Hospice of Southern Illinois

Premiere Local Hospice Provider

Myth #5: Antibiotics will cure the flu and common cold

October is American Pharmacists Month. All month long we are sharing education, debunking myths, offering resources and providing tips that can help improve an individual’s quality of life, from our very own PGY2 Pharmacy Resident, Dr. Hanna Hollingsworth. Hospice of Southern Illinois, in collaboration with SIUE School of Pharmacy, has 1 of 18 total PGY2 Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency Programs in the country and the only accredited one that is fully funded by a hospice.  

 Myth #5: Antibiotics will cure the flu and common cold

flu and common cold

The dreaded cold and flu; one of the most common reasons for adults to miss work and for children to miss school is the cold and flu virus.

 

The dreaded cold and flu; one of the most common reasons for adults to miss work and for children to miss school is the cold and flu virus. Often, a trip to the doctor’s office ensues. Even though it may be tempting to use an antibiotic in hopes of feeling better, antibiotics are actually not effective for treatment of the flu and common cold. This is because the flu and colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics are only effective for treating infections caused by bacteria. In fact, using antibiotics for these indications are more likely to cause harm than any good.

Potential side effects vary depending on the specific antibiotic, but common side effects include diarrhea and upset stomach. A severe form of diarrhea, called c. diff (clostridium difficile), can also occur due to antibiotic use and is very dangerous and potentially life-threatening, especially to more vulnerable patients such as the elderly. Antibiotics can also have negative interactions with other medications a patient is taking. Taking unnecessary antibiotics also contributes towards the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or “super bugs.”

So what can we do? While we now know that antibiotics are of no use, there are certain things that can make the symptoms more bearable until they self-resolve. Medication options include over-the-counter products for pain relief, congestion, cough, and runny nose. Labels should always be read carefully for ingredients and dose instructions; and if any questions still linger, always ask a pharmacist for further direction. For the flu, the prescription medication Tamiflu can potentially decrease the duration of flu symptoms if taken within 48 hours of flu symptom onset. It is also important to get the flu shot annually to help decrease the risk of contracting the flu.

Although the flu and common cold usually resolve with little consequence, there are times when one should seek medical attention or advice. The CDC recommends seeking medical care when symptoms last 10 days or longer, when symptoms are severe or unusual, and for fever in very young (<3 months) children.

Learn more about our PGY2 Program and all the benefits it offers to individuals, families, and your care team: https://hospice.org/pharmacy-residency-program/.  

Announcement: Future Home Office Coming Next Fall

Announcement: Future Home Office Coming Next Fall for East Main Street Team

Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc. purchased the building at 333 South Illinois Street, Belleville, IL. (right next door to our Admin. office) to be the future home of our Orange Team (300 East Main, Belleville Location).  They will be moving from their rented office on East Main Street to their new office in the fall of 2019.  Renovations to the building and parking lot will begin later this year. 

This move will bring our clinical team close to our administrative and support teams.  The building is approximately 8,000 square feet and will be a huge improvement over the 5,730 square feet they will be vacating.  There will be more open space, more offices and many more windows.  This building was picked because of its proximity to our Admin. office, its openness and the ability to grow. 

 

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.

Hospice of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit, free-standing, community-based hospice offering Southern Illinois and St. Louis Metro-East communities a range of services for people of all ages at the end of life. We have been providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families in their home or a home-like setting since 1981. Since that time, Hospice of Southern Illinois continues to put patients and family’s needs and wants first. Click here to read more about our mission.

Myth #4: Hospice makes patients stop all of their medications

Myth #4: Hospice makes patients stop all of their medications

October is American Pharmacists Month. All month long we are sharing education, debunking myths, offering resources and providing tips that can help improve an individual’s quality of life, from our very own PGY2 Pharmacy Resident, Dr. Hanna Hollingsworth. Hospice of Southern Illinois, in collaboration with SIUE School of Pharmacy, has 1 of 18 total PGY2 Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency Programs in the country and the only accredited one that is fully funded by a hospice. Learn more about our PGY2 Program and all the benefits it offers to individuals, families, and your care team: https://hospice.org/pharmacy-residency-program/.  

A common fear of individuals touched by terminal illness, and their loved-ones alike, is that upon entering a hospice program, all their medications will be stopped and that this might be harmful to the patient. This myth is far from the truth. Often, patients will continue on many of the medications that they were taking before their admittance to hospice care. The main objective of hospice care is to provide comfort to patients with life-limiting illness, while neither hastening nor postponing death. This does not mean that all chronic medications are stopped. In fact, many chronic medications can provide comfort measures to patients. For example, blood pressure medications (i.e. lisinopril) to those in hospice care due to heart failure. On the other hand, certain medications such as cholesterol-lowering drugs (i.e., atorvastatin), do not offer comfort to the patient and the potential risks outweigh benefits.

