Hospice of Southern Illinois

Premiere Local Hospice Provider

Why the call to hospice shouldn’t wait.

Medical Director Minute

Why the call to hospice shouldn’t wait.

The hospice philosophy of care focuses on quality of life. When a cure is no longer possible, hospice care is designed to treat the whole person and not just the disease. Thus, it behooves an individual and their loved ones to call hospice sooner. The patient and family can take advantage of all the benefits that hospice and its interdisciplinary team can provide. Unfortunately, per the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, in 2018, the average length of stay for Medicare patients enrolled in hospice was only 89.6 days with the median length of service being 18 days. Hospice of Southern Illinois can offer comfort and support for any individual with a prognosis of 6 months or less. This report shows the underutilization of this compassionate service.

Call Hospice Sooner For Comfort & Support

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20 Ways Hospice of Southern Illinois Made an Impact in 2020

20 Ways We Made an Impact in 2020

20 ways we made an impact in 2020

Hospice of Southern Illinois had to adapt and evolve this past year due to COVID-19. We are proud to share our annual reflection piece of ways Hospice of Southern Illinois made an impact in 2020. We are a community-based, not-for-profit, free standing hospice. Even with this year’s challenges, we continued engaging communities, fostering trust, and providing excellent end-of-life care when people need us most.

We are here as we always have been. Ask for Hospice of Southern Illinois by name. Here are the 20 ways we made an impact in 2020. We are looking forward to 2021 as we celebrate 40 years of caring. We look to grow and guide as we always have through our mission, to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness in the forefront.

Proud, Community-Based Hospice

  1. Served over 43,000 families since 1981 – we are your local, not-for-profit hospice with our roots starting right here in the Metro-East and Southern Illinois.
  2. Celebrated our 39th year of serving our communities – Hospice of Southern Illinois is an experienced leader in end-of-life care.
  3. Welcomed Timothy Cruz, PharmD, as our 5th 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 accredited PGY2 Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency Program fully funded by a hospice in the United States. 
  4. Volunteers Handmade Over 4,500 Masks – Due to COVID-19, our volunteers focused on ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare professionals. They donated over 4,500 handmade masks to the community. Additionally, they delivered over 200 greeting, sympathy, and thinking of you cards to our patients and their families.
  5. We Launched a Podcast – “Bringing Life to Hospice” is a new extension of our services. We hope to evoke conversations without fear. It will highlight the importance of planning for a peaceful end-of-life journey and supporting families at the end-of-life sooner.
  6. Welcomed New Associate Medical Director – Dr. Lee, joined Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Associate Medical Director Team to contribute to and help ensure the highest standard of end-of-life care for our patients and families.
  7. COVID-19 Vaccines to Staff – December 2020, the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines were given to ensure protection for our patients, families, and communities!
  8. New Phone App Features – Care | Convenience | Connection: Our newest “Emotional Wellness” video series is a new feature to highlight positivity for the future, in addition to our innovative functions and resources you already rely upon. 
  9. Millie, Our New Pet Therapy Dog, Joins The Team – 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.
  10. Increased Bereavement Efforts – Delivered care and comfort baskets to local healthcare facilities that were affected by COVID-19. Additionally, prayer bears, handmade by volunteers, were delivered to Hospice of Southern Illinois’ patients and families.
  11. Honored Veterans On Veterans Day – Hospice of Southern Illinois, with the help of local youth, delivered 38 veteran gifts and painted residents’ bedroom windows at the Anna Veterans Home. Millie, our pet therapy dog, also provided window visits to raise spirits.
  12. Flag Day – Virtual Folding of the Flag – Hosted our first Facebook Live Ceremony, Folding of the Flag to show our commitment to the We Honor Veterans program during the Pandemic.
  13. Granted A Last Wish – Everyone has something that touches their heart. Recently in 2019, a new St. Louis attraction, St. Louis Aquarium – Downtown at Union Station, grabbed the attention of one of our patients. Hospice of Southern Illinois’ nurse and the social worker asked how we could fulfill a wish for a family. We were able to help organize a trip at no-cost to the family with the collaboration of community partners’ Watermark, Monchino Management, LLC and Hotel Indigo St. Louis.
  14. Collaborated with Community Organizations – New Baden/Trenton COVID-19 Relief, Kassly Mortuary’s 4th Annual Terry Sherfy Christmas Food Drive, Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Winter Accessory Drive for the Homeless, and Southern Illinois Street Rod Association (SISRA). Thank you to these wonderful organizations for your support year after year!
  15. New Patient Care Items – Volunteers created fidget sleeves and palm protectors for individuals in our program with Alzheimer’s and Dementia to increase stimulation and improve receptive or anxious habits. 
  16. Weekly Morale Boosters – During the pandemic, we were looking for ways to engage with residents and connect our community. We found it! Our weekly morale boosters enhanced quality of life in a way we’ve never seen before.
  17. Christmas In July – During the month of July, we brought our own volunteer, Santa, to town for window caroling and delivering Christmas cards, cookies, and gifts to spread holiday cheer.
  18. FREE Virtual CE You Online Program – We moved our regular Continuing Education (CE), Educational Evening Events to a virtual online experience for nurses, social workers and the public.
  19. Dedicated Employees Share Their Passion – Thank you Melise Oakley (1 year), Julie Bartels (11 years), Tasha Deprow (9 years), and John Justis (15 years) for sharing your stories with us! Our core values shape and inspire our organizational culture to stay true to our mission, guide our brand and growth, empower our employees, and achieve our goals. Engaged employees are invested in the success of their co-workers, their team, and the organization, overall. 
  20. Great Place To Work – We are proud to be named a Great Place to Work Certified company! We’re grateful to our team for the excellent service and positive culture they are committed to.
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Stroke & Hospice Care

