Leadership Belleville Alumni Award: Amy Richter, President & CEO

February 1, 2019

Leadership Belleville Alumni Award: Amy Richter, President & CEO

Amy Richter, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ President & CEO receives the 2018 Leadership Belleville Alumni Award which recognizes alumni who have made an impact through their service to the community and the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce. As of January 1, 2019 Amy Richter, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ President and CEO, was elected to serve on The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. She has previously served as Chair of the Belleville Chamber Government Affairs Committee and was a member of this committee for four years. She also served on the Belleville Chamber Board from 2011-2013. She continues to actively volunteer for Chamber activities/events. Click here to read more about our CEO and leadership.

Our Heart Beats Burgundy

January 25, 2019

We are launching a new campaign this month for 2019, Our Heart Beats Burgundy, to raise awareness about the hospice philosophy, hospice services, and hospice caregivers. Hospice of Southern Illinois takes pride in setting the bar for ethical hospice care. We ensure our patients’ dignity during their end-of-life journey through experienced nursing care, active listening, and compassionate conversations. Our caregivers and employees strive to educate healthcare providers and members of the community why hospice services are so important. Finally, it’s the people behind the mission who will guide you every step of the way. On the burgundy team, made up of many hospice hearts, all hearts beat as one; our heart beats burgundy.

Take an active role in raising hospice awareness. Help us spread the word and start the conversation about the importance of hospice care and having a hospice heart. It all starts sharing the stories we post on social media. We would love to hear your hospice story too. Use our hashtag #ourheartbeatsburgundy. Take it one step further. Write a review for us on Facebook or Google. We can’t wait to follow along! To read a few hospice stories, click here.

18 Ways Hospice of Southern Illinois Made an Impact in 2018

January 25, 2019

18 Ways Hospice of Southern Illinois Made an Impact in 2018

Hospice of Southern Illinois takes pride in the integrity of our reputation and the involvement in the communities we serve. Below are a few ways Hospice of Southern Illinois made an impact in 2018. We are looking forward to 2019 and growing to serve you better each year, keeping our mission in the forefront: to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness.

Served over 40,000 families since 1981– we are your local, not-for-profit hospice with our roots starting right here in Southern Illinois.
Celebrated our 37^thyear of serving our communities – Hospice of Southern Illinois is the leader and has experience in end-of-life care.
Welcomed Hanna Hollingsworth as our new PGY2 (post-graduate, year 2) Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacist – Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Pharmacy Residency Program, in collaboration with the SIUE School of Pharmacy, remains the only accreditedPGY2 Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency Program fully funded by a hospice, in the United States.
Purchased a new building – located at 333 South Illinois Street, Belleville, IL. This will be the future home of our Belleville Clinical Team, moving from their leased space on East Main Street to the new building in the Fall of 2019. This building was chosen because of its proximity to our administrative office (next door) and for growth opportunities.
Achieved We Honor Veterans Partner, Level Four – showing our dedication to Veteran End-of-Life care, our Belleville Location received the highest recognition, Level IV, of the We Honor Veterans Program. Our Marion location previously received this recognition.
Marion Honor Flight – Hospice of Southern Illinois’ volunteers served on the Welcome Home Committee for Veterans Honor Flight Volunteer Group. Over 250 volunteers were involved to make the Veterans’ Homecoming memorable. More than 3,600 people welcomed these Heroes Home at the Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois.
Hosted 4 Virtual Flight of Honor programs– together with community leaders of Waterloo, Freeburg, Swansea, and Mascoutah, Hospice of Southern Illinois honored over 80 Veterans. Members of the communities also came out to experience the typical “honor flight day” without leaving their hometown.
Reached 4,000 Likes on Facebook– we are your resource for hospice education and news locally. We appreciate the online support of our advocates, patients and communities.
Launched our Instagram account – visually opening our arms to show you the hospice hearts of those who provide the care and programs in the Metro East and Southern Illinois.
Reinstated Pet Therapy Program – our pet therapy program is a complimentary service and an extension of our mission. We focus on finding ways to bring comfort and peace to patients and their loved ones. Pet therapy has the power to offer additional support while adding joy, companionship, social interaction, and emotional connection to individuals at any stage in their end-of-life journey.
Volunteers donated over 10,000 hours– individuals came together and shared their time and talents with patients, families and employees to support our mission.
8% of volunteer hours were in direct patient care– Medicare requires a minimum of 5% of volunteer hours in patient care. Our dedicated volunteer teams exceeded this requirement.
Presented and hosted over 160 presentations– we offer presentations, education, and resources at a minimal or no cost to healthcare professionals, organizations and community groups.
Collaborated with community organizations – Belleville Area Humane Society, Shoeman Water Project, Boots and Socks for Trinity United Church of Christ, Mimosas and Mittens at The Esquiline and a Food Drive.
Participated in Empty Bowl Luncheons – over 2,000 community members attend these community-based lunch programs raising awareness and offering networking where local businesses give back to local organizations.
Involved in Salute to Scott – this O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber celebration welcomes Scott Air Force Base residents, veterans and community members to find fellowship through a welcoming community event.
Guidestar Silver Seal – we proudly display a Silver Seal on the GuideStar Nonprofit Profile to show a commitment to transparency with our supporters. GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. With a Silver Seal, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ visitors can make more informed decisions when considering a donation.
Verified Non-Profit on Facebook – individuals can give back and make donations directly to Hospice of Southern Illinois through social media. Thank you to our Facebook family, supporters, advocates, and donors who helped raise over $4,000 in our first verified year!