It can be difficult to come to terms with stopping medications that one was told for years by healthcare providers to take in order to improve their health. However, hospice care providers work hard to determine which medications will continue to offer patient relief from their symptoms, while also minimizing the potential for side effects and pill burden that can lessen quality of life. If there is ever any question to why a certain medication was stopped (or initiated), patients and caregivers can discuss the details with a hospice team member.

 

October is American Pharmacists Month

October is American Pharmacists Month

 

Learn more about hospice care: www.hospice.org/ourcare/

Myth #3: Hospice is only used to manage pain at the end of life

Myth #3: Hospice is only used to manage pain at the end of life

Medical Science Concept - Doctors in hospital lab with medical research icons in modern interface showing symbol of medicine innovation, medical treatment, discovery and doctoral analysis.

October is American Pharmacists Month. Our approach is multi-disciplinary team of compassionate professionals with individualized care.

October is American Pharmacists Month. All month long we are sharing education, debunking myths, offering resources and providing tips that can help improve an individual’s quality of life, from our very own PGY2 Pharmacy Resident, Dr. Hanna Hollingsworth. Hospice of Southern Illinois, in collaboration with SIUE School of Pharmacy, has 1 of 18 total PGY2 Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency Programs in the country and the only accredited one that is fully funded by a hospice. Learn more about our PGY2 Program and all the benefits it offers to individuals, families, and your care team: https://hospice.org/pharmacy-residency-program/.  Find out ways to participate in festivities or celebrate your pharmacist by clicking the link: October is American Pharmacists Month.

While pain management is an aspect of patient care in hospice, it is far from the only service provided. Other symptoms that hospice health care providers manage for patients include nausea and vomiting, constipation, urinary issues, anxiety, insomnia, wounds, dry mouth, and excess secretions, (just to name a few). Every patient has a unique set of needs, which may be impacted by factors such as their primary diagnosis, additional acute or chronic illnesses, and their progression through the dying process. The hospice care team vigilantly tailors patient care, symptom management, and medications as new concerns or issues arise.

For example, certain medications for anxiety and mood may cause dry mouth as a side effect. There are various options that exist to address the dry mouth including changing the anxiety/mood medication to a drug less likely to cause the side effect. Alternatively, one could continue the medication and treat the dry mouth separately such as by having the patient chew gum, suck on sour candy, or place a few drops of lemon juice on their tongue to stimulate saliva production. Often, the patient or their primary caregiver can assist us in the decision-making process to pick a route of treatment that is most satisfactory.

Additionally, hospice care does not end when the patient passes away. Grief services are available to loved ones at the time of death, even before death occurs, and for 13 months after the loss of a loved one if needed. Bereavement counselors can provide their services either in person or over the phone as needed or as requested. Counselors can also connect you to helpful and supportive programs and provide free resources, such as listings of grief groups or local clubs in the area.

Learn more about hospice care: www.hospice.org/ourcare/

Myth #2: Brand name medications work better than generics

October is American Pharmacists Month. All month long we are sharing education, debunking myths, offering resources and providing tips that can help improve an individual’s quality of life, from our very own PGY2 Pharmacy Resident, Dr. Hanna Hollingsworth. Hospice of Southern Illinois, in collaboration with SIUE School of Pharmacy, has 1 of 18 total PGY2 Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency Programs in the country and the only accredited one that is fully funded by a hospice. Learn more about our PGY2 Program and all the benefits it offers to individuals, families, and your care team: https://hospice.org/pharmacy-residency-program/.   

generic versus brand name medications

generic versus brand name medications

Myth #2: Brand name medications work better than generics

You get what you pay for, right? Well, not necessarily when it comes to generic versus brand name medications. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as their brand name counterparts and are required by the FDA to prove “bioequivalency.” Bioequivalency essentially means the generic version will work in the human body the same way that the brand name drug would. Keep in mind that brand name drugs are also much more expensive than generic drugs and many insurance companies do not pay for the brand name product when a generic is available.

It should be noted, however, that it is recommended some medications should not be interchanged for one another. Most commonly this is important with anti-seizure medications since switching versions (brand to generic or generic to generic) may increase the risk of breakthrough seizure or other bad events. While bioequivalency is a safe standard for most drugs, bioequivalency does not mean the generic drug will result in the exact same levels in the blood, there is room for a little leniency.  This can potentially explain why anti-seizure medications, where small changes in dose and drug level in the blood can lead to treatment failure or serious side effects, are typically recommended to stay with the same generic (or brand).

Now you’re probably asking if the myth was actually busted. Mostly, at least! The important message to take away is that the vast majority of medications are safe and effective to interchange from brand to generic or from generic to another generic. Continue to be your own advocate though, and always ask your pharmacist if you have a question about your medications changing.