A stroke is defined as an event in which the blood supply to the brain is either reduced, or eliminated. There are multiple types of stroke including ischemic (a blocked blood vessel) and hemorrhagic (a brain bleed). Ischemic strokes are more common than hemorrhagic strokes. According to the CDC, somebody in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds and somebody dies of a stroke every 4 minutes. After a stroke, patients may have weakness, pain, numbness, urinary and bowel incontinence, swallowing issues, and memory issues, in addition to many other symptoms.

Pain Management

Hospice care can be very beneficial in patients after a stroke as one of the specialties of hospice in the management of pain and other symptoms. One interesting aspect of post stroke symptoms is called central post stroke pain (CPSP). This is a neurologic, or nerve induced, pain that typically affects the body in the areas in which the stroke had its effect. If the strokes lead to left sided weakness, the CPSP would most likely occur on the left side of the body. Most commonly, we can attempt to treat the pain with antidepressant and anticonvulsant medications that are known to be effective for nerve pain. Opioids, while usually effective for pain, are not the most effective for CPSP. Additionally, the same antidepressants can also help to curb other symptoms, such as post stroke vomiting.

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End-State Liver Disease

                Liver failure, or end state liver disease (ESLD) is a devastating illness that, unfortunately, can only be cured by a liver transplant. End state liver disease (ESLD) develops for a variety of reasons including alcohol use, hepatitis C, and obesity.  Patients with liver cirrhosis do not usually experience symptoms until later in the disease progression when the blood pressure in the liver increases. Complications of liver disease include ascites (liquid in the abdomen), vein dilation in the esophagus, altered mental status, infections, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The liver is a very important organ in regulating medications within the body and their excretion.

Hospice of Southern Illinois Admission Team Hospice of Southern Illinois' Admission Team Belleville

                As with most end-of-life conditions, focusing on symptom management becomes important for keeping the patient comfortable. Pain, is a very common symptom that we can see in hospice patients with ESLD. Unfortunately, because of metabolism changes that come with ESLD, some of our traditional options for pain, such as morphine and acetaminophen, should be avoided or, at the very least, used cautiously. The reason for this is because when the medication cannot be cleared from the body it can build-up and become toxic, leading to overdose.

