The Journey, September - October 2012

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Journey

Tips on Healthy Aging

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

September is Healthy Aging Month: Tips on pain relief

Medicare is Cracking Down on Rehospitalizations: Hospice Care can help

CC image courtesy of Lucia Sanchez on Flickr

2 Sept. 0 Oct. 1 2 CONTENTS

Index:

September is healthy aging month.............................................3-4

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

929 S. Alpine Road, Ste. 202 Rockford, IL 61108 Phone: 815.226.7785 Fax: 815.226.7786

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

St. Louis, MO

1120 South Sixth Street Suite 500 St. Louis, MO 63104 Phone: 314-241-5700 Fax: 314-241-0441

Pain Relief Tips..........................................5-6 Brain Puzzle....................................................7 Passages Pooches.......................................8 Volunteer Department.......................9-10 Medicare is cracking down on rehospitalization.................................11-12 Doing good on a budget.................13-14 NHPCO winner...........................................15 Free benefits through Hispanocare ..16 Passing it on................................................16 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month ..............................17-18 Employees of the Month.................19-20 Welcome and Congrats...........................21 Around Town..............................................22

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.

1 Sept./Oct. 2012 The Journey

The

Journey Chief Operating Officer ReneĂŠ Svorec

Executive Medical Director Rajiv Kandala, MD

Social Services Roxxi Davis

Spiritual Care

Contributors Editorial

Kaitlyn Henderson Kansas Swain

Art Direction Kamie Freeland

David Weiss

Clinical Services Carmen Velez

Physician, Hospital and Palliative Services Chris Doyle

Admissions Denise Smith

PR and Foundation Kansas Swain

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!

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 September 4, 2012 through issuu.

September is healthy aging month!

From delicious recipes to brain games, here are some easy ways to stay healthy and sharp as you age.

1.

Lean proteins, vegetables and foods high in fiber, folate and other nutrients are an important part of healthy aging.

(Iinsert the turkey meatloaf recipe)

2.

Nap during the day: Memory storage happens while you sleep, which is why a good night’s sleep is so valuable. A sixminute nap is as valuable for short-term recall as a 90-minute nap, and has been shown to speed up the process that helps the brain consolidate long-term memories.

3.

Play a ‘brain’game: A study in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society shows that people over 65 who used a computerized cognitive training program for an hour a day, over a period of eight weeks, improved memory and attention more than the control group.

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Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey

4.

Grab that extra cup of Joe: Green and black teas help influence enzymes in the brain, while the caffeine sparks concentration. People who drink moderate amounts of coffee, as many as three to five cups per day are at a lower risk for type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.

1.

2.

3.

5.

Pop a piece of chocolate: In 2007, a study by the Journal of Neuroscience reported on the memory-boosting effects in rats from a plant compound called epicatechin, found in cocoa.

Epicatechin is also found in blueberries, grapes and tea.

6.

Spark up a debate: Being around other people who keep you mentally and intellectually stimulated lowers your risk of developing dementia. As an added bonus, socializing with family or friends lowers stress and can help keep your heart healthy!

4.

5.

6.

Turkey Meatloaf with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Colorful vegetables and foods high in fiber, folate and other nutrients are an important part of healthy aging.

Ingredients Vegetable cooking spray 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs 1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1/4 cup chopped garlic and herb-marinated sun-dried tomatoes 2 cloves garlic, minced, optional 2 eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten 2 tablespoons whole milk 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat

Directions Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, if using, eggs, milk, feta, salt, and pepper. Add the turkey and gently stir to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Carefully pack the meat mixture into the prepared pan and bake until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and slice. Put on a serving platter and serve.

Per Serving: Calories: 329; Fat: 17g (Saturated Fat: 6.5g); Protein: 29g; Carbohydrates: 14g; Sugar: 4g; Fiber 0g; Cholesterol: 213mg; Sodium: 1,257mg

2008, Ellie Krieger, All Rights Reserved Web. 16 August 2012. < http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/turkey-meatloaf-with-feta-and-sun-dried-tomatoes-recipe/index.html>

Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey

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Pain Relief Tips!

Chronic pain from an injury or illness can seriously affect your everyday life and keep you from activities you enjoy. Pain management is not only about medication but can include lifestyle changes.

These tips can help you manage chronic pain and enjoy a high quality of life.

1. Practice deep breathing or meditation. Concentrating on somethin distract you from the pain.

2. Hold someone's hand or give them a hug. Using your other senses can make pain seem less severe.

3. If you have been prescribed pain medication, take it regularly and a to your doctor's instructions. It's easier to prevent or manage pain th treat it once it starts.

