Hospice services are covered 100% by Medicare and most insurers. If you feel that hospice care might be appropriate for you or someone you love, call 578-6300 for a consultation.
JANUARY 2011
www.hospiceheart.org
By Bronnie Ware clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it. 2. I wish I didnt work so hard. This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their childrens youth and their partners companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle. 3. I wish Id had the courage to express my feelings. Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result. We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win. 4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying. It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships. Continued on page 2
Community Hospice
he National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), the professional association for hospice providers around the nation, recently released its 2010 Annual Report. In reviewing the statistics presented within the report, it was edifying in many ways to reinforce what we at Community Hospice already know the provision of quality hospice services to local community members in need of our care remains on par or ahead of the national curve. In 2010, there were 2,450,000 deaths in the United States. Hospice organizations provided services to 1,020,000 patients in that same year, making the national reach over 40 precent. Locally, Community Hospice provided our care to 1,373 patients, continuing to expand the number of lives we touch and families we serve.
The median total number of days that a hospice patient receives care (typically referred to as length of service) slightly decreased in 2010, to 21.1 days. That means that half of hospice patients nationally received care for less than three weeks and half received care for more than three weeks. At Community Hospice, our median length of stay was only 14 days, a decrease from 15.25 days in the prior twelve month period. The trend towards shorter lengths of stay for hospice patients on a national scale and locally is evident in many other statistics compiled by NHPCO as well as Community Hospice. What is startling is while these trends continue, more studies are being published in the medical community that point to the fact that hospice services actually prolong life. While the idea of hospice extending life may seem
Community Hospice
adfinity
ince joining Community Hospice in early December, I have experienced the beat of the infamous hospice heart that is so symbolic of hospice organizations. As the new Executive Director of the Community Hospice Foundation, I have seen firsthand the incredible work of the compassionate staff members who arrive every day determined to provide dignity and grace to our gravely ill patients. The hospice heart beats in many ways, and I have witnessed some examples that I would like to share with you: The hospice heart beats when a caring nurse gently caresses the cheek of a dying patient as they listen closely to the profound wisdom of understanding living and dying. The hospice heart beats when the staff warmly embraces family members and reassures them that they are doing a wonderful job providing care to their loved one. The hospice heart beats when a chaplain honors the faith tradition of patients and families in end of life planning. The hospice heart beats
when home health aides bathe and groom our patients lovingly and with respect. The hospice heart beats as the door bell rings to signal the arrival of much needed medical equipment from Community Hospice. The hospice heart beats as social workers coordinate food, public utility support and Christmas gifts for the families while supporting them in their grief process. The hospice heart beats when 400 family members gather to honor and remember the passing of their loved ones during the
most difficult time of the year: the holidays. The hospice heart beats as the Friends of Hospice work to raise community awareness and critically needed funding for charity care, childrens services and bereavement programs. The hospice heart beats as donors share their gratitude for their hospice support by sharing their generosity with us. The hospice heart continues to beat because of you, and many like you, who are so generous with your time, talent and treasure.
Are you caring for an aging loved one? Join us for our free presentations over lunch or in the evening and ask about our complimentary caregiver toolkit a complete resource guide!
January topic: Wills, Trusts, Durable Power of Attorney: Possibilities & Pitfalls What does Durable Power of Attorney mean? Understand new estate tax laws and how they impact you and your loved ones. Tues., January 25, 12:00 p.m. Community Hospice 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto Wed., January 26, 6:30 p.m. Modesto Library Auditorium 1500 I Street, Modesto
February topic: Accompanying a Loved One to the Doctors Office Learn how to support a loved one at their visit to the doctors office, including privacy issues, caregiver roles and patient rights. Tues., February 22, 12:00 p.m. Community Hospice 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto Wed., February 23, 6:30 p.m. Modesto Library Auditorium 1500 I Street, Modesto
Tuition is free! For a full 2010 class schedule, call Community Hospice at 578.6300.
634-5829
The Friends of Hospice capped the year off with two fundraising events in December 2010 the inaugural Fantasy of Trees cocktail reception and tree auction and the 25th annual Light Up a Life Holiday Tree lighting ceremony and reception. A special thanks to the sponsors, tree designers, donors and community members for their support of the Community Hospice mission and for making these events a success.
Calendar of Events
January 25 & 26 Caregiver College Topic: Wills, Trusts, Durable Power of Attorney: Possibilities & Pitfalls Caregiver College Topic: Accompanying a Loved One to the Doctors Office Friends of Hospice Card Party Caregiver College Topic: Caring for a Loved One with Dementia/Alzheimers Clinical Education Bioethics Dinner Caregiver College Topic: Steering Through Transportation Options for Seniors Community Hospice Foundation Gala February 22 & 23
Bereavement Support
osing someone you love can be very painful with difficult and surprising emotions involved. Community Hospice bereavement staff come alongside those who have lost a loved one by providing education, support and resources. There are ways to cope. Our bereavement and grief support is available free of charge to the entire community. We can help in the following ways: Individual bereavement support Grief support groups (for adults, teens and children, by type of loss) Education and resource materials Telephone support Call the Support Services Department at 578-6378 for more information.
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May 14
Calendar of Events
January 25 & 26 Caregiver College Topic: Wills, Trusts, Durable Power of Attorney: Possibilities & Pitfalls Caregiver College Topic: Accompanying a Loved One to the Doctors Office Friends of Hospice Card Party Caregiver College Topic: Caring for a Loved One with Dementia/Alzheimers Clinical Education Bioethics Dinner Caregiver College Topic: Steering Through Transportation Options for Seniors Community Hospice Foundation Gala February 22 & 23
Bereavement Support
osing someone you love can be very painful with difficult and surprising emotions involved. Community Hospice bereavement staff come alongside those who have lost a loved one by providing education, support and resources. There are ways to cope. Our bereavement and grief support is available free of charge to the entire community. We can help in the following ways: Individual bereavement support Grief support groups (for adults, teens and children, by type of loss) Education and resource materials Telephone support Call the Support Services Department at 578-6378 for more information.
LV26027
May 14