Hospice of Southern Illinois

Premiere Local Hospice Provider

Hospice is Dignity

Dignity • noun

dig·​ni·​ty | \ ˈdig-nə-tē  \

plural dignities

Definition of dignity

2: the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed

army veteran with caregiver

We define dignity because it’s the one noun that relates to quality of life at the end of life, a core value of hospice care at Hospice of Southern Illinois. How do people with a life-limiting illness find quality of life at the end of life? Finding it is different for each person. As individuals with life-limiting illnesses disease progresses, Hospice of Southern Illinois can be called in to support the patient and their family.  

We know it’s not an easy call to make. Our care team works together with the patient and their family on what matters most to them at the end of life. While Hospice of Southern Illinois offers many services, layers of support, and compassionate care providers, our core values: integrity, excellence, respect, dignity, and diversity, remain the same. Quality of life is at the center of everything we do for our patients and their families. Mr. David Ward’s story is an example of care that focuses on the quality of life.  

Mr. Ward was in the hospital, his kidneys failing, and physically ill. His disease was end-stage. The doctor recommended hospice. Our admission nurse arrived to provide education and support. Mr. Ward and his daughter, his healthcare power of attorney, decided they needed to refocus his goals of care. Quality of life was now his primary focus.

Within Mr. Ward’s first week of receiving hospice care, his pain was reduced and his symptoms were managed. His daughter was surprised to see her father living past a week. She focused on the time she had to spend with her dad. “As far as I am concerned, these are the angels sent down to help me take care of my daddy.” His nurse and hospice aide, who assisted with his physical well-being, personal care and diagnosis specific education, visited him regularly to ensure his dignity as his disease progressed.

“As far as I am concerned, these are the angels sent down to help me take care of my daddy.”

Tyra, Daughter of Mr. Ward
daughter kissing dad

Mr. Ward is a man with so much history; born in 1941, an Army veteran and a gunshot victim while saving his brother 45 years ago. After learning so much about Mr. Ward’s life, his social worker began to ensure the emotional well-being of the family. Often checking in, providing resources, and preparing them for the unknown ahead, the social worker also enjoyed Mr. Ward’s many stories, love for coffee, chocolate cake donuts, and old western films.   

After several months in Hospice of Southern Illinois’ program, the many benefits the family observed and the quality of life Mr. Ward was experiencing, was exactly what they had hoped for a loved one with a life-limiting illness. He was above all else, comfortable and at peace. Mr. Ward’s nurse, social worker and hospice aide continued their visits, always asking him three important questions, “What’s important to you today?”; “Do you have any pain?”; and “How can I make today better?” In hospice, we don’t get to celebrate birthdays often. Each day as his birthday approached, the team wanted to make sure he was ready to make a lasting memory. As we all entered the room with donuts, cake and balloons in hand, we heard, “Oh, Lord!” We proceeded to sing happy birthday and shared stories. After his visit with his Hospice of Southern Illinois family, Mr. Ward’s son left us with some beautiful words, “I appreciate everything hospice has done for the Ward family and our dad. We can’t thank you all enough. And to top it all off, to be here with him on his birthday is most appreciative. We love you all, and we thank you all for being a part of this.” 

celebrating a birthday with hospice of southern illinois employee
family birthday party with hospice of southern illinois team

Mr. Ward and his family have seen how meeting with hospice to discuss his comfort and peace was a decision they will never regret. Calling Hospice of Southern Illinois to focus on his quality of life early on, was such a benefit, not only to their dad, but to the entire family. We hope every individual and their family who experience a life-limiting illness can spend time with family, focus on what’s important each day, and receive the dignity they deserve.

To learn more about our programs and services, click here. To make a referral or ask questions without obligation, call 1-800-233-1708.

National Pet Day Social Media Contest

National Pet Day is April 11th and we want to see your pets! Focusing on bringing peace and comfort to our patients, we offer a pet therapy program as an extension of our mission and a complimentary service. Post a photo or video, with a caption and our hashtag #ourheartbeatsburgundy, of your ‘paw’some pets who bring you peace and comfort every day for a chance to win an iPad Mini!

To submit your entry, post a photo or video of your pet on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with our hashtag #ourheartbeatsburgundy. Your photo or video submission, during the submission period, with the hashtag, is acceptance of the contest rules and eligible for a chance to win. Contest entries are accepted April 11, 2019 through April 30, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. One contestant will win the prize based on random selection by a 3rd party, Woobox Contest Platform.

CHAMP Assistance Dogs' Volunteer Team with Hospice of Southern Illinois' Volunteer and patient.
CHAMP Assistance Dogs’ Volunteer Team with Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Volunteer and patient.

National Pet Day Photo contest spreads awareness of our mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. Your participation and sharing our hashtag shares our story and yours. Thank you for being a hospice advocate just by celebrating pets who bring you peace and comfort!

Click here to learn more about our Pet Therapy Program and Complimentary Service.

No purchase necessary; Purchase does not enhance the chance of winning; Void where prohibited; Submissions accepted 4/11/2019 – 4/30/2019 at 12:00 p.m. Multiple submissions are allowed; Must be 18+ to enter and win; Valid submission is authorization for acceptance of contest rules and consent to participate. Each entrant/participant complies with a complete release of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; One winner selected at random by a 3rd party, Woobox Contest Platform; This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Woobox, Apple, iPad, or Walmart. Reserves right to modify contest.

