Summer 2012 - Angela Hospice

Newsletter of Angela Hospice the
Inside:
Sister, Sister!
A family of caregivers
Angela Hospice home care
hospice aides Michelle
Henderson and Cherise Hull.
Summer 2012
Young golfer impresses at
Angela Hospice Outing
Sister, Sister! A family of caregivers
than just giving a good
Patients cared for
bath.” Cherise said she
by sisters Michelle
often feels like patients
Henderson and Cherise
become friends or
Hull often notice how
family. She will tell
much they look alike,
patients, “I want
sometimes asking if
others to take care of
they are twins (they’re
my grandma like I am
not). They also notice
taking care of you.”
how well the two work
Her sister Michelle
together. “I know how
has now been with
she’ll bathe the patient,
Angela Hospice for
and she knows how
almost seven years –
I’ll bathe the patient,”
the longest she has
Cherise said. But few
stayed with any job
patients get to enjoy
before. “I like that you
watching the two dance
get to take the time
together as they did
with patients, and that
recently for a patient in
we work alongside the
Flat Rock.
p It’s no surprise that Angela Hospice aides Cherise Hull and
nurses,” she said. “I
When Cherise went
Michelle Henderson are sometimes mistaken for twins. Here
also like working with
to cover the patient with
they pose with supervisor Terry McGrail.
the elderly.”
a blanket, a centipede
Michelle admitted that getting close to people who
fell to the floor. Both Angela Hospice aides are
are dying can be challenging. “I used to find it hard. I
terrified of bugs. “They have so many legs!” Michelle
had to learn to step away.”
exclaimed. “We were hopping around the house.”
Cherise said that she appreciates having fewer
Both laughed when recounting the story.
patients than she did when she worked for another
Aside from sharing a sense of humor, and a
hospice, so that she can take all the time she needs
synchronization at work, the sisters live a mile and
to care properly for those who need her, and she feels
a half away from each other, and spend a lot of time
appreciated by the patients and by the staff at work.
outside of work together, taking their children to the
“I’m glad I am on the team.”
park or spending time with their parents.
The two aides, who were trained through the
Others they meet often express a wish that they
American Red Cross program, don’t always work
were as close with their own sibling. “Everyone else
together. In fact, they usually work separately.
wishes they could work with their sister and get
Most patients are assigned with one aide, but on
along,” Cherise said.
occasion, when a patient has mobility issues or special
This pair has done it for so long, it’s become
challenges, Terry has to assign two aides to go to
habit. Michelle and Cherise worked together on the
the patient together. She doesn’t hesitate to send the
assembly line at Ford Motor Company years ago, long
sisters.
before they began working together at Angela Hospice.
“It’s easy to pair them when needed because they
Michelle starting working at hospice first, two years
do the work together so well,” Terry said. In addition,
before Cherise joined her. Michelle enjoyed her work,
when one or the other cannot take care of a patient
and told Cherise about it.
assigned to them, the other sibling will take over in a
“My sister pulled me in,” Cherise said.
flash. “They support each other,” said Terry.
“Both are very competent and caring,” said Terry
The pair still cares for the patient in Flat Rock.
McGrail, home health aide coordinator. The sisters
“But every time we go there we check for centipedes,”
have an important job and they are both very good at it.
Michelle laughed.
As Cherise explained, “I give compassion more
2
p Andrew Schubert (second from left) played on a
foursome with (from left) teammate Mark DeRaud, his
father Chuck Schubert, and grandfather Art Prochnow.
Garden of Memories
blooms bright
This year for the first time, those who
contributed $35 or more to Angela Hospice’s
Garden of Memories fundraiser were able to
have a flower planted in honor of their loved
one. Geraniums in pink, red, coral and white
now grace seven new flower beds around
the Angela Hospice grounds, visible to Care
Center patients and guests.
A sign listing the names of all those honored
with a flower will be displayed in the Care
Center lobby throughout the summer months.
u Pictured are employees John Russell,
Rory Moning, and Ron Szalay, who helped to
establish the gardens.
Andrew Schubert received a standing ovation
this year at the annual Angela Hospice Golf Outing.
The reason: he scored a hole-in-one!
“As soon as I hit the ball I knew it was a really
good shot,” said Andrew, “and I knew it would at
least be close to the pin.” Moments later, he saw the
ball land and roll in.
