Medicare if their patients are readmitted back to the hospital within 30 days of leaving. Community education and programs are important to help prevent readmissions.
In the media
We work hard to spread awareness of the hospice philosophy and our care through local newspapers and other media outlets. Here are a few clips of our recent work.
Plus! "Nursing home residents paint pumpkins" - Watseka Times-Republic (Watseka, Illinois) "Leila's 100th birthday" - Michigan Chronicle (Detroit, Michigan)
“Local business helps grant dream for hospice patient” - Manteno News (Manteno, Illinois) One of our patients received a Dream to attend a NASCAR race through the nonprofit Hospice Dreams. Read about the special day.
Click here to read
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, so it is very important for us to learn how to effectively communicate with Alzheimer’s patients. Here are a few tips for working with someone with a memory disorder.
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Make eye contact: Always approach the person face-to-face and make eye contact. Use their name if you need to. It is vital that they actually see you and that their attention is focused on you. Speak Calmly and slowly: Always speak in a calm manner with an upbeat tone of voice, even if you don’t feel that way. Speak at one half of your normal speed when talking to them. Take a breath between each sentence. Speak in short direct sentences with only one idea at a time. Don’t say “remember”: Many times they will not be able to do so, and you are just pointing out to them their shortcomings. That is insulting, and can cause anger and/or embarrassment. Turn negatives into positives: For example, say “Let’s go here” instead of “Don’t go there”. Respect the fact that they are an adult, and treat them as such. Don’t argue with them: Instead, validate their feelings by saying “I see that you are angry (sad, upset, etc…).” It lets them know that they are not alone.
Your life. Your choice. Your Passage. 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. Passages Hospice
888-741-8985 Call us to be connected with someone in your area.
www.passageshospice.com
info@passageshospice.com
See our care in action on our Youtube channel!