4. Track your daily activities and pain level to find out when your pain Knowing when you need a break to relax can help you schedule your minimize pain.

If your pain becomes too severe, see your doctor or another heal professional immediately.

5 Sept./Oct. 2012 The Journey

"Sometimes pain can't be eliminated," says RN Carmen Velez, Director of Clinical Services, "but with a few daily habits and changes, it can be controlled."

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CC image courtesy of Relaxing Music on Flickr Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey 7

Try this brain game to help keep your Mind young

Wuzzles and Puzzles. “Printable, Thinkable Fun.” Web. 09 August 2012. <http://www.wuzzlesandpuzzles.com/mazes/maze14.shtml>

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Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey

Passages

Pooches

Midnite, a Black Lab, volunteers with owner Shari in the south Chicago suburbs.

Sasha, a Golden Retriever, volunteers with owner Annika in Southern Illinois.

Shorty, a mixed breed, volunteers with owner Krystal in Southern Illinois.

Daphne, a Boston Terrier, volunteers with owner Jessica .

Nemo, a Chihuahua mix, volunteers with owner Matt in the Rockford area.

LaCee, a Pomerianian mix, volunteers with owner Shari in the south Chicago suburbs.

Passages Pooches 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.

Lulu, a French Bulldog, volunteers with owner David in the north Chicago suburbs.

For more information about the Pooches program, please contact volunteer@passageshospice.com.

Bernie, a Beagle, volunteers with owner Jane in the Bloomington area.

Sadie Sue, a mixed breed, volunteers with owner Karen in theSept.

Fox Valley - Oct. 2012 Thearea.

Journey 9

Volunteer Department Welcome New Volunteers Please be sure to give them a warm welcome if you run into them: North Chicago Area Maggie Paprot Megan Kasik South Chicago Area Michaela Achurra Betty Bricker Joanne Warren Eileen Steed Brian Kulaga Adaeze Ezeofor Meaghan Reaney Gemma Guntherson Rockford Area Fiona Chui

Bloomington Area Heather Weekley Amy Barlin Trisha McKee Allison Anderson Delaney Spangler Kim Anderson Michelle Franz Swansea Area Krystal Giltner Hannah Stinson Rachel Byersdorfer Khandice Lofton

Survey Results

Many of our volunteers are specially trained to work with dementia patients. This group from the Chicago area recently completed their training and are eager to use the techniques with their patients.

Volunteers were recently asked to complete a short satisfaction survey. Here are some of the results:

3/4 reported they “love” their role as a volunteer with Passages Hospice

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Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey

3/4 found the hospice volunteer training to be “very helpful”

3/4 found communication from other hospice staff “very good” or “fully met”

W

}

e also asked the volunteers to tell us, “What did you gain from volunteering with Passages Hospice?” Here are some of their anonymous comments:

Interesting experiences I have enjoyed spending time with the patients and learning about their lives. Many have had very interesting experiences and have wonderful outlooks on life.

Gained a gratifying feeling

I’m gaining a gratifying feeling from spending time with a terminally ill patient and helping them to die with dignity.

Each day is a gift I appreciate my life so much more ~ each day is a gift. I feel I have purpose and am needed. Just a smile, a squeeze of their hand, or the sparkle of acknowledgement is so rewarding! I’m thankful for having the opportunity to volunteer.

Being able to help those in need

Met the most wonderful people

I have been rewarded in meeting wonderful people such as the patients & all of the people that I have encountered at Passages.

I love being able to help those in need and help those that may not have any family to visit with.

It is an honor.

The time volunteers devote to Passages Hospice, providing patient care or assisting office staff, is greatly appreciated.

We thank them for selfless serving others.

90% reported communication needs from the Volunteer Coordinator were “fully met”

96% would take advantage of opportunities to meet other volunteers

96%

would recommend volunteering with us to their family and friends Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey

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CC image courtesy of Isafmedia on Flickr

Medicare is Cracking Down on Rehospitalizations: Hospice care can Help

Nearly 300,000 long-term care residents are hospitalized unnecessarily each year. Some of the common reasons they're hospitalized are pneumonia, falls and pain control. These conditions can be managed at the nursing home or at home if they have the proper care, including medication and caregivers to assist them. When those resources aren't available, well-meaning family members or nursing home staff send the resident to the hospital. But hospital visits can be stressful and traumatic, and after they're discharged back home or to the nursing home, the condition that sent them to the hospital often returns.