Hospice Improves Quality of Life

January 17, 2019

THE HOSPICE PHILOSOPHY IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE

The mission of Hospice of Southern Illinois is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. Part of the whole hospice philosophy is improving quality of life. Below are 7 ways hospice care can improve an individual’s quality of life at the end of life.

Focuses on comfort and quality of life which often includes stopping or decreasing painful procedures, tests, and hospitalizations.
Allows patients to return to their own home, or home-like setting, where they are surrounded by a familiar environment, including their family, friends, and pets. This environment allows patients to die with dignity in their home knowing that someone is available to assist their family members when needed. (Research has shown that the majority of Americans would prefer to be at home at the end of life. Hospice makes this possible for most people.)
Allows patients to leave their home to go on outings and participate in day-to-day activities, as tolerated, as long as possible.
Provides control of pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and other symptoms by initiating new comfort medications, discontinuing some medications that may be causing unwanted side effects, and adding medical equipment.
Provides 24/7 access to doctors, nurses, pharmacist, hospice aides, social workers, bereavement counselors, volunteers, medication, and medical equipment. (Hospice provides expert medical care as well as spiritual and emotional support to patients and families.)
Hospice is all about living life to its fullest. Hospice helps people with life-limiting illness focus on living life as fully as possible, for as long as possible.
Research has shown people receiving hospice care can live longer than similar patients who do not opt for hospice.

If you need more information on how Hospice of Southern Illinois can support your loved one, or just have questions to see if we can help, please don’t wait. Peace of mind matters. Contact us early to see how the hospice philosophy can help improve an individual’s quality of life. No one has to go through the dying process alone. There comes a time, to ask how hospice can help. Hospice of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit hospice program serving 27 counties in southern Illinois since 1981.

1.800.233.1708 ● www.hospice.org

When to Call Hospice of Southern Illinois

January 2, 2019

When to Call Hospice of Southern Illinois

It’s very important to explain when to call Hospice of Southern Illinois. Calling hospice to learn about the programs and services we provide as individuals’ health declines can provide education and a possible plan for comfort and peace as the end-of-life nears. The time to learn about hospice services is before individuals think it is needed, because often times, individuals could have been benefitting from services for quite some time.

We plan for so many journeys in our life, why not plan better for the end-of-life journey? There may be unknowns and fears that lie ahead when individuals are not able to speak for themselves, no longer seek curative treatment, or comfort care becomes a primary focus. Hospice services are a special healthcare option for end-of-life care focusing on quality of life and comfort care. Hospice of Southern Illinois provides specialized care services (patient care including symptom management, emotional support, and spiritual support), addressing issues most important to the patient’s needs and wants, focusing on improving the individual’s quality of life. Additionally, we support the family’s journey too by offering resources, assistance with future planning, education on what to expect in the final months to days, and bereavement services after the loss of a loved one. If you or someone you know is faced with any of the following scenarios, call for a discussion. Here are a few examples of when to call Hospice of Southern Illinois:

Healthcare options become limited
Caregivers are fatigued
Individuals’ health and disease prognosis are declining at a steady pace
Uncertainty who to turn to or talk to next
Assistance navigating constant hospitalizations
Treatments are becoming too aggressive
When physical symptoms are becoming unmanageable
A physician says there are no more treatment options
An individual is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness
Someone says to call hospice just to see how hospice can help

When an informational is provided or an evaluation is completed, individuals can decide if hospice is the right choice for them. Hospice is an option and service with comfort front of mind. We are here for additional support, when the time comes. Ask how hospice can help speak with a nurse or social worker today, 618-235-1703 or 618-997-3030. Not ready for a call, access free resources today, www.hospice.org/community/.