End State Liver Disease & Hospice Care

                The most common complication seen with ESLD is ascites. Ascites is a very unpleasant experience in which the abdomen swells due to fluid build-up.  Ascites can lead to feeling nausea, tired, short of breath, and general discomfort. The treatment of choice for ascites is diuretic therapy with multiple different water pills to drain the fluid. In some cases, if severe, the fluid can be drained through a procedure called a paracentesis. Hospice and palliative care has a huge role to play, using both medication and non-medication strategies, in keeping ESLD patients comfortable.

Call Hospice of Southern Illinois to learn more about end-of-life care and hospice services, 800-233-1708. Request a chat,

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Keep Learning On Our Podcast

Bringing Life To Hospice Podcast

Together, hospices around the country are finding ways to make sure families stay safe and supported! We are launching a podcast in honor of National Hospice Month. It is an exciting extension of Hospice of Southern Illinois’ services. It is called Bringing Life to Hospice. We hope to evoke conversations without fear. It will highlight the importance of planning for a peaceful end-of-life journey. With comfort, education, and safety top of mind, Hospice of Southern Illinois is always looking for ways to support you. More information about hospice, palliative care, and advance care planning is available now. Visit our website, www.hospice.org, or from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s website, CaringInfo.org.

 

Apple Podcasts:

Episode 1: Bringing Life to Hospice

Serving Those Who Served: Providing Serious Illness Care to Veterans


Hospice of Southern Illinois delivers Veteran-centric care to the Community as a Level 4 We Honor Veterans partner

As the nation honors these American heroes for their military service on Veterans Day, November 11, Hospice of Southern Illinois extends recognition and Veteran-centric care to military Veterans and their families when facing a life-limiting illness throughout the year. This year we will honor Veterans in our program by offering a handmade gift by our volunteers and a certificate through the We Honor Veterans program. It’s a privilege to care for and provide a token of appreciation to Veterans who have gone above and beyond for us.

As a We Honor Veterans partner, Hospice of Southern Illinois is providing specialized care to Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness and their families throughout the year. This includes a Veteran-to-Veteran volunteer program, recognition and pinning ceremonies, and assistance navigating veteran benefits.

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Raising Awareness of the Benefits of Hospice and Palliative Care

Hospice of Southern Illinois Celebrates November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

Raising Awareness of the Benefits of Hospice and Palliative Care for Hospice Month

Throughout the month of November, Hospice of Southern Illinois will be joining organizations across the nation hosting community activities in recognition of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. 

For more than 40 years, hospice has helped provide comfort and dignity to millions of people, allowing them to spend their final months wherever they call home, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospices ensure that pain management, therapies, and treatments all support a plan of care that is centered on the person’s goals. Hospice care also provides emotional support and advice to help family members become confident caregivers and adjust to the future with grief support for up to a year.

“It is essential that people understand that hospice and palliative care is not giving up, it is not the abandonment of care, and it is not reserved for the imminently dying,” said Edo Banach, President and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “Hospice is a successful model of person-centered care that brings hope, dignity and compassion when they are most needed.”

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Diabetes Management in the Hospice Patient

25% of patients over the age of 65 have diabetes and shows a test to measure insulin levels

According to the American Diabetes Association 2020 Standards of Care, 25% of patients over the age of 65 have diabetes and approximately 50% have pre-diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to regulate sugar within the body. It is caused by a variety of reasons, but the most important is the body either cannot make insulin (Type 1) or the body becomes de-sensitized to insulin, and the body cannot make enough to compensate (Type 2). When diabetes is not controlled, there is risk for many complications including kidney disease, vision loss, and nerve pain. Blood sugar goals of 80 – 130 mg/dL in the morning and < 180 mg/dL after meals can help to slow the progression of complications. Medications for diabetes include metformin, sulfonylureas (glipizide and glyburide), and insulin. These are only a few examples of the large number of these medications available.

