Hospice of Southern Illinois

Premiere Local Hospice Provider

Certified Nursing Assistants Week

 

Hospice of Southern Illinois Celebrates National Certified Nursing Assistants Week

Now more than ever, attention is being directed to the care of our elders and even more attention is being directed towards those who provide hands-on care. Starting June 15 through June 22, 2017, Hospice of Southern Illinois and organizations around the United States will celebrate the 40th annual National Nursing Assistants’ Week. This week is spent honoring Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Hospice Aides, which make up 13% of Hospice of Southern Illinois’ caregivers and advocates today. These CNAs and Hospice Aides, provide compassionate and personal services to Hospice of Southern Illinois’ patients and families. Their role in patient’s goals of care and Hospice of Southern Illinois’ circle of care are to provide compassionate assistance with the everyday needs such as personal care, bathing and feeding.

Hospice Aides provide hands-on care that patients deserve during their end-of-life journey. Hospice of Southern Illinois takes this opportunity to thank their own Hospice Aides and all CNAs who provide care in Hospice of Southern Illinois’ 27 county service areas, for always providing comfort, ensuring dignity and extending respect. 

To learn more about National Nursing Assistants’ Week, visit www.cna-network.org/. Hospice of Southern Illinois’ mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. To learn more about Hospice of Southern Illinois or to apply for open positions, visit www.hospice.org or call 1-800-233-1708.

* * * * * 

President and CEO Announcement

Hospice of Southern Illinois Announces President & CEO

Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Board of Directors is pleased to appoint Amy Richter as the President and Chief Executive Officer effective April 30, 2017. 

Ms. Richter joined Hospice of Southern Illinois on December 14, 2009, as the Chief Financial Officer. She currently has been serving as the Interim President and CEO. Her educational background includes an MBA in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Accounting. She is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Her professional background prior to joining Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc. included Corporate Director at a major health system in St. Louis.

Ms. Richter brings strong leadership skills to this position. She has served with integrity and we feel that her vision will serve persons who need end-of-life care in the 27 counties served by Hospice of Southern Illinois.

We are proud to welcome Ms. Richter as Hospice of Southern Illinois’ President and CEO. Her expertise and motivation are to be commended.

Sincerely,

 
 

Jennifer Barbieri, Chairperson, Board of Directors

• • • •

Hospice of Southern Illinois’ mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. We are proud to be your community, not-for-profit hospice serving 27 counties in southern Illinois since 1981. If you have any questions call 1-800-233-1708 or visit www.hospice.org.

Celebrating National Nurses Week

Hospice of Southern Illinois Celebrates National Nurses Week

Compassion, experience, warmth, personal, delicate, advocate… these are just a few words that describe the care that the people we call our nurses provide to 27 counties in southern Illinois. They are gifted individuals who share their calling to care for people during their end-of-life journey. While supporting our mission daily, to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness, they provide care, support, expertise, and love to so many patients and families every year. The American Nurses Association has designated 2017 as the “Year of the Healthy Nurse.” Join us during National Nurses Week, May 6–12, as we explore this year’s theme, “Nursing: the Balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit.” It’s all about celebrating nurses, like our 51 dedicated nurses who lead the charge for health and wellness. We want to take this opportunity to thank them for the tireless hours, the compassionate care and loving support they give to people, as if they were their own family.

The history of National Nurses Week dates back to 1953. Each year May 6th begins the celebration through the 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Nursing takes a dedicated person with a passion for helping others. They advocate for their patients and passing healthcare regulations. They are leaders in the workplace and community managing the lives of others and taking initiative to make patients and families comfortable. They set the bar for providing compassionate care!

To learn more about National Nurses Week, visit www.nursingworld.org. To learn more about Hospice of Southern Illinois or to apply for open nursing positions, visit https://www.hospice.org/careers/. Hospice of Southern Illinois is proud to be your community, not-for-profit hospice serving 27 counties in southern Illinois since 1981. If you have any questions call 1-800-233-1708 or visit www.hospice.org. 