For details, entries and official rules:
https://woobox.com/9ihjuf

3 Benefits of a Medical Director and Pharmacist

3 Benefits of a Medical Director and Pharmacist

All hospices are required by the government to have oversight from a Medical Director, or physician who reviews the needs of patients, but one thing that sets Hospice of Southern Illinois apart is our full-time, on-staff Medical Director. The Medical Director works with a team of Associate Medical Directors and the hospice interdisciplinary team to manage symptoms related to the patient’s diagnosis. Additionally, we have a full-time, on-staff Pharmacist. Our distinguished Pharmacy Residency Program is 1 of 18 in the United States and the only one American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Accredited and fully funded by a hospice. Let’s dive into the three most important benefits of these two positions.

Dr. Ellen Middendorf
  1. Innovative suggestions about the comfort of our patients

One major benefit of having a Medical Director and Pharmacist on staff is having access to professionals with innovative ideas that focus on pain and symptom management, one of the main goals of hospice care. Our Medical Director isn’t in private practice and our pharmacist doesn’t have other patients at a pharmacy. This means their sole focus is on our patients’ comfort, oversight of their plan of care, and evaluating how their medications manage their symptoms. They lead conversations about reducing pain, monitoring dosing and medication interactions, and most importantly, improving quality of life.

  • Caregivers have direct access to physicians and a pharmacist

Another advantage of having a Medical Director, in conjunction with a Pharmacist, is the benefit to our employees. Together, our physicians and our interdisciplinary team work to monitor pain, assess symptoms, and provide immediate recommendations in medication and care adjustments as needed. Employee access to real-time communications at meetings and over the phone, directly impacts our patients and improves their level of comfort.

  • Patient-centered care

And finally, the benefit that ties everything together is the patient-centered care. Hospice of Southern Illinois’ on-staff Medical Director and Pharmacist’s only focus is Hospice of Southern Illinois’ patients’ pain levels and symptom management. This means a patient’s comfort is the number one priority.

If someone you know is not sure about how a hospice can help support them, give Hospice of Southern Illinois a call. As a local, not-for-profit hospice, we will answer their questions without obligation. Our program ensures the comfort, dignity and respect every individual with a life-limiting illness deserves. Click here to learn more about our programs and services.

Elevate Social Work

The 2019 National Association of Social Worker’s theme is “Elevate Social Work.” Hospice of Southern Illinois takes this opportunity to highlight Hospice Social Workers and Bereavement Counselors for the work they do. Social Workers and Bereavement Counselors are part of the hospice care team focusing on the emotional and spiritual well-being of patients and their loved ones.social work month 2  

Social Workers play an active role in providing care to patients. They provide education, offer emotional support, promote communication, and connect individuals to available resources. Bereavement counselors ensure families have tools and additional support they may need to cope with the loss of a loved one. These services are offered for 13 months after a loved one has passed and can be helpful in their healing. Want to help thank them for their work? Share these images through the month of March, Social Work Month, to spotlight all Social Workers and Bereavement Counselors, especially those in hospice care. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ourheartbeatsburgundy! To read about our care, click here.

Leadership Belleville Alumni Award: Amy Richter, President & CEO

Leadership Belleville Alumni Award: Amy Richter, President & CEO

Amy Richter, President & CEOAmy 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

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.

Our Heart Beats BurgundyTake 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

18 Ways Hospice of Southern Illinois Made an Impact in 2018

We Honor Veterans Vet to Vet ProgramHospice 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.

  1. Served over 40,000 families since 1981– we are your local, not-for-profit hospice with our roots starting right here in Southern Illinois.
  2. Celebrated our 37thyear of serving our communities – Hospice of Southern Illinois is the leader and has experience in end-of-life care.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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. 
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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. 
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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. 
  11. Volunteers donated over 10,000 hours– individuals came together and shared their time and talents with patients, families and employees to support our mission.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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!

 

Served over 40,000 families since 1981Hospice Nurse Serving in the Community
New Office in BellevilleWe Honor Veterans Vet to Vet ProgramHonor Flight at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois
Virtual Flight of Honor Presentation of the FlagReached 4000 Likes on FacebookWe Launched Instagram
Pet Therapy Hospice of Southern Illinois Volunteer GroupPatient Care
Speaking engagementsCommunity-based, not-for-profit hospiceO'Fallon and Collinsville Empty Bowl Lunch
Salute to Scott Veteran EventFirst Southern Bank SupporterVerified Non Profit of Facebook

Hospice Improves Quality of Life

THE HOSPICE PHILOSOPHY IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE

Female Hospice NursesThe 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.

  1. Focuses on comfort and quality of life which often includes stopping or decreasing painful procedures, tests, and hospitalizations.
  2. 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.)
  3. Allows patients to leave their home to go on outings and participate in day-to-day activities, as tolerated, as long as possible.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.)
  6. 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.
  7. Research has shown people receiving hospice care can live longer than similar patients who do not opt for hospice.
Hospice Nurse Showing Compassion

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

When to Call Hospice of Southern Illinois

Patient smiling at CNAIt’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

Grief and the Holidays

social workers and bereavement counselors smiling who provide grief support and caregiver support during the end-of-life journeyThe 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:

  1. Plan ahead.
  2. Ask for help.
  3. Be present in the moment.
  4. Get rest.

Ideas to remember loved ones and keep their memory alive:

  1. Volunteer and get involved in honor of your loved one.
  2. Set a place at the table with a photo of them.
  3. Light a candle and take a moment to reflect or say a prayer.
  4. Go around the table and tell a story or memory before a meal.
  5. 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.
  6. Cook and enjoy their favorite dish.
  7. Make a donation to a charity in their memory.

Cope during the holidays:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Happy senior man, wrapped in warm knitted plaid, relaxing at home in the evening, sitting in rocking chair by fireplace and reading a book

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-

Company Links

Service Area Resources

  • Bereavement Support Group List

    • Hospice Resources

    Contact Us

    Belleville

    618-235-1703
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    Marion

    618-997-3030
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