Beginning on October 1st, 2012, Medicare will stop paying hospitals for patients who are readmitted within a month of their last hospital visit for the same reason. The new regulation is intended to promote better care by giving patients the education and resources they need to stay well after they leave the hospital. The regulation helps hospitals, doctors and communities work harder to prevent or manage chronic conditions instead of just treating them every time thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a problem.

It's also a way to use Medicare funds more responsibly. Medicare spends nearly $130 billion (with a b) on hospital visits each year. Many of these visits happen simply because the patient or caregivers aren't able to manage a symptom at home, or don't know what to do. If we can reduce these unnecessary hospitalizations by just 10%, Medicare will save almost $400 million dollars in the first year.

Hospice care will play an important role in this new regulation. Hospice care is specialized for seriously ill people, and hospice staff know what illnesses or injuries really require the hospital, and which can be cared for at home. Most importantly, they're able to provide that specialized care right at home.

Sometimes people avoid choosing hospice because they worry it means they'll die soon. In reality, hospice care offers personalized, high-quality care for the last six months of your life. And 98% of people who had a loved one in hospice care would recommend it to someone else, according to an NHPCO study.

The regulation, beginning on October 1st, will create a lot of changes in the way that chronic illness is managed. Methods like palliative and hospice care will mean, more affordable care for millions of Americans.

300,000

$130 billion

$400 Million

98%

long-term care residents are hospitalized unnessarily each year

is spent by Medicare on hospital visits each year

will be saved by Medicare if they reduce 10% of unnecessary rehospitalizations

of people who have a loved one in hospice care would recommend it to someone else

Doing good on a budget October 27th is Make A Difference Day! Don’t let a small budget or busy schedule keep you from changing the lives of those around you. Try these small, inexpensive ways to give back! You never know what gesture could turn someone’s day around.

Hold the Door Open

Volunteer at a Nursing Home or Hospice

It seems simple, but so many people are in such a rush that they neglect to hold the door open for another person. It only takes a few seconds, and the person on the other side will definitely appreciate it.

There are many ways to volunteer, but I’ve always liked the idea of spending some time with the elderly. You don’t have to do much, either.

Chatting, watching TV, and playing games are all acceptable activities to help ease the loneliness of living in a nursing home. Want to know more?

Email us at volunteer@passageshospice.com

Give Your Favorite Restaurant a Positive Online Review So many people focus on the negative when leaving a review, so why not go to Yelp and sing the praises of your favorite place to eat? It’ll be good for business, and it’ll give the owner of the establishment a surge or happiness.

Provide Roadside Assistance to Someone in Need

Give Someone Who’s Short on Change That Extra Dime

If you’re particularly good with car problems or know how to change a flat in a flash, lend a hand to someone who’s currently not having a great day.

Have you ever been behind someone at the checkout counter who’s 5 or 10 cents short? If you’ve got the extra change in your pocket, hand it over to help your fellow consumer.

Offer Someone Your Seat

If you’re in a situation where there are more people than seats, which is common during rush hour on public transportation, give up yours so someone else can relax for a bit.

Pick Up Litter

Pick up litter in your neighborhood or a park. If you see trash in your local park, pick it up and put it where it belongs. We all need to pitch in to keep our neighborhoods beautiful.

These tips are from the article “25 Frugal Ways to “Pay It Forward” on www.wisebread.com Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey

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Congratulations to Laura Segelhorst, Region F RN, for winning first place in the Nature category of the NHPCO’s Creative Arts contest! Laura’s photo will be featured in the December issue of the NHPCO magazine and during the annual conference in November. Laura also wins a gift certificate to the NHPCO

Partnership NHPCO Creative Arts contest winner

Taken by RN Laura Segelhorst

1st Place

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.

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HISPANOCARE Remember, all Passages Hospice staff can take advantage of FREE programs and discounts offered by Hispanocare, part of Advocate Healthcare. Hispanocare offers health screenings and community events on top of their doctor and prescription benefits! For more information, contact HR or visit http://www.advocatehealth.com/immc/Hispanocare.

1-773-296-7157

Passing It On Passages Hospice staff are privileged to work with wonderful people and in great communities across the state.

We're committed to giving back to both local and larger causes to improve ourselves, our company and our communities.

CC

Cocktails for a Cure a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Saturday, November 3rd 3-7pm Drifterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pub in downtown Bloomington

Join us

for music, prizes and a 50/50 raffle!

Contact Nikki Wallarab (nwallarab@passageshospice.com) for more info

October is breast cancer awareness month This year, more than 230,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer. These people will join the 2.6 million Americans who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. cancer risk increases with age. 95% of new cases are in F 1. Breast women over the age of 40 A Breast cancer doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cause many physical symptoms. Regular C 2. self- and professional screening is key to finding it.