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” We describe our volunteers as an extra special group of committed citizens. They help improve the quality of life of those in their end-of-life journey, directly through patient care and indirectly by supporting those who provide the care. We take National Volunteer Week, April 23-29, 2017, to recognize this selfless group of people who come together for our mission, to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. So to our dedicated and passionate volunteer team, we thank you for all you do. Our volunteers are walking “angels” who spread love, provide support and lend a hand that is always appreciated and needed!

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Facts and Figures reports, “The U.S. hospice movement was founded by volunteers and there is continued commitment to volunteer service. In fact, hospice is unique in that it is the only provider whose Medicare Conditions of Participation requires volunteers to provide at least 5% of total patient care hours.” We appreciate our Hospice of Southern Illinois’ volunteers because in addition to them sharing their time and talents, they gave over 9,700 hours of their time, in 2016, to change the world.  Our volunteers go above and beyond the national requirements because they know what they do makes a huge impact on our patients and families. The difference they make is immeasurable. The smiles on our patients faces, the relief our families describe, and the requests made from staff are constant affirmation that our volunteers are so significant to our goals of care. 

Hospice of Southern Illinois is your community not-for-profit hospice program serving 27 counties in southern Illinois since 1981. To learn more about our volunteer programs, how volunteers play a role in the circle of care, or to become a volunteer for Hospice of Southern Illinois, visit our website, www.hospice.org/volunteer/, or contact Shelly Black or Sally Koval, 618-235-1703, or Rita Spiller or Donna Cunetto, 618-997-3030.

***

National Social Workers’ Month

Hospice of Southern Illinois Celebrates National Social Workers’ Month

When one thinks of the month of March, many things may come to mind. Whether it’s the color green, specific sports, the anticipation of spring and flowers, or even four leaf clovers, many don’t know about another important recognition for March. It is also National Social Worker’s Month. Here at Hospice of Southern Illinois, we celebrate social workers and bereavement counselors everywhere, as do many other organizations across the United States. Our social workers and bereavement counselors play an integral role in the hospice circle of care. They help our patients, and their families, with emotional and spiritual needs, as well as, a holistic approach towards meeting the needs presented during the end-of-life journey.

The 2017 theme for National Social Workers’ Month is “Social Workers Stand Up!” The campaign during Social Workers’ Month is to educate the public about contributions of social workers and why the professional title of social worker is so important. There are multiple ways that we, as a community, can help get the word out about social workers:

  1. Thank a social worker that you know. A little thank you can go a long way, telling them how much they are appreciated.
  2. On social media websites like, comment, or share anything that is related to National Social Workers’ Month and “Social Workers Stand Up!” Help to spread the word!
  3. Educate yourself on what many different occupations that social workers have. Many social workers may hold positions you may not even consider, including social workers and bereavement counselors for a hospice like ours.

Our social workers seek to impact not only the lives of our patients and family, but are also available to provide resources to the public sector that can enhance their individual and collective well-being. Our social workers are available to help the general public, through speaking engagements, consultations and bereavement service that will maximize use of available resources within their own community supports.

Additional information about hospice services, careers for social workers and counselors, and advanced care planning is available from Hospice of Southern Illinois, your local not-for-profit hospice organization on our website, www.hospice.org, or by phone, 1-800-233-1708. More information about National Social Worker Month can be found at www.socialworkers.org.

Patient’s Christmas Wish

Our patient, Warren Barty, McKendree University Alum, St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Catcher, and humorous 75 year-old man said his one Christmas wish was “to see one more McKendree University Basketball Game.” Hospice of Southern Illinois, INC.‘s employees decided to make this happen!!! Click here to watch the video below:
 

A very special thank you to Marka Nursing Home- Activities for assisting in transportation and caring for him at the game; McKendree University Bearcats Basketball team, Coach – Harry Statham, Sports Information Director – Scott Cummings, Director of Athletics – Chuck Brueggemann, Scott Billhartz, Whitney Strang, and every single McKendree University alumni/employee/student who made this night extra special; and KSDK NewsChannel 5, Belleville News-Democrat, Lebanon Advertiser and other media who helped Warren get the most extravagant Christmas gift and the recognition his legacy deserves!!!