Grief and the Holidays

December 3, 2018

Grief and the Holidays

The holidays are a time of celebration and coming together. The hustle and bustle of the season bring traditions, memories, and reflection. There are so many emotions we all experience during the holidays. We experience love, happiness, hope, and excitement. We can also feel anxiety, sorrow, disappointment, and grief. We want to share a few ways to help ease the stress, keep loved ones’ memories alive, and use tips to help you cope during the holiday season when anxiety, sorry, disappointment, and grief is present. If you or someone you know experience grief this holiday season, the support of family, friends, and reflection can be powerful tools to help. When that’s not enough, call our counseling team, 1-800-233-1708. We are only a phone call away to support you when you need it.

Ease the stress:

Plan ahead.
Ask for help.
Be present in the moment.
Get rest.

Ideas to remember loved ones and keep their memory alive:

Volunteer and get involved in honor of your loved one.
Set a place at the table with a photo of them.
Light a candle and take a moment to reflect or say a prayer.
Go around the table and tell a story or memory before a meal.
Get a small tree and decorate it with themed décor. For example: if they loved fishing, use fishing hooks, fish and accessories to make it stand out.
Cook and enjoy their favorite dish.
Make a donation to a charity in their memory.

Cope during the holidays:

It’s ok to say no. If you have too much on your plate, are feeling overwhelmed, or just need a break; it is acceptable to decline an offer.
It’s ok to delegate. The holidays are a busy time of year. Ask for help or hire a service to take the extras off your to-do list. For example: consider hiring a cleaning service or go to a bakery to get your sweet treats this year.
It’s ok to bring a friend. Change isn’t always the most comfortable thing. Grab a plus one or do things in a group setting to give you a boost of confidence and familiarity.
It’s ok to start new traditions. The only way to make a tradition is to start something new. Maybe it’s time for a change or redirect an experience. Make a new tradition in someone’s honor, for your own change of pace, or just simply because it’s fun to try new things.

Grief involving the loss of a loved one or close friend brings forth a wide range of emotions and responses which may be difficult to understand or handle. Our Bereavement Counselors assess the needs of the primary caregiver following the death of each patient in our program. We provide in-home, telephone or educational grief support as needed and/or requested. Besides Bereavement Counselors, some of the other grief support options available through Hospice of Southern Illinois include: Grief Support Groups and grief support programs such as Memorial Gatherings, and our Tree of Life ceremony. Learn more about our programs and services, click here. There comes a time… to ask how hospice can help.

“Grief never ends… but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith… It is the price of Love.” -Author Unknown-

Hospice Month {My Hospice Story | Lisa}

November 27, 2018

November is National Hospice Month

My Hospice. A Program that Works. A Benefit that Matters. November is National Hospice Month and this year’s theme was designed to complement the My Hospice Campaign launched earlier this year. My Hospice is a campaign to reinforce the value of the Medicare hospice benefit among policy and healthcare decision makers to foster a policy environment that will support patient access to high quality, comprehensive hospice and palliative care.

“I wish you would have had a chance to meet a very special man, Jesse Wise. He was a proud man from Granite City, Illinois, where he and his beautiful wife, Alene, raised their 5 children and were married for over 60 years. You won’t read about Jesse in a history book. He led a good life, but not an elaborate one. A proud long-time employee of Granite City Steel, he worked hard and came home every night to be with his family. His daughter, Paula, has been my best friend for many years.

In 2003, I started my career with Hospice of Southern Illinois. I was so excited about starting someplace that was driven by a mission of assisting people during the end-of-life in the communities I love. The first six months on the job I was learning and experiencing what hospice care truly was. Then in July of that first year, it became personal, as Jesse, the man I respected and loved so much, came into our program. My best friend’s dad, the man who was not my dad but did things for me that were very “dad-like.” For example, he helped me with college, because at 28, I decided I needed my degree. I remember when I said, “Jesse I am going to be 32 when I graduate,” he replied, “You are going to be 32 anyway, so go get your degree.” That was a typical response from the man we all loved. Growing up without my father in my life, while I did have an awesome grandpa, Jesse was always there to love and support me, in a fatherly way.