The 18-year-old MSU student has been golfing
for as long as he can remember, but this was his first
hole-in-one.
“It was super exciting,” Andrew said. “And it
was even cooler because both my dad and grandpa
were there to see it. They were both jumping up and
down, just as excited as I was.”
Schubert got his hole-in-one at Fox Hills’ Fox
Classic course in Plymouth, on Woodlands hole five.
It was a prize hole too, so he won an amusement
park getaway for his accomplishment.
“We’re all so proud of our hole-in-one winner!”
said Angela Hospice Events Coordinator Barb Iovan.
“Everyone was thrilled to share in the celebration of
his achievement!”
“Home is where I’m
Cared For ”
zwzwzwzwzwzwzwzwzwzwzwz
The place you call home
...three letters telling one story...
zwzwzwzwzwzwzwzwzwzwzwz
Hospice is traditionally provided to patients in the place they call home. That may be their
own house or a loved one’s home – but it could also mean a residential health care facility, or
even the Angela Hospice Care Center. Wherever “home” is, Angela Hospice will be there to
help. These stories are taken from actual letters written to Angela Hospice, and are printed
with permission from the authors.
“My home is
With my family ”
W
hen Marianne Kelly
chose care with Angela
Hospice, she was living with her
son, Jerry, and her daughter-in-law,
Joan. Jerry and Joan were taking
care of Marianne in their home,
and it was there that they met her
hospice team, and experienced
“the respectful, caring support”
that Marianne received.
Nurse Stephanie Frania took
care of Marianne, making sure she
was comfortable and addressing
any symptoms that arose. But
Stephanie also offered a listening
ear to Jerry and Joan, answering
their questions, and helping them
to know what to expect.
p Marianne Kelly with her children and their spouses.
“We so wanted to be sure we
were taking good care of Mom!”
said Joan and Jerry. “Stephanie
was always so patient, explaining
things, giving us encouragement
and reassurance.”
The Kelly’s also praised Marianne’s hospice aide, Neal Loving, who provided her personal care.
“Neal’s visits were like an oasis from worry,” the Kelly’s explained. “She was gentle, hummed and
sang to Mom, and always left her pampered and pretty. I know that Mom always felt better after her
visits.”
The Kelly’s opened their home to their Angela Hospice team, and with the team’s encouragement
and assistance, were able to provide wonderful care for their mother. Having Marianne at home also
made it easier for her fan club to visit: eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one
great-great-grandchild.
4
F
or John Dallacqua, Angela Hospice came to him at
Woodhaven Retirement Community. He was battling
Alzheimer’s disease, and his wife came to visit him every single
day. There she got to know nurse Paul Rogers, John’s case
manager from Angela Hospice.
Paul has worked for Angela Hospice’s home care team for 10
years, getting to know patients and families as he cares for their
needs. The Dallacqua family called Paul “compassionate, gentle,
caring, and sensitive.”
Paul was a comfort to John, and visited everyday during the
last two weeks of John’s life.
“He showed true love and respect for my dad,” said daughter
p John Dallacqua and daughter Jennifer. Jennifer Dallacqua. “I know my dad’s comfort and well-being were
Paul’s main concerns.”
But Paul got to know John’s wife, children, and grandchildren as well.
“He got a big dose of the Dallacqua family those last 10 days!” said Jennifer. “I have five brothers and
sisters, and all of us were there (along with some of my nieces and nephews) every day for that 10 days.
He cared so well for my dad, but also for each of us. He was a tremendous comfort to my mom, offering
her support, peace of mind, and a source of knowledge to answer any and all of her questions.”
Jennifer explained that as her family struggled with the loss of her father, Paul’s support and understanding
in their grieving process helped to get them through – just as Paul’s clinical expertise helped John.
“I know that my dad’s life was made better by having the caregivers from Angela Hospice in it,”
Jennifer said.
L
“My Home away from home”
inda Braun fondly remembers her dear cousin
Lorraine Lambert. Just two years apart in age,
they were more like sisters than cousins – inseparable
since they were children.
“When Lorraine realized the severity of her illness,
she wanted to spend her last days no where else but at
Angela Hospice,” said Linda.
