November 2011 Journey

The JourneyNovember 2011

Family Caregivers:

Education Department

Social Scene

Coping with the Stress

National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

From the Desk of the

"We Listen, We Care"

2Passages Hospice

2Passages Hospice

Your passage to care and comfort.

847-695-1431

On the web:www.passageshospice.com

Email:[email protected]

Phone:

Our Mission Passages is dedicated to the human spirit — helping patients and families cross a road they may have never faced before. We provide the courage to see the beauty in this last journey and give the expertise that provides the comfort, care and support needed for each step of the way.

Administrators Seth Gillman Gwen Hilsabeck

Clinical ServicesCarmen Velez

Physician ServicesChris Doyle

Social ServicesRoxxi Davis

Spiritual CareJoe Barefield

PR & FoundationKansas Swain

Medical Director Dr. Birinder Marwah

AdmissionsLee Moore

From the AdministratorSeth Gillman

A recent post on Caregiving.com talked about how hospice can benefit those with Alzheimer's Disease or other dementias. Many people don't realize that dementia is a qualifying hospice diagnosis. In fact, about 10% of hospice patients have a primary diagnosis of dementia and the vast majority have some level of dementia.

We, in hospice, can offer so much more than medicine for pain. Extra caregivers, attention, and specialized

therapy techniques can benefit patients of all diagnoses. Since dementia often affects activities of daily living, hospice staff can assist with bathing, dressing and eating tasks that might be difficult for you to help your loved one with.

But dementia affects us mentally, too. It changes or decreases memory, communication and comprehension. Someone with dementia may have dramatic and rapid changes in their emotions, becoming depressed or angry all of a sudden - seemingly without a reason. Our staff are not only used to this behavior, but are often specially trained to minimize it through our in-depth Passages Through Time dementia program.

Hospice is, fundamentally, a team approach to care. The stress of caring for a loved one with dementia can be huge. Dementia can give someone a completely different personality, and while we love the person, we may not necessarily like who they've become. That's where the non-clinical hospice staff can really make a difference. Our family-centered approach to hospice means that our social workers and chaplains are specially trained to help you adjust to these changes.

Your loved one's physician must certify that they are eligible for hospice, but you can start the conversation. If you're caring for someone with dementia, even part time, take advantage of the support and resources hospice offers - for your loved one and yourself.

During November we recognize both National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. We give our gratitude to the incredibly dedicated and caring nurses, aides, chaplains, social workers, physicians, volunteers and everyone who strives to make life for those with a memory disorder or in hospice care a little easier each day.

For more information about our Passages Through Time program contact us today at Passageshospice.com or call 1 888-741-8985 to be connected with a Passages Hospice team member in your area.

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November is the time of year we turn our thoughts toward family. We begin making preparation for the holidays and holy days that bring families together. Whether we live close together or travel “over the river and through the woods,” family is an important part of life.

There is a song by singer and songwriter Amy Grant from the album “A Christmas To Remember” that brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. The song is entitled “Til The Season Comes Round Again.”

“Come and gather around at the table in the spirit of family and friends, and we'll all join hands and remember this moment 'til the season comes 'round again.”

Of course, in the hospice field, we work directly with families every day. I will always remember a patient in a facility I visited in northern Illinois who said, “I have lived through good times and bad times, but God has been in them all.” This frail woman has often expressed to me, “I don't know why I'm still here,” - yet she has ministered to my heart and the hearts of her family many times over.

As families gather bedside, they know it could be the last time they see their loved ones on this earth.

So hold tight to those moments and cherish them always. Be thankful for the blessing of your loved ones and the time God has allowed you to share with them.

As we gather round the table again this year with family members and friends, some of whom we haven't seen since last year's holidays, let us love, laugh and cherish these moments, because we don't know how soon any of us may take our final breath in this world.