Complications

Kidney disease, vision loss, and nerve pain are all considered “long-term” complications of diabetes because the symptoms or body changes do not develop until there is years of damage from blood sugar levels that are not at the goals previously mentioned.

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Insomnia

There is no clear number to quantify the prevalence of insomnia. Worldwide, studies have shown anywhere from 10-60% incidence. Insomnia is classified by a few different organizations, including the international classifications for disease (ICD-10), International classification of sleep disorders (ICSD), and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). All three of these organizations require difficulty either A) falling asleep, B) staying asleep or C) poor sleep quality. The biggest difference in the organizations’ definition of insomnia is the frequency of symptoms and daytime symptoms that result from lack of sleep.

There are many things that can lead to insomnia. It is important to gather a full patient history to help determine the causes. As we age, this tends to lead to a higher incidence. Other reasons can include urinary or bowel disturbances, poor sleep hygiene, medications, pain, respiratory issues, and mental health issues. When it comes to medications, different steroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone, antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin), and diuretics such as furosemide can all contribute to insomnia. Unfortunately, we use the medications listed for a variety of symptoms in patients who have elected to obtain hospice care. Minimizing use and changing the times that we give these medications to no later than 2pm can usually decrease insomnia as a side effect. If there are other reasons for the insomnia, such as depression, anxiety, or pain, it is important to treat the condition causing the insomnia rather than jumping straight to a sleep aid.

Some non-medication practices that can help with sleep include:

  1. Keep a schedule.
  2. Don’t go to sleep unless you are tired.
  3. If it takes more than 20 minutes to fall asleep, get out of bed and do an activity for a little bit. Then try again.
  4. Limit light from the outside, hallways, phones, and other electronic devices.
  5. Only eat light snacks before bed.
  6. Avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed.

Medications are also an option for patients who do not have success with the non-medication practices. Unfortunately, the medications that can have sedating effects to cause sleep are also usually a high risk for causing falls. Because of this, the non-medication therapies for helping to manage sleep are preferred as first line.

Source: http://sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits

Call Hospice of Southern Illinois to learn more about end-of-life care and hospice services, 800-233-1708. Request a chat,

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By: Timothy Cruz, PharmD, PGY-2 Pharmacy Resident in Pain and Palliative Care, Hospice of Southern Illinois

October is American Pharmacists Month and we are proud to present to you an educational blog series throughout the month by, Timothy Cruz, PharmD, PGY-2 Pharmacy Resident in Pain and Palliative Care. Our series will help expand your understanding of the use of medications at the end-of-life.

Medications for Dementia

balancing comfort and medication management for the benefit of patients with dementia

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), dementia is the 3rd highest reason for a referral to hospice care. Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia, is the 5th leading cause of death in patients >65 years old. The most common diagnostic test for dementia is the mini-mental state exam. This is a scale of 0-30, with the higher score being less cognitive impairment. Initially, dementia is characterized by patients forgetting things, becoming disoriented, or altered behaviors. This is not considered a normal part of the aging process. There is irreversible damage to the brain that will eventually cause a decline in functional status to the point where patients are no longer able to perform their activities of daily living.

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Congestive Heart Failure

            Congestive heart failure, or heart failure, is a chronic condition characterized by the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to the rest of the body. Because blood is needed to supply oxygen to the body, this can become problematic. As the amount of blood pumping decreases, our bodies have a response that, under normal circumstances, can help to maintain a good blood pressure. While these responses are good when the causes are reversible, in heart failure, these responses do more harm than good. The mechanisms usually involve increasing the heart rate or how hard the heart pumps. Similarly, to how lifting weights can make a person’s muscle bigger and stronger, the heart is a muscle that can also get bigger.  Unfortunately, when the heart gets bigger, it actually makes it more difficult to pump an adequate amount of blood and the cycle continues.

individual with congestive heart failure being supported by hospice nurse and discussing medication and treatment after listening to heart and lungs.
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