Lorraine had remembered the care her father received
years before as an Angela Hospice patient. When it
came time for Linda to begin hospice care, she was
confident in her choice. Her decision made things a bit
easier on her family as well.
“We knew she was in good hands,” Linda explained.
“Everyone from the doctors, nurse, aides, dietary aides,
housekeeping, receptionist, etc., treated her as if she
was their only patient and member of their own family.
Each and every one of them helped us get through the
challenge of each day; and at the end, they were there to
give us the hugs we all needed.”
5
p Lorraine Lambert, age 6; Linda Braun, age 4.
Team up to honor a
loved one
Just beyond the threshold
We all have ideas about what
happens to us once we die. Whether by
faith, tradition, family, culture, or by
our own unique experiences, we develop
beliefs that shape the way we think of
death and the afterlife.
Those in the hospice field may
perhaps have an interesting perspective,
as they regularly connect with individuals
on the threshold of that place.
It’s not an uncommon phenomenon:
after weeks or months on hospice care,
a patient who is transitioning toward
the end begins to see, or even hear,
someone the rest of us cannot see. They
are talking to a loved one who died years
before, or they are seeing their childhood
pet in the room with them. Perhaps
they become enraptured by the sight of a
beautiful angel…
Some might claim this is likely the
effect of a medication, causing a patient
to see things that aren’t there, or putting
them into a dream-like state. But others
suggest that as this person nears the
end of this life, someone has come to
welcome them into the next.
Nurse Paula Schrock-Bending said
that sometimes she can tell a person
is seeing something just by their body
language.
“I’ll ask them what they see,” said
Paula. “One time a patient saw a young
child in the corner of her room. I asked
her ‘Is she smiling at you? Is she holding
anything in her hands?’”
Often it is a deceased relative that
Image: Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech
a patient sees, and they may carry on
whole conversations.
“It seems to calm them when they
talk to these people too,” said nurse
Peggy DeVos. “Especially when they talk
to their parents.”
One patient told hospice aide Erica
Miloser, “You may not believe me, but
my father comes to talk to me at night.”
Another patient would speak to her
deceased husband when she thought her
caregivers were out of earshot.
Nurse Louise Paladino said just
last week one of her patients saw her
son outside her window. The boy had
died when he was nine years old. The
patient, who is in her eighties, told
Louise, “I forgot what he looked like; it’s
been so long.”
“We don’t know what goes on at that
time when they are in that state,” Louise
said. “I believe it is very spiritual, but
that is just my opinion.”
Not every patient has this king of
experience, but for those who do, it
usually brings comfort. For Louise, these
occurrences have come regularly enough
that it has strengthened her faith. And
Paula believes that one day her loved
ones who have passed away will guide
her into the next life.
“That’s why it’s so comforting to
me,” Paula said, “because you’re never
alone.”
Until we face that journey ourselves,
we can only imagine what we will see
just beyond.
6
p Sporting their custom 732’s hats are team members
Gregg and Kathy Greco, Michele McGinnis, and Robert
Nichols. Kick-offs for this year’s Walk of Remembrance
teams will take place August 8 and 11.
Family and friends can come together to honor
the legacy of a loved one by taking part in the 5th
annual Walk of Remembrance – and forming a
Walk of Remembrance Team.
Over 700 people came out to last year’s Walk,
including the 732’s team, formed in memory of
MaryPat Nichols, by her sister Kathy Greco.
“We had a wonderful time of reflection and
remembrance, of both our loved one and the
‘angels’ that cared for her,” said Kathy. “We plan
on making this an annual experience!”
Save the date and plan to join one of our Team
Kick-offs, on Wednesday, August 8, at 6-7 p.m.,
or Saturday, August 11, at 10-11 a.m. There is no
obligation, but it’s a great opportunity to learn how
you can support the mission of Angela Hospice.
At the Kick-offs, individuals will learn about
the basics of forming a team, as well as easy
fundraising ideas for team members. Video clips
from past events, door prizes, and snacks will also
help to get the Kick-offs underway, and inspire
participants for this year’s Walk, taking place
Saturday, September 22, at 9 a.m.
Teams will also have the opportunity to honor
their loved one with a page in our 2012 Commemorative Booklet, available exclusively for Walk teams.
Please RSVP for the Kick-off of your choice by
calling Barb Iovan at (734) 953-6045.