Learn more about hospice care: www.hospice.org/ourcare/

Myth #1: Morphine makes hospice patients die faster

October is American Pharmacists Month. All month long we are sharing education, debunking myths, offering resources and providing tips that can help improve an individual’s quality of life, from our very own PGY2 Pharmacy Resident, Dr. Hanna Hollingsworth. Hospice of Southern Illinois, in collaboration with SIUE School of Pharmacy, has 1 of 18 total PGY2 Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency Programs in the country and the only accredited one that is fully funded by a hospice. Learn more about our PGY2 Program and all the benefits it offers to individuals, families, and your care team: https://hospice.org/pharmacy-residency-program/.  

Myth #1: Morphine makes hospice patients die faster 

End of Life Journey

End of Life Journey

Due to its use near and at the time of end-of-life, many individuals and their family worry that morphine may speed-up the dying process. While no medication is without risks, morphine is a medication with essential benefits for hospice patients including pain relief and improvement in shortness of breath which ultimately supports patient comfort. Thanks to its long history of use, and wide-spread familiarity of its actions and properties, including risk for negative side effects, health care providers are well-equipped to utilize morphine in a safe and effective manner.

Doses are started low and gradually increased according to the symptoms, as well as, their tolerability to the medication, especially for patients who do not regularly take opioid medications such as morphine. Nurses, aides, and physicians are frequently watching for symptoms that might indicate the dose is too high (i.e. sedation or respiratory depression), especially at the time of initiating the medication or dose increase. It is also worth mentioning that serious side effects to morphine are rather rare when implemented in the method described above and taken as directed. Most commonly, side effects such as nausea and constipation that either self-resolve or can be managed with other medications such as a laxative.

Symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath, which are common in many life-limiting illnesses, especially near the end-of-life, can cause serious distress and discomfort to patients. Fortunately, medications such as morphine can provide substantial relief in this aspect and help patients to experience a more comfortable death throughout its natural course.

Learn more about hospice care: www.hospice.org/ourcare/ 

Announcing Pharmacy Residency Program’s 3rd Year

Hanna Hollingsworth, PharmD., Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Pharmacy Resident

Hanna Hollingsworth, PharmD., Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Pharmacy Resident

Hospice of Southern Illinois is announcing our 3rd year with a PGY-2 (post-graduate, year 2) in Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency Program. In collaboration with the SIUE School of Pharmacy, we remain the only accredited PGY-2 in Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency Program fully funded by a hospice, in the United States. We are pleased to introduce and welcome the full-time, on-staff, PGY-2 Pharmacy Resident, Hanna Hollingsworth, PharmD. Our patients, families, and organization will directly benefit from this very special program, which is 1 of 18 in the country and the only accredited one fully funded by a hospice. Dr. Hollingsworth plays a critical role in delivering the highest quality end-of-life care to patients and families we serve. She leads with our mission front of mind and sets Hospice of Southern Illinois’ care apart from other hospice programs, as your local, not-for-profit hospice. Hanna shares in our excitement, “Practicing as a pharmacist at Hospice of Southern Illinois allows me anticipate and meet the needs of patients and their families. I am honored to be able to provide high-quality care and embody servant leadership through my role within a talented interdisciplinary team.”

 “We have collaborated with Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville’s School of Pharmacy to implement an immersive and structured, post-graduate training program to benefit Hospice of Southern Illinois and their patients; 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 equip the resident for their future research, programs and professional development,” shares Dr. Ellen Middendorf, Medical Director of Hospice of Southern Illinois. The specialized support this program offers to Hospice of Southern Illinois’ patients include streamlined symptom management to reduce side effects and medication interactions, ensuring safe and effective medication use, and medication cost management. Our pharmacist also provides expertise in the pharmacy field to monitor regulatory and compliance changes. Additionally, the direct access to one-on-one education she provides to staff, patients and families, and healthcare professionals is invaluable.

Hanna Hollingsworth, PharmD., Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Pharmacy Resident

(Photographed L to R: Amy Richter, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ President & CEO, Hanna Hollingsworth, PharmD., Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Pharmacy Resident, Chris Herndon, PharmD., associate professor at the SIUE School of Pharmacy, and Dr. Ellen Middendorf, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Medical Director)

Chris Herndon, PharmD., a 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.”

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. Not all hospice providers are the same. While most have a similar philosophy, each hospice is a different company offering different services. Our reputation is a direct result of our desire to do more than what is required or expected. This can be seen in the passion and commitment of our employees and volunteers to provide excellent hospice care through all the services we provide, including our PGY2 Program. 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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Think About Us Before You Think You Need To

3 reasons to think about Hospice of Southern Illinois before you think you need hospice care

Care Team

Don’t choose hospice care too late, call our care team.