Past, Present, Future Reflection for Retiring CEO

Past, Present, Future Reflection for Retiring CEO

img_0374Hospice of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization that thrives on tradition, care and heart. Our program started 35 years ago from a community need. Our very diligent volunteers ensured to deem what Hospice of Southern Illinois is, what would be expected moving forward, and that it was passed on throughout the years. Three named volunteers, Sammie Greisbach, Sister Leona Luechtefeld, and Betty Buckley, told CEO of 19 years, Rebecca Wisdom, during her orientation in 1997 to “never lose sight of what we are, what is expected… and the tradition, care and heart.” It was their wind beneath Rebecca’s wings, lifting her up and supporting her, that she carried on the mission of Hospice of Southern Illinois for 19 wonderful years leading up to her retirement at the end of this year. We thank Rebecca Wisdom for making such an impact on our past, present and future. We celebrate Rebecca for her contributions to our mission and growth and will miss her dearly for her heart and passion!

“I can leave this experience for my next journey because of the people who are here. I can exhale, because it’s not about me the CEO leaving, it’s about the mission, tradition and heart of those who are here: the leaders, employees, volunteers and community.” It was a personal experience that gave Rebecca the emotional and physical capacity to motivate her to take on the positions she held throughout her professional career. Rebecca began her professional career as a social worker upon graduating from SIUE. She continued her practice in home health and hospice all of her career. She became a director for a hospice in southern Illinois that then led her to the “meant-to-be” CEO position at Hospice of Southern Illinois. She reflected on her 19 year journey being most proud of never losing sight of the mission. This is not a position of power, politics, or competition. It’s a position to ensure our care remained the same regarding the mission and tradition, but never losing momentum to be better, more caring and forward-thinking for our patients, families, community and employees.

There is a trend throughout this story, surely it’s noticed. The mission is at the top of the list always! Rebecca stated, “If it were not for our mission, the care we provide, and the dedication of our employees and volunteers, I would not feel as confident that this is the right time for me to say goodbye to something I am so passionate about.” She wishes people knew that so many of our referrals come from those who experience the mission, the care and the people! While healthcare is always evolving, the trust of families is constant and the honor of caring for their loved ones will never be forgotten. People may be surprised to know that although this is one of the hardest things she has ever had to do, yet she has faith that she will “be planted where she needs to grow.” She looks forward to re-establishing relationships, taking time to breathe and maybe dabble in some gardening, crocheting, and traveling, but only to put the people she loves first as they have been supporting her all this time. “Life happens, and you have to do what’s right for your family,” just as Hospice of Southern Illinois does when providing care for the individuals who need end-of-life care. 

Hospice of Southern Illinois is your community not-for-profit hospice program serving 27 counties in southern Illinois since 1981. Our commitment at Hospice of Southern Illinois is to be with our patients and their loved ones through the changing needs of the end-of-life process and the grief experience. For more information about Hospice of Southern Illinois, visit our website, www.hospice.org, or contact Lisa Phillipson or Deborah Hogg, 1-800-233-1708.

* * * * *

Give Thanks This Veterans Day

Give Thanks This Veterans Day on November 11th

When we think of the holidays in November, chances are that Thanksgiving is the first holiday that comes to mind. However, the first holiday in November we celebrate in America is Veteran’s Day on November 11th. This is a day to give thanks to the men and women who have served in the United States military. Take a moment this Veterans Day to reflect on the sacrifices our military members have made and thank a veteran in your family, work place, or community.

