Hospice of Southern Illinois

Premiere Local Hospice Provider

PGY-2 in Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency Program

IMG_0431_smallerHospice of Southern Illinois Announces Pharmacy Residency Program

Hospice of Southern Illinois is very proud to have the honor of hosting the only PGY-2 (post-graduate, year 2) in Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency Program housed in a hospice, in the United States. We are pleased to introduce and welcome the full-time, on-staff, PGY-2 Pharmacy Resident, Brad Rea, PharmD. Our patients, families and organization will directly benefit from this very special program, which is 1 of 15 in the country and the only 1 fully funded by a hospice. Dr. Rea will play a critical role in delivering the highest quality end-of-life care to patients and families we serve. He will also help us grow and continue providing top-notch, end-of-life care as your local, not-for-profit hospice. Brad shares in our excitement, “I am so fortunate to be the first pharmacist employed by Hospice of Southern Illinois. Passion and empathy are two words I have found to be excellent descriptors of the employees at this organization. This innovative position, in addition to Hospice of Southern Illinois’ mission, to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness, helps to ensure patients are treated with the highest level of care. Hospice is a program that changes the lives for all parties involved and I am ecstatic to be a part of the hospice family.”

“We have collaborated with Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville’s School of Pharmacy to implement a niched program to benefit Hospice of Southern Illinois’ patients and organization; additionally, the experience, knowledge and education our Pharmacist will receive has been customized to provide a genuine learning experience and specific end-of-life care training to implement into future programs or settings,” shares Dr. Ellen Middendorf, Medical Director of Hospice of Southern Illinois. The specialized support this program offers to Hospice of Southern Illinois includes direct patient benefits by ensuring safe and effective medication use, cost containment and education to our staff, patients, and families. Our pharmacist will help manage patient profiles for streamlined symptom management to reduce side effects and control medication interactions; offer expertise from the pharmacy field to improve our ability to reduce medication costs, including monitoring regulation changes and determining “related” and “unrelated” medications; and finally, the access to one-on-one education for staff, patients and families, and healthcare professionals is invaluable.

Chris Herndon, PharmD., associate professor at the SIUE School of Pharmacy, and PGY-2 Residency Program Director added, “this novel training program will prepare pharmacists to integrate seamlessly into the hospice interdisciplinary team and directly impact the care of those at the end of life. As medication regimens become more complex, it makes perfect sense to add the pharmacist to the hospice clinical team.”

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(Photographed L to R: Chris Herndon, PharmD., associate professor at the SIUE School of Pharmacy, Brad Rea, PharmD., Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Pharmacy Resident,

and  Dr. Ellen Middendorf, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Medical Director)

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, 618-235-1703 or lphillipson@hospice.org.

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A Personal Story

This is the first year after losing my Father, December 2015. My first birthday without waking up to the telephone ringing and Dad singing “Happy Birthday.” The first Father’s Day without my Father.  As a social worker, I know most special days of the first and consequent years after the death of a loved one are difficult. Now it is personal; grief is hard! Let Hospice of Southern Illinois help you.

IMG_4722_1At Hospice of Southern Illinois, we have available a Newsletter to Help in Bereavement: Journeys. Copies of the Newsletter for our hospice families and members of our grieving community are available free because of a grant from a former patient’s family! If you would like a copy mailed to you, please give our office a call to request a copy or to give a donation:  618-235-1703.

In Gratitude, Rebecca Wisdom, President and CEO

June is PTSD Awareness Month

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Remembering those who served and are serving.

IMG_1963_blueMany Americans do not realize that 1 in 4 of all deaths in the U.S. are Veterans. Veterans with a life-limiting illness have unique care needs physically, emotionally and spiritually. Specifically, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), affects many Veterans at the end-of-life. We work to ensure Veterans get the care they need and deserve, especially those with PTSD.