Amy Grant's song concludes:

“May the new year be blessed with good tidings 'til the next time I see you again. If we must say goodbye, let the spirit go with you. And we'll love and we'll laugh, in the time that we have 'til the season comes 'round again.”

May this season of thankfulness and giving truly be a blessing to you and your family. May you share in gratitude and give unselfishly with the families you are privileged to serve.

Through the eyes of a Chaplain

David S. Bileu, Chaplain

A Season to Remember

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Region BLaura WaltherSandy NguyenConnie HugTessa BergmannsKristina TennisonJude SilcockKat CummingsSue Lanni

Region CPam WaymanAnne Evans

Region DKatelyn SchwanklBidget HawleyYogambal Ramesh

Region EKaty SchweissJess PinoShavon McCline

Region FBrittni Lewis

Welcome new volunteers!

Direct CarePatient and Family Care

� Bedside Companionship � Memory Projects � Reading or Watching TV � Family Support � Bereavement After-Care � Pet Visits

Indirect CareOffice Support

� Copying and Filing � Data entry � Mailings � Dreams Support � Medical Records

Requirements � 16 years or older � Reliable and Mature � Volunteer Training Program � Tuberculosis Screening � Criminal Background Check

Volunteer Opportunities

My career in social work has allowed me the opportunity to work in many areas of the

profession: Child and Family Services, Adult Guardianship, Developmentally Disabled, Hospital Social Work, Teaching  at Aurora University  and dealing with complex psychiatric patients.

I believe my experiences have well prepared me for my current position at Passages Hospice. A wise professor in graduate school once told me that "most of social work can be related to grief and

loss", which in many ways I have found to be very true. As we connect with patients and the people who love and care about them, we, as social workers, have the tools to assist them on their grief journey.

For me, it has been a blessing and inspiration to be involved with patients when they are able to complete a wish through Passages Hospice Dreams. Recently, we were able to accompany a patient, her husband and family to a concert that was very special to her - country singer Josh Turner. Throughout most of the concert, she sat enjoying the music, even though she couldn't see him because most of the audience was standing.

Then the song "Why Don't We Just Dance?" came on and she nudged her son to help her stand up so she could dance with her husband. I personally will never forget the smile that lit up her face. The tenderness that was evidence of the intimate bond she had with her family brought a tear to my eye and I felt so honored to be a part of that moment!

For me, social work is more than a profession - it is a lifestyle. I seem to meet people outside of work who need a listening ear or a resource that I know about, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Joan Watkins,Social Worker

Social Scene

Volunteer Program

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Spotlight on...

MORE >> Click here to visit the volunteer program online.

Volunteer Program

Today, more and more college students are volunteering with Passages. Their reasons for giving back are as diverse as the students themselves. Some have had personal experiences with hospice and some wanted an older companion, while others have taken a death and dying course which altered

their views significantly. College students bring a high amount of energy and commitment that is greatly appreciated by our patients. Seeing the students interact with their new friends truly is inspiring. Not only are they very busy individuals - going to class, working and participating in multiple organizations - they are also incredibly talented at interacting with the elderly.

Bridget Hawley is one of our shining star college students. A junior at ISU, Bridget visits a patient at Heritage Manor in Bloomington. Bridget comes after class, and she and her companion create art together. Bridget likes to doodle and her patient teaches her how to make artwork out of popsicle sticks. Bridget has a contagious personality, and from the large grin that appears on her patient’s face when she walks in the room, it is apparent her presence means much to her companion.

“I wanted to get involved with hospice care largely because of my grandma. She is 90 years old and still very active in a number of clubs/organizations, including hospice," Bridget said of her volunteerism.

"She's always told me what a rewarding experience she has had with hospice and what an honor it was to get to know the patients in hospice. I wanted to make a positive difference and help others too so I chose to start volunteering with Passages.”