Hospice of Southern Illinois would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our veteran employees, volunteers, families, patients and our local community for all you have done and continue to do for our country. We are a proud, Level III, partner of the We Honor Veterans program and have embraced the mission to serve America’s veterans. Our employees understand the unique needs of veterans and are prepared to meet the specific challenges that veterans and their families may face at the end of life. We consider it an honor and privilege to care for them. It’s our way of thanking them for the sacrifices they have made in serving us. veterans-day

The following Hospice of Southern Illinois’ employees voluntarily submitted their personal and family veteran’s stories and names for recognition this Veterans Day:

Community Education Coordinator, Kim Johnson, served in the US military for six years. On July 14, 1986, Kim graduated Lance Corporal/LCPL from Marine Corps Boot Camp Parris Island, South Carolina. “This was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life…it challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Kim said. “Never would I believe that I would be celebrating my 30 year anniversary from Marine Corps Bootcamp! I had the honor of serving as Guide of our platoon for 11 out of 13 weeks and received the title “Honor Grad.” “Honor Grad” came with an additional step up in rank which was pretty sweet. Normally, when you graduate, your rank is Private/PVT but receiving the “Honor Grad,” title, I was bumped up to Lance Corporal/LCPL. I served from 1986 to 1992. My training in Communications took place at Marine Corps Base 29 Palms California. I later was permanently stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California and finished my tour at Camp Courtney Okinawa, Japan. I am a very proud Marine and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t wear lipstick and be in the Marine Corps.”

Mary Miles, Human Resources Administrative Assistant, has eight immediate family members who have served or who are currently serving in the United States military. Mary said “Happily I can report that even though several were in danger many times, one was missing in action for twelve days, but they all came home safely.”

Mary’s veteran family members are listed as follows:

Gilbert Douglas, Father – Served in Korean Conflict in Korea, Army;

Timothy Douglas, Brother – Served 13 years including Desert Storm in IRAQ,  Army;

Kenneth Douglas, Brother – Served 8 years including Desert Storm Stateside and Germany, Army;

Jonathon Douglas, Nephew – Served 8 years including during Iraqi Freedom in Afghanistan, Air Force;

Matthew Douglas, Nephew – Served 6 years during Iraqi Freedom in Afghanistan, Air Force;

Steven Douglas, Nephew-Served 10 years including 3 tours in Korea, Army;

Kevin Douglas, Nephew – Served 8 years, Army; and

Madison Douglas, Niece-in –Law – Serving in 8th year and still in Active Army.

 

Martin Jung, P.E., PMP, brother of Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Human Resources Generalist Kelly Neighbors, is actively serving in the US Army Corps of Engineers as a Lieutenant Colonel. He has served in the US military for over 17 years. “I am extremely proud to be his little sister” – Kelly said. “Not only has he made sacrifices for our country, but his whole family has been part of that sacrifice as well. I appreciate everything he has done for our country. Our freedom comes from people like my brother who make it their life’s work to preserve it. For this I am truly grateful.”

Hospice of Southern Illinois’ veteran volunteers for our Marion, IL location include: Ernie Brasher, Bill Browning, Kaylee Dickson, Fred Edwards, Kirk Gimmy, Bill Hamer, Kina Heather, Patricia McCann, Stephen Soboroff, James Whittington and Charles Young.

Hospice of Southern Illinois’ veteran volunteers for our Belleville, IL location include: John Garrett, Tom Dixon, Gary Koval, Sally Koval (Volunteer Services Coordinator for Hospice of Southern Illinois), Kim Johnson (Community Education Coordinator for Hospice of Southern Illinois), Diane Holeman, Jerry Altepeter, Robert Casner, Bill Chapman, Chuck Fugate, Daniel Hollendoner, Susan Jano, Cathy Johnson, Daniel Morgan, Jamie Shirley-Tolar, Audrey Solomon, Tom Spitler, Cecil Stevenson, Joyce Walton and Lorraine White.

*****

Morphine Myths

November is National Hospice Month and we are wrapping up our American Pharmacists Month series today, in November, because Bradlee Rea, PharmD, PGY-2 Pharmacy Resident in Pain and Palliative Care, plays a very important role in our goals of care. Our next video in the series, Morphine Myths, addresses a medication often used in hospice care. Despite the rumors you may have heard about Morphine, this medication has many valuable benefits to assist with our goal, quality-of-life at end-of-life. Dr. Rea expands on the topic below.