Hospice of Southern Illinois’ team is a proud Level III partner in the We Honor Veterans Program. Benefits of this program for our Veteran Patients Include:

  • Providing specialized care to meet the unique needs of Veterans facing a life-limiting illness
  • Veteran-to-Veteran volunteer program for grateful acknowledgement and compassionate listening
  • Honoring Veterans and welcoming them home
  • Accompanying and guiding Veterans for a more peaceful ending
  • Additional Resources: www.va.gov and www.wehonorveterans.org

 

Volunteer Legacy Continues On: Susan Relfe Retirement

IMG_0640Susan Relfe, Volunteer Services Supervisor at Hospice of Southern Illinois, is set to retire late June. This is a bittersweet moment when such a dedicated and person-centered employee, who is very passionate and knowledgeable, closes a chapter with us. We are not too disappointed, because Susan has reassured us she will continue to volunteer and participate in the legacy she leaves behind.

Susan joined us in 1999 when a friend said she needed to be in a position at Hospice of Southern Illinois that just opened. She was not looking for a new job. In fact, she really didn’t want to apply because she was happy with her current position, also in the healthcare field. She interviewed to please her friend, and was offered the job. Despite her reservations, she accepted the position, to find three months later she was diagnosed with cancer. She added, “It seemed like I was supposed to be at Hospice of Southern Illinois. My new job kept my mind busy and focused on new and positive things. The people I worked with were so caring and supportive. They answered my questions and treated me like a person, what they do every day.”

In her 17 years of work with us, Susan has enjoyed meeting all the volunteers with a variety of skills, interests, and talents. She genuinely enjoys the variety of people she has come to know! Susan has helped to establish, recruit, maintain and grow our outstanding volunteer team. She created the volunteer manual to ensure quality, history and consistency of our volunteers continues for years to come.  Additionally, she participated in many other community projects and events which she hopes to continue in her volunteering with us.

After her last day at Hospice of Southern Illinois, she will not kick back and relax as you might assume. Susan will be starting a company, Friends and Family Connected. It will connect friends and families using media, technology, resources and the arts to offer one-on-one access to better communication and personal relationships. However, she does plan to do some traveling and continue her 2nd “bucket list” which some include: visiting the Peeps Factory on New Year’s Eve and seeing the 85 lbs. peep  they drop, OZtoberfest in Kansas, and visit Strayboots Spots, an online scavenger hunt community with food and sightseeing recommendations, across the country. Susan wanted to leave us with one thing as she opens this new chapter, “Never forget the people. It always needs to be about the people. Yes, for sure the patients and their families, but also your co-workers, strangers, and anyone. Always make it about people.” We wish her the very best, only to say, “see you later,” as we know we will be seeing her often after her retirement. Congratulations Susan!

Retirement after 20 years of service: Nancy Reed

Reed of Swansea - 20Nancy Reed, Administrative Secretary for Hospice of Southern Illinois, has decided to retire after 20 years of service with us. While it is not easy to see Nancy retire, she warms our blues as she has agreed to continue her dedication and service to Hospice of Southern Illinois as a volunteer. For this reason, we easily cheer Nancy along as she enters retirement knowing we will always know where to find her to share her spirit and knowledge!

Nancy, originally from East St. Louis, lived in New Orleans with her husband. She worked as a secretary for LSU School of Medicine, always working in the medical field. While in New Orleans, Nancy’s husband became ill and passed away. After the loss of her husband, she decided to move back to her roots. Former President and CEO of Hospice of Southern Illinois and friend, Merle Aukamp, contacted Nancy’s sister-in-law regarding an opening with Hospice of Southern Illinois knowing she was searching for work upon returning back home. Nancy had a positive hospice experience with her husband being in a program in New Orleans. So she decided to apply. Her secretarial experience and history in the medical field landed the position she retires from today. Her experience and skills as a secretary will be missed, but even greater; her appreciation for people and knowledge of Hospice of Southern Illinois are rare.

