Hospice of Southern Illinois

Premiere Local Hospice Provider

4 Million Reasons to Celebrate

Hospice Nurse Infographic

The 2019 National Nurses Week theme is “4 Million Reasons to Celebrate” a nod to nurses’ sheer numbers and an open invitation to #ThankaNurse for enriching our lives and the world we live in. Hospice of Southern Illinois would like to extend a special thanks to our nurses as they continue to provide the highest level of quality care to our patients. Head over to social media, share a photo, and include the national hashtag, #ThankaNurse, and our local hashtag, #OurHeartBeatsBurgundy, to show your support (and 4 million reasons) for Hospice of Southern Illinois’ nurses and nurses everywhere for the compassionate work they do!

Do you know the role of a hospice nurse?

Did you know the role of a hospice nurse includes assessments, education, symptom management, medication management, personal care, support, and more. With a job more personal than most, they also ensure the respect and dignity of the people they care for, including the support circle, family and friends around them. The Burgundy Team of nurses, trained in end-of-life care, offer compassionate care and symptom management to alleviate the suffering associated with terminal illness. Additionally, Hospice of Southern Illinois has a dedicated Admission Team who provides assessments, immediate support and education to patients and families who are learning about hospice care or making choices about if end-of-life care is right for them.

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Volunteers Give Over 10,000 Hours

“At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back. “

– Denzel Washington

Volunteers Give Over 10,000 Hours

Volunteers Give over 10,000 Hours – Annually in April, Hospice of Southern Illinois recognizes a special group of over 300 volunteers who donate countless hours to support our mission, to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. In 2018, the volunteer teams logged 10,873 hours. Denzel Washington said it best, “At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” Another outstanding achievement we are proud to share is that 8% of volunteer hours were related to direct patient care. Medicare requires that 5% of volunteer hours are patient care and the volunteers surpassed this regulation. Thank you to the volunteers who, collectively, worked to give over 10,000 hours and contribute to that milestone. We appreciate those who go above and beyond, with compassion, lifting up patients, their families, and Hospice of Southern Illinois’ employees.

We take this opportunity to thank the entire volunteer team, name our 100 Hour Club Volunteers, and highlight six very special volunteers who receive the prestigious, Butterfly Award. The Butterfly Award recipients’ roles and talents are as varied as the needs of patients, families and staff. Here is a peek into how they donated their time and talents. 

Butterfly Award Recipients

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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.

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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.
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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
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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

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Belleville

618-235-1703
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Marion

618-997-3030
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