Care Center update: 2 years
This past April marked two years residence in the new
Angela Hospice Care Center. When the doors first opened,
just 16 patients were admitted, but that number grew as
additional staff were hired and trained. Now in 2012, Care
Center Coordinator Karen Lemon says they are averaging
31 patients a day in the 32-bed facility.
“Our staff is now more settled in,” said Lemon, “and
new employees are very enthusiastic and happy to be here.”
Lemon believes this positive energy rubs off on patients
and families, who comment to her about the beautiful
facility, and the upbeat staff.
“It seems most people who tour would love to have a
patient here,” Lemon said, “Especially now as the gardens
are blooming.”
Patient visitors increased immediately once the new
building opened in 2010, and have continued to come at
a greater rate, enjoying the comfortable family gathering
areas – certainly a wonderful benefit for patients.
p Karen Lemon in the Care Center with new hospice
aide Apple Robinson and veteran staff nurse Diane Lauch.
14100 Newburgh Road
Livonia, Michigan 48154
Toll Free (866) 464-7810
The Monarch is published by Angela
Hospice to keep our friends and
supporters informed of our latest
news and events as we continue to
provide quality care to people in need.
Sister Mary Giovanni
President/CEO
Mary Beth Moning
Executive Director
Tom Lesondak
CFO
James Boal, MD
Medical Director
Bob Alexander
Business Development Manager
Lisa Norton
Public Relations
Nancy Maleki
Contributing Writer
Board of Directors
Kenneth Dabrowski
Kimberly Riley Fouts
Michael George
Sister Mary Giovanni - President
Barb Hendrickson
Tom Lesondak - Treasurer
Sister Mary Francis Lewandowski
Mary Beth Moning - Secretary
Edmund Cardinal Szoka
Judge Michael Talbot
David Ward - Chair
Angela Hospice is a Catholic
sponsored ministry in the Felician
Franciscan tradition, dedicated
to providing comprehensive,
compassionate, and Christlike care
to terminally ill adults and children
in the communities we serve.
Associate Member
Paul needs your
vote!
Angela Hospice nurse Paul
Rogers has been named among
the nation’s top 50 home care and
hospice nurses by the National
Association for Home Care and
Hospice. Representing the state
of Michigan, Paul’s photo was
included in the May issue of
CARING magazine, and he
has been invited to the NAHC
Annual Meeting and Exposition
in Orlando, Florida, this October,
where he will be honored.
Of the 50 finalists, one nurse
p Paul Rogers with patient Anna Villella.
will be chosen Home Care and
Hospice Nurse of the Year, based on public balloting, and will have their travel
and hotel expenses paid, as well as winning a new Apple iPad.
“We are so proud of Paul,” said Executive Director Mary Beth Moning.
“Paul has been with Angela Hospice over 10 years now, and so many families
have been blessed by his dedication and compassion. Winning this national
recognition would mean the rest of the country would know what a wonderful
nurse – and what a great person – Paul is too!”
Please visit www.nahc.org and vote for Paul Rogers as NAHC Nurse of the
Year. Voting will remain open through July 9.
Mission in Action: Care at any cost
Part of the core values of the
Felician Sisters is solidarity with
the poor: ensuring the needs of the
poor and vulnerable are met through
advocacy and action. How does
Angela Hospice practice this value?
The very structure of our organization
makes wise use of funds in order to
help the greatest number of people –
regardless of their financial status.
People often don’t realize that
hospice home care is a bargain in
the healthcare industry. It is top
quality care, provided by a team of
experts that comes to you in your
own home, and meets a comprehensive range of needs. For most
patients, it costs zero dollars.
Over 80-percent of hospice patients
have Medicare as their payment source,
and it generates no charge to the
individual. Medicaid and most private
insurances also cover home hospice
with no cost to the patient. This specialized care is cost-effective for both
the patient and the healthcare system.
When a patient does not have
insurance coverage, Angela Hospice
steps in to provide care through our
Good Samaritan Program, which
offers hospice services free or at a
discounted rate to those in need.
“It is important that each and
every person Angela Hospice cares for
is treated with kindness, compassion,
and concern,” said Sister Giovanni,
Angela Hospice president. “It doesn’t
matter whether they are penniless or
a billionaire….everyone deserves to
know that they are precious, and to
be treated with dignity.”