T If detected early, breast cancer is very treatable. The five-year 3. survival rate for stage 1 breast cancer is 98%.

S Women's health exams and mammograms are covered by Medicare. Women receiving Medicare can take advantage of these services to help detect breast cancer as early as possible

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.

- Nelson Mandela

Give the gift of life. Early detection saves lives.

Did you know?

About 35% of hospice care is given to people with cancer. Many other diagnoses make up the vast majority of hospice care.

Spotlight on:

Sheldon Flowers

W

e are proud of our Hospital Liaison Sheldon Flowers, who is an advocate for breast cancer awareness in men. In 2010, Sheldon noticed a lump in his right breast and had it examined by a doctor. The lump, the size of a grapefruit, was removed during a mastectomy.

Sheldon travels around the Chicago area speaking to men's groups and educating them on their risk for breast cancer.

"It can hit anybody," Sheldon tells men. "We have breast tissue and we can get breast cancer."

About 1 in 1,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, making 2,000 new breast cancer cases among men each year. Sheldon encourages men with a history of breast cancer in their family to get checked by their doctor.

He also gives them support and encourages them to seek palliative care if they are diagnosed.

"You don't have to do this alone," he tells people. "You are more than just the breast cancer."

1 in 8 women will be diagnosised with breast cancer in their lifetime

1 in 1000 men will be diagnosised with breast cancer this year

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

"

You are more th,an just the breast cancer, Sheldon encourages.

Sept./Oct. 2012 The Journey

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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!

Martika Jackson///Swansea-area Office Manager Martika has many responsibilities, but is always available to help other staff as needed. She is always volunteering to assist with other projects and makes things much easier.

Amy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dea///Bloomington-area Volunteer Coordinator Amy stepped up and helped out the Volunteer Services Department at a large group training when two co-workers had to arrive late at the last minute

Kevin Williams///Detroit-area Chaplain Kevin received great feedback from a family for his dedication to helping her with her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s care. Kevin even volunteered to help with a few tasks around her house, just to make her life easier!

Jacob Matich///Bloomington-area Physician Liaison Jacob is always willing to drive extra distance to help his co-workers.

Kate Warwick///Rockford-area CNA Kate has excellent supporting detail in her charting and makes a clear case for why her patient needed a higher level of care.

Melissa Kline///Chicago-area Social Worker Melissa always goes above and beyond to help her co-workers and is a wonderful team player. She recently volunteered to meet with a family when a fellow social worker couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

Kim Sheppard///north-Chicago Admissions Coordinator Kim received great feedback from her coworkers for her teamwork!

Chris Olson///south-Chicago CNA Chris went above-and-beyond to assist in transferring a patient, stepping in at the last minute to ensure everything was done properly.

Super Supervisors

Super supervisors received PERK points, but arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eligible for Employee of the Month. They work hard to help their teams succeed!

Dan Untch/// Chief Compliance Officer

Laura Leonard/// Office Manager

Bernice Kirksey/// Director of Medical Records

Elise Townsend/// Director of Information Services

We welcome our new staff, and congratulate those recently promoted!

New Staff

Patricia Morgan/// Nurse Practitioner for Passages Palliative Care

Victor Reyes/// Human Resources Generalist

Denise Smith/// Director of Marketing and Admissions

Aileen Zei/// ReneĂŠ Svorec/// Chief Operating Officer Regional Volunteer Coordinator Rockford Area

Promotions

Elise Townsend/// Promoted to Director of Information Services

Maria Calderon/// promoted to full-time Human Resources Assistant

Tina Prasanesouk/// promoted to Regional Director (Chicago area)

Congratulations to Regional Director Tina Prasanesouk on receiving her certification as a Hospice Administrator. Tina passed an intensive course and exam that gives her insight into hospice rules and regulations, financial management, and best practices.

Perk! Winners

Congratulations to our recent contest and PERK point winners! Staff earn points in the Passages Employee Rewards and Kudos program for going above-andbeyond in their care. They can redeem those points for fun prizes.

H

H

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Healthcare Heroes event! Your response was incredible, and we loved all the comments about our staff! Heroes Tiffany Boyd and Jill Quiroz were presented with their certificates by our Administrator Michael Gillman at a regional staff meeting on August 6th.

July 2012 The Journey

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 patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uniqueness.

We are dedicated to being receptive to each patient and familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

www.passageshospice.com

info@passageshospice.com

See our care in action on our Youtube channel!