Nancy has always appreciated the people she worked with and for, the stable work environment, and exceptional care Hospice of Southern Illinois provides. She enjoyed the variety in her day and has been involved with most departments throughout the organization. She was very skilled at her job, contributing to the stability of administration, the mission of the organization, and the support of the leadership throughout her 20 years. Reflecting on her commitment to her work, we asked her some advice for those who have to follow in her shoes. Much to the testament of her spirit she added a quote she once heard, “Listen to others not to respond, but to understand.”

We asked Nancy what was next and she replied, “I don’t think you know till you get there!” Although she isn’t sure of everything she wants to do, she has a few things on her to-do list. She leaves for an extended and well-deserved trip abroad to visit her son, one of three children. Upon returning home, she has plans to do more traveling, enjoying time with her 3 children and 8 grandchildren, volunteering, getting more involved at church, and maybe even selling a little real estate. We wish Nancy the very best and congratulate her on her next journey!

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National Nurses Week

IMG_2443This week as we celebrate ‪#‎NursesWeek‬, Hospice of Southern Illinois, INC. wishes to commend all nurses in all fields for their dedication for providing the best healthcare to our entire community! Hospice of Southern Illinois is proud and fortunate that our nursing staff chose end-of-life care as their nursing specialty. Their commitment to our patients and their families is unwavering. To our staff, we thank you for your commitment to end-of-life. During National Nurses Week, you deserve special recognition for your efforts in delivering compassionate care while encompassing the principles of ethical practice in your profession.

Hospice of Southern Illinois’ nurses and hospice aides help ensure comfort and dignity at the end-of-life. They discuss the goals of care, addressing physical needs and what to expect in the final months, weeks and days. We love our hospice nurses and hospice aides, yet celebrate all nurses and aids because they play a vital role in our community.

Hospice of Southern Illinois’ team of nurses and hospice aides provide compassionate care and during the end-of-life journey.

  • Enhance the meaning and quality of a patient’s life
  • Provide pain and symptom management
  • Ensure patient’s wishes are followed
  • Provide support and compassionate assistance
  • Access to 24-hour on-call support

IMG_2480Specifically as we enter out 35th year, you have contributed to the milestone of serving over 35,000 patients since 1981. We are so proud of all of you who have helped us exceed family expectations caring for their loved ones and helped us grow into the compassionate not-for-profit organization we are today. Thank you for all you do and your dedication to our mission, to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. This week, take an extra minute to thank a nurse who has made a difference in your life!

Questions Regarding The First Hospice Visit

Questions Regarding The First Hospice Visit

IMG_1898             To start the hospice process, a hospice admission nurse comes to the private home or home-like setting after getting certification from a doctor that an individual is appropriate for hospice. Pain and symptoms are evaluated to determine what medications and medical equipment is necessary to get the patient comfortable as soon as possible. At this time, the nurse often gets questions from the family regarding their loved one’s symptoms. Below answers some frequently asked questions that families often ask during the first visit from a hospice nurse. These same questions may be on the patient and family’s mind before even calling hospice. These answers may help a patient and their families decide it is ok to call hospice.

Most answers are simply answered by the following questions; does this help the patient get comfortable and help get pain under control related to the terminal diagnosis? If the answer to the question above is yes, then often times the answer to the actual question will also be yes (but the patient, nurse and Medical Director will make the final conclusion and decision).

  • Is an oxygen tank an option while enrolled in a hospice program?IMG_2266
    • Yes, oxygen is always an option; especially if this will help make the patient more comfortable (hospice’s focus is comfort measures, rather than curative treatment).
  • Can current medications be continued while enrolled in a hospice program?
    • Yes, current medications can be continued however, the nurse and Medical Director will have to evaluate on a case by case basis whether these medications are in the best interest for the patients’ plan of care, which is determined by the patient and family. In fact, some current medications could be covered under the hospice benefit.
  • What types of IVs are used while enrolled in a hospice program?
    • IVs (intravenous method) are used for several reasons in hospice and sometimes they are not used at all depending on the needs and wants of a patient. One reason they are used is to distribute medicine (sometimes taking medicine in alternate ways like orally can be less painful for the patient). Another reason to use IVs is for fluid intake, which at times is necessary and at other times may not be necessary or even wanted (the nurse and Medical Director will decide on a case by case basis if IVs are needed based on the patients’ needs and wants).
  • Can feeding tubes be continued while enrolled in a hospice program?
    • Yes, feeding tubes can be continued as long as the patient is currently on a feeding tube and it will help keep them comfortable (for providing wanted nutrition) and pain-free. It is recommended if a feeding tube is preferred by a patient, they should get one before enrolling in the hospice program because they are rarely provided by the hospice benefit.