Morphine Myths

Bradlee Rea, PharmD, PGY-2 Pharmacy Resident in Pain and Palliative Care

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Morphine is a medication that instills fear in patients and clinicians alike.  Part of this is due to the fact that he has gotten a bad reputation from the media and because of its use at end of life care.  The standard morphine treatment is to start at a low dose, in an opioid naive patient, and increase the dose as the patient requires additional pain relief.  Many times people believe this increase in dose is problematic because patients have an increased risk of side-effects, which is true, however the risk is more visually obvious than most people believe.

One of the major problems with morphine, and all opioids in general, is the risk of respiratory depression with the medication(s).  Morphine toxicity will often express with other symptoms prior to the significant decrease in respiratory functioning, such as the development of drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.  The other major concern is that morphine will make a person die faster because it will cause them to stop breathing.  See above for rationale of why this is not true.

An additional myth is that morphine will stop working after so long.  In essence, sometimes patients believe the medication will not work at the later stages of hospice when a patient’s pain may be increased.  This is not true.  Indeed sometimes patients pain medication requirement increases, but we can increase the dose of these medications.  Also, morphine is not the only opioid medication used in hospice.  There are many additional opioid options that are commonly used to treat a patient’s pain.  These include hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone. 

Morphine is one of the oldest drugs in existence.  It has been used for centuries.  It was first described in literature in the 16th century, however was believed to have been used since around 500 AD.  It is a medication that has a plethora of data to support its use in hospice care.  When used appropriately and correctly morphine helps to easy patients’ suffering and pain.  It also improves the patient’s quality-of-life.

 

Pharmacist Myths

October is American Pharmacists Month and we are excited to present to you a series of videos throughout the month by our very own, Bradlee Rea, PharmD, PGY-2 Pharmacy Resident in Pain and Palliative Care! Our next video in the series, Pharmacist Myths, will help expand your understanding of the field and unveil upcoming news in pharmacy.

Pharmacist Myths

Bradlee Rea, PharmD, PGY-2 Pharmacy Resident in Pain and Palliative Care

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Pharmacy is a field of medicine that is continually growing into new areas.  Their new roles expand past the traditional roles of counting pills behind a counter.  Now-a-days, even pharmacists who do work in chain or community pharmacies rarely count pills.  Oftentimes it is the job of the technician to measure the appropriate amount of medication whether it is measuring a liquid or counting the accurate number of pills.  It is then the pharmacist’s job to verify the right medication and count is in each prescription bottle.  There are exceptions to these rules depending on the pharmacy site, usually having to do with controlled substances.  Since these medications are much more regulated by the FDA and DEA, pharmacists may be the individual counting and verifying these particular instances.

Outside of the community/chain pharmacy world, pharmacists have begun to find new niches for their careers.  There are so many areas where pharmacists work that the community just does not have the opportunity to see.  For example, there are pharmacists who work with radioactive materials in order to perform diagnostic scanning in the hospital (if you ever had intravenous dye (contrast dye) put into your body then you know an example).  These medications are prepared by a pharmacist to ensure appropriate dosage of medication and radiation.   There are also pharmacists who work much like a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner under the supervision of a medical doctor.  These pharmacists are able to increase or decrease medication doses, start new medications, or stop existing prescriptions.

Delving deeper into pharmacists authority, there are states who are allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain medications without a medical doctor.  For example, most states now allow pharmacists to give immunizations to patients within a certain age range.  Also, naloxone, a life-saving medication in opioid overdose, can be prescribed by pharmacists in ~ 14 states at the moment.

There are dozens of areas of medicine where pharmacists are able to be employed.  These jobs range from the above listed occupations, to working in a pharmaceutical company, to being a veterinary pharmacist.  As time passes and the overall health burden of our country increases, the roles and responsibilities of mid-level practitioners will increase, including pharmacists.  Currently there are many areas in the United States that are lacking the appropriate amount of primary care physicians.  While the government is trying to help solve the problem by incentivizing physicians to go into that field, the other way they are improving access to care is by expanding the roles of other health care workers.

Company Links

Service Area Resources

Hospice Resources

Contact Us

Belleville

618-235-1703
Send Email

Marion

618-235-1703
Send Email