Prior to my starting at Hospice of Southern Illinois, Jesse had a complication in surgery that resulted in paralysis from the neck down. He spent from Halloween, 2002 to Easter, 2003 in the hospital/rehab facility. Upon his release from the hospital, he moved into a villa that was entirely handicap accessible. Jesse was continually surrounded by all those who loved him, including those involved in his nursing care. I will never forget July 1, 2003. I had been on the job for almost 7 months. I knew what my company did; however, on this date, my job changed and so did my understanding of end-of-life care. This day when I came into his room for a visit he said to me, “Lisa, honey, I am so tired.” He was very sick and uncomfortable. Jesse was now suffering from liver failure.

The decision to call Hospice of Southern Illinois was made. My co-worker, Mary, came to admit Jesse. She worked to get his physical symptoms under control quickly. Jesse was a loved man and all of us wanted to make sure that he had everything he needed to be comfortable. Mary did something else I didn’t expect and it was so powerful! She asked Jesse, “Is there anything else?” Sometimes we as caregivers are so consumed with physical signs and symptoms, we can overlook the personal side. Jesse was still Jesse. So when Mary asked that question, he answered, “I would love to see my flagpole.” Arrangements were made that day so that Jesse could see his beloved flagpole. During his time in hospice care, Jesse’s care team made sure he was comfortable and at peace. They made sure his loved ones were supported by the compassion they showed each of us. Jesse passed away on July 7, 2003. He was surrounded by all those he loved. He died pain free. He died being able to see his flagpole.

My job dramatically changed during those 7 days. Seven days does not sound like a very long timeframe; however, when you are sitting with someone you love, it is those everlasting memories you share as they are dying that make such a huge impact. I saw firsthand what Hospice of Southern Illinois does, the truly compassionate care my co-workers provided, the support to all of his caregivers, and the respect and dignity they gave to our dear Jesse. And, do you know what else I realized? Jesse was no different from every other individual that Hospice of Southern Illinois serves. Each one is treated with compassion, dignity, and respect. Each one is asked, “Is there anything else?” Not only is this made possible by the dedicated care team, but also you, as a donor.”

Lisa Phillipson, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Community Education Manager

Thank you for making this possible to ask, “Is there anything else?” Pledge your donation for Jesse, for others, and for your loved ones on www.hospice.org/donate.

Lisa Phillipson’s My Hospice Story

Hospice Month {My Hospice Story | Terry}

November 15, 2018

My Hospice is a campaign to reinforce the value of the Medicare hospice benefit among policy and healthcare decision makers to foster a policy environment that will support patient access to high quality, comprehensive hospice and palliative care.

“When the decision was made to call Hospice of Southern Illinois, I never imagined how having these services would positively impact the life of our family. Just five years ago, my husband, Christin’s father, passed away and it’s just been me and my three boys doing the best we can to enjoy life and cherish family ever since.

Christin’s wish was to visit a beach. When he was younger he was never ill enough to qualify for assistance to fulfill that wish. Then, when he was ill enough to qualify, he was too old for such programs.

I never expected our social worker to find a resource that would allow my son this dream. We had a family meeting and we were determined to make Christin’s wish come true. Soon we loaded up in the rental van and headed to Florida. It was amazing! As the miles passed, you could feel the tension disappear from everyone. From the start, stress was replaced with smiles. The smile I saw across Christin’s face is one I had not seen in years. His brothers even mentioned they knew he was having a good time because he was not “fussing” like he does at home. Christin had so many fun and new experiences; it filled his world and ours with happiness.

That’s when it hit me… by calling Hospice of Southern Illinois and receiving end-of-life services for Christin, it allowed my primary role to go back to being Mom. Hospice services and the trip of a lifetime provided our family an opportunity that I had not even considered. It gave me the time to really talk to all of my boys about the situation. Christin had been ill since birth, so I don’t think his brothers realized that things were changing and they were going to soon lose their brother.

Getting hospice services sooner, gave us time so we could focus on the quality of life and enjoy the moments that mattered most. I saw first hand my older sons grow up a little as we discussed the situation and we accepted the reality of Christin’s future. I have said from the beginning, every day with Christin is a gift and I will take as many days as I can get. But when it is time, I will accept it the best I can, because I know that Christin will be with his father. He will be able to run and play for the first time in his life.”

– Terry Cox, Christin’s Mom

Thank you for making it possible for Hospice of Southern Illinois to allow families to be families. Pledge your donation so that others can enjoy moments that count just like Christin’s family. Send your donation in the enclosed envelope or visit, www.hospice.org/donate.