"Give it the old college try"

Although Katelyn Schwankl just graduated from college, she too visits patients at the same facility. A daycare worker by day and volunteer in the evening, Katelyn’s sweet demeanor fills an entire

room. Katelyn exchanges stories about what happened at the daycare, and her patient discusses what was like to own a gas station.

“ I wanted to volunteer with Passages because it felt like what I needed to do. My favorite memory so far has to be when I gave a patient a minipumpkin I had painted. He was so excited about it, he asked me to move it around the room to different locations so he could put it in the safest place. It was exciting to see him get so excited about it," Katelyn said.

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From the desk of the Education Department

Safety-First: AEDs and first aid kits in all Passages offices

Clinical Educator Sean Chramega has made it his mission to equip each Passages Hospice office with Automatic External Defibulators (AEDs) and first aid kits. In addition, Sean leads regular CPR courses for both clinical and office staff.

“Safety in the workplace is always a priority, and we want to make sure our staff is taken care of for emergency situations,” Sean said.

PARO: Arctic animal melts hearts

An important part of our PARO visits are the educators! Each educator brings a unique method to their PARO interactions, but all of them love their job.

Hospice Educator Lauren Bruggenthies-Lott visits facilities in central Illinois with our second PARO, Dala. Dala (Dah-la) means 'brightness' in Icelandic.

"I have had a lot of success with her and have had dementia residents who have not talked or smiled in a long time open up and tell me stories about growing up," Lauren says.

The Education Department has been growing at “an incredible rate,” says Education Director Michelle Locke. The Education Department is revamping the new employee orientation process, as well as launching the new hospice libraries and community education days.

Lauren Bruggenthies-Lott and Dala

Corey Tague and Pikatti

Hospice Educator Corey Tague visits facilities in the Chicagoland and Rockford areas with our original PARO, Pikatti. Pikatti (pih-kuh-tee) means 'companion' in Inuit.

“I visited a nursing home in East Moline with a resident who was nonverbal and did not participate in activities. Pikatti sparked enthusiasm in her. She giggled, patted her hand on the table, smiled and ‘talked’ in her own way to get the attention of other residents to show them the robot.  She brushed him, stroked him and even kissed him on the nose!” Corey says of PARO's success.

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Social Work Educator Cindy Gradle, LCSW, visits facilities in the Chicago area with our fourth PARO, Shiro. Shiro (she-roh) means 'white' in Japanese and was named by the PARO inventor, Dr. Takanori Shibata.

"Shiro has been a huge hit among nursing home residents and staff. Sometimes the staff are a little embarrassed to admit that they like her as much as they do. The PARO seems to make everyone a little happier. It’s hard to beat that in terms of job satisfaction."

Shiro recently visited Glenbridge Nursing in Niles and made a lot of friends in the Korean community there. The visit was featured in the Korean Journal, a Korean-language newspaper in Chicago.

Heartland of CantonLee Manor (Des Plaines) Dupage Convalescent (Wheaton) Illinois Veterans HomeEast Moline RehabForest Hill (East Moline) Heartland (Decatur) Community Nursing and Rehab (Naperville) Caseyville Nursing and Rehab Aurora Rehab Lakewood Care Center (Plainfield) Nathan's (East St. Louis) Maple Crest Care Center (Belvidere) Collinsville Nursing and RehabThe Inn at Willow Falls Assisted Living (Crestwood)Bathesda Lutheran Lena Living Center Freeport Rehab Internation N & R (Chicago) Medina Nursing Center (Durand) Lincolnwood Place (Chicago) Glenbridge (Niles) Gibson Area Hospital Annex (Gibson City)The Arlington Rehab (Long Grove)Plum Grove of Palatine Chester Nursing and Rehab Terrace (Waukegan)Rosewood Care Center (Rockford)Asta Care of RockfoodRosewood Alton