Spirit of the Chamber

The O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce recognized Hospice of Southern Illinois for the Spirit of the Chamber Award. This award is usually given to businesses with a storefront in O’Fallon or Shiloh, but they made an exception for everything we do for the community. This is an extra special year to receive this award, as we celebrate our 35 anniversary. Thank you, everyone, who has contributed to our success in the O’Fallon-Shiloh community from volunteering, community events, patient care, and beyond! We consider it a privilege to provide care in the communities who support us. Here is a video the O’fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce put together for the winners of all different awards.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO OF AWARD WINNERS

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Celebrating 35 Years of Continued Dedication

IMG_8355In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 10-16, 2016, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), Hospice of Southern Illinois, and hospices across the nation are honoring the hospice and palliative care volunteers who bring compassion, support and dignity to those facing a serious, life-limiting illness. The NHPCO reports that in the U.S., an estimated 430,000 hospice volunteers provide more than 19 million hours of service to hospice programs every year. Hospice of Southern Illinois’ volunteers have shared over 12,784 hours of service to our community.
This particular year, 2016, is makes this April extra special for our volunteers. We get to thank volunteers who helped the grassroots effort of Hospice of Southern Illinois back in 1981, 35 years ago. These volunteers started our hospice from a need in the community and have continued supporting our mission, to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness, all these years to help us grow to the not-for-profit we are today. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to every volunteer who make their mark on Hospice of Southern Illinois. We are so honored to have so many dedicated people who represent us everyday. Thank you to our volunteers for being a part of us and educating the people about the importance of hospice care.

Volunteers provide a variety of support including the following (but not limited to):35 Year Volunteers

  • Vigilant volunteers assure no one dies alone.
  • Veteran-to-Veteran volunteers support veterans through their end-of-life journey.
  • Volunteers offer clinical and clerical assistance.
  • Volunteers use their own talents to give back. One of many is crafting.

Join our dedicated group of over 300 volunteers who donate their time and talents to assist patients and families, as well as clinical and clerical employees. Attend the next volunteer training! Learn more about volunteering with us on our volunteer page.

  • Friday, April 22, 2016 – East Main Office: Hospice of Southern Illinois – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 23, 2016 – East Main Office: Hospice of Southern Illinois – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Friday, July 8, 2016 – Marion Office: Hospice of Southern Illinois – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

National Healthcare Decisions Day

The one thing that should be talked about before something major happens rarely is. Why does the subject of Healthcare Decisions seem so taboo? Well, maybe because no one wants to think about their health or a love one’s health failing.  Working in end-of-life care, these are daily discussions to encourage others to start the conversation sooner. Most people don’t start thinking about it until they get older or their health starts failing. Since National Healthcare Decision day is right around the corner, on April 16th, let’s talk about why Advance Care Planning is so important.

The first step is naming a Health Care Power of Attorney.  Doing this can avoid disagreements between family members about care, as there will be one person who knows what your wishes are and can legally speak for you if you cannot. Remember, this is a “Health Care Power of Attorney” and does not have anything to do with your finances or assets.  Everyone over the age of 18 should be doing this, not just older adults.  You don’t need to be old or have a life-limiting illness to need a Health Care Power of Attorney.  Accidents happen every day and it is important to choose someone you trust to guide health care professionals.  Until you lose the ability to make your own decisions, you are the president and CEO but, the moment that changes it is important to have someone to speak for you. Think of it as a gift!

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