November is a Month of Reflection

November 1, 2018

November is National Hospice Month and November is a month of reflection. We reflect on the never-forgotten legacy of those we have lost in our program, the families we supported, and the amazing people serving our mission. On the topic of service, as a proud Level 4 Partner of the National We Honor Veterans Program, we reflect on serving those who have served us and our country.

Veterans Day, November 11^th, is a day of reflection, remembrance and respect. Veterans reflect on their service and sacrifice. They remember fallen friends and memories of the past and present. Badges of honor are proudly symbolized through American flags, red, white, and blue memorabilia, branch of service hats and other wearables, salutes, and even smiles. In fact, Veterans and civilians alike, community leaders, families, and friends gather to show support and appreciation. There is so much pride in reflecting and remembering when it can be done together.

Hospice of Southern Illinois honors veteran employees, veteran volunteers, community veterans, including their families, and veterans who have peacefully passed in hospice care by publicly thanking them for their service and sacrifice. Hospice of Southern Illinois’ interdisciplinary team provides veteran-centric end-of-life care to veterans and their families. Help recognize a few of the dedicated veteran team members and volunteers, family and friends.

Dean Albon

Bethany Allsup

Jerry Altepeter

Dennis Asbeck

Dennis Blom

Ernestine Brasher

Bill Browning

Carey Carpenter

Bill Chapman

Tom Dixon

Lisa Edwards

Fred Edwards

David Gloeckner

Jack Harlan

Ed Horsch

Susan Jano

Cathy Johnson

Kimberly Johnson

Joy Kimmins

Willie Kohler

Gary Koval

Sally Koval

Jamie Shirley-Tolar

Linda Sanders

Debbie Steingruby

Richard Temple

Wayne Trentman

Adrienne Villotti

Billy Wagner

Joyce Walton

James Whittington

Ed Wienhoff

Emma Wienhoff

Valerie Young

Veteran Patient and Veteran Employee, Dennis Asbeck

(L to R)

Employee’s dad, Lloyd “Jim” Reynolds

Army Air Corp, 1940-1942

Employee’s son, Austin Norris

Army, 2017-current

Veteran Volunteers, Ernie Brasher and Jack Harlan

(L to R)

Employee’s Dad, Steve Tade

Army

Veteran Volunteers, Valerie Young, Jerry Altepeter, Susan Jano, and Bill Chapman

(L to R)

Employee’s son, Michael W. Cullum, Jr.

United States Navy, 1988-1992

Veteran volunteer, Joyce W, Veteran employee, Kimberly Johnson, and Veteran employee, Linda Sanders

(L to R)

Employee’s grandson, Private 1st Class Jordan L. Stormy

United States Army Reserve, 2017-current

Veteran Volunteer, Jerry Altepeter and Veteran Patient

(L to R)

Veteran volunteer, Bill Chapman

A Testimony to Bereavement Services

October 31, 2018

A Testimony to Bereavement Services

Judith’s husband, Scott, passed away in Hospice of Southern Illinois’ program. Their family had positive experiences with hospice care in the past, however, they just didn’t think they were ready for hospice services for Scott. Scott’s physician recommended comfort care. Scott decided to be proactive by seeking additional support for himself and his wife, Judith. By selecting hospice services earlier, Scott was able to live his final months, weeks and days the way he wanted to, pain free and independent, achieving a better quality of life for himself.

It wasn’t until after Scott had passed, that Judith realized the benefit of bereavement services. She recognized that losing a loved one wasn’t easy, but she found peace having regular conversations with Hospice of Southern Illinois’ bereavement counselors. She found more support at a weekly support series, meeting others who could relate to her experiences. Scott’s physician’s early referral to hospice enabled both Scott and Judith to benefit from all the services Hospice of Southern Illinois offers. Scott received the care and support he needed and so did Judith with the additional counseling and bereavement services after the loss of her dear husband. There comes a time… to ask how hospice can help.

Watch more families share their experience with Hospice of Southern Illinois HERE.

Leadership Belleville Alumni Award: Amy Richter, President & CEO

Our Heart Beats Burgundy

Hospice Improves Quality of Life

When to Call Hospice of Southern Illinois

Grief and the Holidays

Hospice Month {My Hospice Story | Lisa}

November is a Month of Reflection

Company Links

Service Area Resources

Hospice Resources

Contact Us

Belleville

Marion