Berkshire Nursing and Rehab (Forest Park) New Athens home for the AgedCedar Ridge (Labanon)Cahokia Nursing and Rehab Exceptional Care (Burbank) Nile Nursing Home Highland Park Care Center (Highwood) Belhaven (Chicago) Walnut Grove Village (Morris) Morris Healthcare and Rehab Rosewood AltonAmberwood (Rockford) Dolton Nursing and Rehab Asta Care of Rockford Heritage Manor of Staunton Columbia Rehab Oak Lawn Respiratory and Rehab All Faith Pavillion ( Chicago) Glenwood Healthcare Provena St. Anne (Rockford) Alpine Fireside (Rockford)Concord of Oak LawnFlorence Nursing Home (Marengo) Bethany Terrace (Morton Grove) Northwoods (Belvidere) Midway Neurological (Bridgeview) All Faith Pavilion (Chicago) Redford Geriartric VillageHillside Terrance (Ann Arbor)Cranbrook Geriatric Village

Paro Sightings

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Passages Hospice Dreams is fulfilling more Dreams than ever, thanks to the generous support of our individual and corporate sponsors! All gifts enable us to continue our mission of seeking out experiences that are good for the spirit, decreasing stress, increasing quality of life and empowering our patients to

live according to their terms. Whether your Dream is for a special reunion or a day at the ballpark, we look forward to the opportunity to make it come true.

Thank you to people, businesses and organizations that made these Dreams possible in September:

Tiny and her daughter tried their luck at Par-a-dice Casino

Craig Nelson and his brothers attended a Bears vs. Vikings game as VIPs Jeanette had a family reunion Daniel was the guest of honor at the circus Be sure to read the full stories of some of our Dreams on the next page.

A Dream come true

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Passages Hospice Dreams

Daniel has always been a family man, so it is no surprise he wanted to spend a special day with his daughter Monica. Even though his memory isn't

quite what it used to be, Daniel remembers the thrill of being at the circus. When he heard “The Greatest Show on Earth” was in town, he was ecstatic.

“I like everything here…the sounds, the animals and the clowns,” Daniel said. “I didn't realize I was missing so much!

Daniel also indulged in a complimentary lunch at nearby restaurant Hodak’s. In addition to his memories of the day, Daniel took home a very special memento, an official Pachyderm Painting by one of The Ringling Brother’s largest performers, a circus elephant.

MORE >> Click here to learn more about Passages Hospice Dreams.

Passages Hospice Dreams

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Craig Nelson is a lifelong Chicago Bears fan. In fact, all three Craig brothers are Bears fans. Craig, 57, and his brothers Kevin and Bruce have spent years debating

and bonding over their favorite Monsters of the Midway. A family trip to Soldier Field to see Walter Payton play is still considered a highlight of their family history.

But then Craig got sick, and moved to Countryside Care Centre in Aurora. When he kept declining and started hospice care, the Craig brothers knew they needed to update their Bears memories with another game.

On October 16th, Craig and his brothers donned their jerseys for a VIP experience at Soldier Field. After a once-in-a-lifetime trip down to the field to watch warm ups, the brothers settled in to watch the Bears beat the Vikings 39-10 and pass each other football favorites like bratwurst and beer. But most importantly, the brothers made lasting memories of another game together.

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Passages Hospice Dreams

Some of Tiny's favorite memories are of trips to Par-A-Dice Casino with her daughter, where they laughed, snacked and played the afternoon away. But as Tiny's health declined, their trips became

fewer and farther between.

On October 26th, Tiny and her daughter were dressed in their best and escorted to Par-A-Dice Casino in a limousine to enjoy an afternoon of red carpet treatment. The ladies were special guests of the casino where they enjoyed in a complimentary lunch at Options Buffet and shared an afternoon of fun.

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Kimi Tanino enjoys the simple things in life, and loves sharing them with her family. But as a dedicated mother, trips to the salon were a special treat, and few and far between. Passages Hospice Dreams knows that sometimes small pleasures are the

most important, so Kimi was the guest of honor at Chrysanthy's Salon and Spa in Hillside.