 

There is widespread agreement among experts that individuals consider hospice care too late. Individuals are eligible to utilize hospice services who have a prognosis of 6 months or less. According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s 2017 Facts and Figures Report, “In 2016, over half (54.2%) of patients were enrolled in hospice for 30 or fewer days.” This means half of the individuals in hospice care could have received hospice benefits for additional months! Here are a few reasons individuals and caregivers should think about hospice before they think they need it. Patients and families could miss out on the following specialized services and support they want and need if they elect hospice care too late:

  • Better quality of life– Hospice care allows patients to remain in their own home longer where they are surrounded by a familiar environment that includes their family, friends, and pets. This familiar environment gives the patients a sense of peace and comfort during the unknowns ahead and their end-of-life journey.
  • A vital support system– Hospice of Southern Illinois can help the patient with their needs toward the end of life, while giving family members and caregivers the confidence they deserve to be able to fulfill their loved one’s end-of-life wishes. The hospice care team works together to generate a comprehensive approach to a patient’s emotional, physical, spiritual, and social needs. The team includes the physician, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, nurses, counselors, social workers, hospice aides, and volunteers. Our team can ease a great deal of pain and frustration for loved ones who may have been trying to handle a patient’s needs on their own.
  • Essential education- The care team provides education and resources so that family members feel reassurance in providing end-of-life care for their loved one. This includes teaching them how to manage their loved one’s symptoms when nursing staff is not present, emotional coping techniques, assistance with future planning, and what to expect in the coming months, weeks and final days.
Social Work Education

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. Contact us early for peace of mind before a crisis strikes. 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

 

WHV LEVEL FOUR STATUS ACHIEVED

  WE HONOR VETERANS LEVEL FOUR STATUS ACHIEVED
 

We Honor Veterans Hospice Logo Level Four

A surprising 25 percent of those who die every year in the United States are Veterans. As a dedicated national partner of the We Honor Veterans Program, an awareness campaign developed by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veteran Affairs, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Belleville Location celebrates the milestone of achieving We Honor Veterans’ Partner Level Four Status, the highest recognition of this program. Diane Voss, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Regulatory Compliance Educator shares her excitement, “It’s an honor to be recognized as Level Four Status for our veteran-specific care, services, and community involvement. It’s a humbling experience serving those who have served our country. Ensuring the highest level of end-of-life care is provided, with dignity, respect, and compassion, to our nations’ heroes couldn’t make us more proud.”

Hospice of Southern Illinois is proud to continue their commitment and dedication to ensure Veterans have access to quality end-of-life care. The proximity to VA Medical Centers, Scott Air Force Base, and local Veteran congregations gives them the opportunity to provide hospice care to a higher percentage of Veterans and their families in this region. In conjunction with We Honor Veterans focusing on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgment, this collaboration allows Hospice of Southern Illinois the privilege to focus on what is most important, to enhance the quality of life for Veteran patients and families and help them live their final days to the fullest.
Hospice of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization serving 27 counties in Southern Illinois since 1981. For more information on We Honor Veterans or Hospice of Southern Illinois, please contact Christine Litteken, Diane Voss, or Sally Koval at 618-235-1703, or visit our website www.hospice.org. You can also find Hospice of Southern Illinois (and how they continue taking strides to serve Veterans) on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and their blog.
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Veteran To Veteran Volunteers

Valerie Young, Jerry Altepeter, Susan Jano, and Bill Chapman, a few of Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Veteran to Veteran Volunteers
 

Bill Chapman, Veteran to Veteran Volunteer

Bill Chapman, Veteran to Veteran Volunteer

 

 

 

 

We Honor Veteran's Staff Photo

We Honor Veterans

 

 

 

The POWER of Pet Therapy

The POWER of Pet Therapy

Hospice of Southern Illinois is excited to announce a pet therapy program in collaboration with Canine Helpers Allow More Possibilities (CHAMP Assistance Dogs) beginning October 1, 2018. We know what an impact Pet Therapy can make! We look forward to providing this service and improving the quality of life for anyone touched by a terminal illness. Stay tuned for stories of success from our patients, their families, volunteers and the pet handlers later this year. Stay tuned! Details to follow! 

Benefits of Pet Therapy

  • Improves the quality of life of patients
  • Improves the quality of life of families
  • Provides comfort and joy
  • Helps build social connections
  • Aids in the improvement of mental and emotional wellness
  • Relieves caregiver stress
  • Enhances well-being
  • Can increase interaction and communication
  • Can decrease anxiety or other physical symptoms

Regardless of health or age, pet therapy has the power to positively impact people both physically and emotionally.  Pet therapy programs support the mission of Hospice of Southern Illinois: to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. We are your local, not-for-profit hospice program serving 27 counties in southern Illinois since 1981. For more information about Hospice of Southern Illinois or Pet Therapy, visit our website, www.hospice.org, or call, 618-235-1703.

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    Marion

    618-997-3030
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