Kimi was chauffeured from her home at Oak Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation for a morning of beauty and hair care, accompanied by her daughter Cheryl. The mother-daughter duo laughed, smiled and most importantly - shared memories.

Passages Hospice Dreams

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Passages Hospice Dreams

Passages Hospice

Armando Luevano Sigmund Lee Nicole Dobson Jennifer Schou Rick and Vicki Porter Patti Luevano Betty Jane Ullrich Ron and Gloria Leaf Betty Thompson Barbara Scapardine Celia Newsome Susan Newsome

Charlie Shepard Michael Lombard and Bette Wallerstein Richard and Constance Baldrini Robert Galliani Joanne Hanwell Dick and Ann Knapp Arlo and Judith Straight Amy Campbell-Montecinos Paul and Adriane Adams Ronald and Barbara O'Connor Martha Wick

Claudia Fruin Douglas and Patricia Carey

James Zumbahlem Dennis Bert Mr. and Mrs. Robert Roth Phil and Judy Fickes Bob Fickes Tom and Kathy Quinn Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Vanderploeg

John Smith Mary Jones

Loretta Louise Weil Donald Prior

Lynette Stiner Glen and Mary Dicken Mabel A. Bowser Curtiss and Margaret HenningJoyce

Mary Flick Layo Flick

Patricia Stimac David and Julie Chiavene Barbara Arndt Dorothy Cusac

Ray Dotson Mr. and Mrs. Brem Nadine Shinabargar Dale and Debbie Braun Thomas and Jo Ann Dotson Kent and Joan Weisentstein Brian and Carolyn Volpert

Ray Stefiuk Alan and Patricia Woods Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stefiuk

Robert Gensler Bridgers and Paxton Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Memorial Gifts

A gift in any amount brings hope and joy to a hospice patient and a family. Passages Hospice Dreams is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax-deductible.

Your gift will make a difference.

Name _______________________________________ Address _______________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

I wish to make a gift of $_________ in (circle one) memory/honor

of ___________________________________ .

Mail to: Passages Hospice Dreams, 515 Warrenville Rd., Lisle, IL 60532 Please consult your financial advisor about how this donation affects your taxes.

FASTER >> Donate online via Paypal by clicking here.

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During November, our field recognizes National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. This month, we have a huge opportunity to spread the word about the value of hospice care. Our goal is to inform and educate those who do not know about or misunder-stand hospice care. Passages Hospice has teamed with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization to get the message out. Excerpts from the NHPCO announcement explain more:

NHPCO consumer research has found that eight out of 10 Americans would want to be cared for in their homes if facing a life-limiting illness.  Whether it’s the family home, nursing home, residential facility, or hospice inpatient setting, hospice teams strive to reach all appropriate patients and families wherever compassionate end-of-life care is needed.

“Coping with a life-limiting illness is not easy. It’s about the most challenging thing a person will ever do,” said J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO.  “Think about a seriously ill person doing their best to communicate with doctors and

hospitals, navigating the maze of care needs, figuring out insurance coverage, all in addition to helping his or her loved ones face the challenges of caregiving… it’s overwhelming.”

Hospice care provides expert pain management, symptom control, psycho-social support and

spiritual care to patients and families when a cure is not possible. All the necessary medicines and equipment needed to keep a patient comfortable are provided.  And hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid in most states, and by most insurance plans and HMOs.

More than 1.5 million people with a life-limiting illness get help from the nation’s hospice and palliative care providers every single year. 

“It’s about quality of life. With the help of hospice and palliative care, patients and families can focus on what’s most important, living as fully as possible in spite of illness,” Schumacher said.Please join us in telling your family, friends and neighbors how hospice has helped you. Our goal is to help every single person live peacefully and comfortably at the end of their life.

"We listen, we care" a theme of November

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Caring for a loved one with a serious or life-limiting disease can be physically, emotionally and mentally taxing. It often takes more time and energy than you anticipated. Even when it's given out of love, that care can affect your own health and other relationships.

It's important to maintain a balance in your caregiving. The National Family Caregiver Association has these suggestions:

Believe in yourself: NFCA stresses the importance of trying to maintain a positive attitude by recognizing your strengths and limitations. By believing in yourself and recognizing your strengths and limitations it will go a long way in your ability to set goals and boundaries for yourself and for your loved one.

Protect your health: It is critically important to maintain your physical and emotional health and well being - if you don’t who will? Your good health is the greatest gift you can give your loved one and your entire family. Reach out for help: Reaching out and asking for help is never a sign of weakness rather it demonstrates strength and a keen awareness of your own abilities and sense of self.

Speak up for your rights: NFCA encourages and stresses the importance of arming yourself with vital information regarding your loved one’s diagnosis and treatment options. Having the proper information is the gold standard in achieving the ability to advocate for your loved one and developing strong self advocacy skills. By keeping the goal of receiving quality healthcare and making it a priority, you can avoid future medical problems and create a superior quality of life for all involved.

Hospice patients receiving Medicare benefits are provided five days of 'respite' care each month. Respite care is given in a skilled nursing facility or hospital, and allows the family caregiver to rest and take care of other responsibilities.

Family Caregivers: Coping with the Stress

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Passages Hospice Administrator Seth Gillman

Happy HalloweenPassages staff were out and about in facilities across Illinois passing out candy and smiles!

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Terrace on the Park's Fall Festival was a huge success, despite competing with the final game of the World Series. Forty to fifty people came out Friday, October 28 to brave the Haunted House, compete in the Monster Mash dance contest, pumpkin carving contest and costume contest. Residents' families and member of the community enjoyed games, snacks, fun and fellowship. Activities director, Natasha Reed thanked Admissions Coordinator Becky Crow and Passages Hospice for helping stage the fright fest. "This was the first year we had a haunted house. I'd love for it to be even bigger and better next year," said Reed.

Passages is sponsoring a platoon who is currently stationed in Afghanistan. We will be collecting supplies to help support the men and women serving our country overseas during the holidays.

Adopt A Platoon

Monetary donations will be collected at each office and mailed to Sean Chramega, Emily Chance, or Jamie Girote to purchase supplies. You can also purchase supplies from the Adopt a Platoon list and deliver to Sean, Emily, or Jamie by November 21.

How can my family, friends, or I help?

Announcing the 3rd annual Passages Hospice supply drive!

Passages Hospice Administrator Seth Gillman

will match ALL donations collected!!!

Passages Hospice

Our Mission and Philosophy

We are dedicated to the human spirit.

We are dedicated to the requirement of excellence and family-centered care. We are dedicated to being receptive to each patient’s social, emotional, and intellectual safety and physical needs. We are dedicated to enhancing quality of life by promoting and restoring health, calming suffering, and possessing continued compassion for the sick and dying in a way that ensures dignity and respect. 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 a level of care that encourages the safe and cost-effective delivery of hospice care, maximizing patient sovereignty and coordination of community and agency resources, and promoting optimistic outcomes.

Swansea, IL 16 Bronze Pointe Blvd. Swansea, IL 62226 Phone: 618.234.7078 Fax: 618.257.7266 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

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

Southfield, MI 21411 Civic Center Dr., Ste. 101 Southfield, MI 48076 Phone: 248.569.4610 Fax: 248.569.4764

Providing Quality Care In:

www.passageshospice.com

www.facebook.com/PassagesHospice @PassagesHospice

www.youtube.com/user/PassagesHospice

[email protected]

www.passageshospice.com

Your passage to care and comfort.

Thanksgiving reminds us to count our blessings. Just for telling us what you are thankful for, you could win a $100, $50, or $25 gift card. We will randomly draw a name from all of the submissions - Just email Public Relations at [email protected].

What are you thankful for?

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