Miracle Bell – Hospice Hero

Halcyon Hospice – Tucker, Ga.

Hospice care is our mission and vision – and our employees give of themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually as they care for patients and families. Sometimes things can approach overload. This is especially true during the holiday season as so many of the families we serve face such devastating loss – and our teams suffer that loss with them.

A few weeks ago, the Halcyon Hospice team in Tucker, Ga., had a rough week. They admitted a patient who had very limited resources, family that lived far away and was struggling with the inability to eat, pain and acceptance of the real possibility that she might die before Christmas. The entire team rallied to that patient’s aid, but by Thursday of that week they felt drained.

When the team arrived at the office that Thursday morning, Miracle Bell, CNA, had put up the Christmas tree with all of its decorations and even hung garland on the mantle – all on her own in an effort to cheer up her team. Miracle knew that her team had been through a difficult time and needed a little Christmas cheer.

Hospice Heroes not only focus on our patients, they also understand that hospice staff need the same type of support and encouragement.  Thanks, Miracle, for not only taking care of your patients, but for also supporting your team. You are our Hospice Hero!

Clarke McBee – Hospice Hero

Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care – Hammond, La.

Recently, a family member of a new patient wrote about her experience with one of our PCRs, Clarke McBee, who represents Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care in Hammond. She wrote:

“I am writing to thank you for sending such a smart, knowledgeable and personable representative to us. Clarke made us feel comfortable and helped us, without being intrusive, to figure out the best course for our 95- year-old mother. She made the whole process easy and continued to follow up with solutions once we started with hospice. We are enormously relieved of a long-time burden because of Clarke’s expertise!”

Clarke was able to not only provide the information they needed to make a choice about hospice, she was also able to communicate with this family so that they fully understood their choices and options. Thank you, Clarke, for taking time with this family to make sure they were comfortable with the choices they needed to make. You are our “Hospice Hero!”

Arkansas Home Hospice Providers (Truman, Ark.) – Hospice Heroes

Arkansas Home Hospice Providers – Truman, Ark.

A patient at Arkansas Home Hospice Providers in Truman shared with Tosha Crews, RN, that she really wanted to attend her 60-year class reunion at Crawfordsville High School. Tosha shared this information with the agency’s social worker, Christy Smith, and the two got to work planning for the event.

Christy contacted a local hair dresser who agreed to donate her time and supplies to do the patient’s hair. Christy also offered to get a new outfit for the patient – but she refused, saying “you guys are getting me there and that’s enough!”

The patient was a little worried about going by herself, so Tosha attended the event with her to ensure she would have the support needed to enjoy the event. 

Thanks to Tosha and Christy for making this wish come true for your patient. You truly lived up to our mission to meet all of our patient’s needs, not just the physical needs. You guys are our Hospice Heroes!

Rachel Blankenship – Hospice Hero

Housecalls Hospice – Parkersburg, W.Va.

Rachel Blankenship, RN, at Housecalls Hospice in Parkersburg, W.Va., was visiting four of her patients at a local nursing home. One of the patients was confused, agitated and having a very bad day. Since it was a really nice day, Rachel decided to take the patient outside while completing her documentation.

The patient was extremely happy to be outside and couldn’t contain her smile. She kept telling Rachel, “This is so nice!”

Her patient was still confused when Rachel wheeled her back in, but she was no longer agitated. She was able to enjoy the beautiful blue sky and the warmth of the sun on her skin. Sometimes, it’s the small things that have the biggest impact on the lives that we touch.

Thanks, Rachel, for taking the time to make a difference in your patients’ lives – even something as simple as taking someone outside to enjoy the weather. You are our “Hospice Hero!”

Alabama Hospice Care in Oxford – Hospice Heroes

Alabama Hospice Care

In October of 2015, Wanda Brooks, administrator at Alabama Hospice Care in Oxford, Ala., was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. The brain tumor affected her vision and caused terrible migraine headaches. Wanda had to undergo six months of chemotherapy and radiation in her treatment course.  During that time, her staff rallied around her.

Wanda says that she always knew her staff took great care of their patients, but their actions during this time made her realize just how awesome they were. She suffered through terrible nausea that wasn’t helped by medication, and the only thing she could keep down was ice cream. The team always made sure there was ice cream for her in the freezer at work. 

When she lost all of her hair, Jennifer Phillips, office manager, made hats when it was difficult to find women’s hats in their area. They all pitched in and helped Wanda with whatever she needed. They brought ginger ale, crackers and whatever else they could think of that might help her. They also helped her with prayers and words of encouragement.

Wanda said this ordeal was one of the most difficult things she has ever gone through, but her team did everything in their power to make it better. Oxford team, you are our Hospice Heroes!

BTW – Wanda has made a full recovery and is doing fine.

Sunday Molebuin – Hospice Hero

Halcyon Hospice – Tucker, Ga.

Hospice is a job you either love or find out that you really aren’t cut out for it. You usually know right away which it will be for you.

Sunday Molebuin, RN, at Halcyon Hospice in Tucker, Ga., is one of those nurses who really loves his job. He exudes care, compassion and comfort with every patient and family he meets.  Recently the daughter of a patient wrote these words about Sunday:

“Sunday Molebuin gave my mother exceptional care. He was professional and showed care and compassion at all times when visiting my mom. My mother adored him. Just knowing that she had a nurse who showed concern about her made life easier for her. Sunday was always very informative about letting us know what was going on with mom. Your company is extremely lucky to have Mr. Molebuin as an employee. Even in my mom’s last hour, he was there and did everything within his power to comfort her. We will forever cherish the relationship that we established with Sunday. He surely made a difference in the last three months of her life. We feel blessed that Sunday was a part of this journey.”

This really is what hospice is all about – making the end-of-life journey with our patients and their families and making a difference. Sunday, thanks for the exceptional care you provided to this patient and her family. You are our “Hospice Hero!”

Halcyon Hospice of Flowood, Miss. – Hospice Heroes

Halcyon Hospice of Flowood, Miss.

Halcyon Hospice of Flowood, Miss., recently cared for a patient who came close to passing away several times before managing to rally. The patient later confided to her nurse, April Page, RN, that she wanted to “go home.”

After some investigation, it became clear that “home” was her bedroom. She was staying in another room because other furniture in her bedroom prevented her hospital bed from fitting. April, Maurice Jackson, MSW, Kris Myers, RN, and Lyquita McLaurin, CAN, met at the patient’s home and moved some furniture out of her bedroom so that her hospital bed could be moved in.

The patient and her daughter were very appreciative. Exactly one week later, the patient passed away peacefully at “home.”

Tammy Partridge, administrator in Flowood, said that her team always pulls together like this to make sure that patients are not only well cared for, but that their wishes are granted whenever possible. What great teamwork!  Thanks April, Maurice, Kris and Lyquita – you are all our Hospice Heroes!

Idaho Home Health and Hospice (Twin Falls/Meridian, Idaho) – Hospice Heroes

Idaho Home Health and Hospice – Twin Falls/Meridian, Idaho

The teams at Idaho Home Health and Hospice in Twin Falls and Meridian recently lost one of their staff members to cancer. It was a quick decline and hard on everyone. The teams worked really hard to make their friend comfortable and to take care of her needs. They also decided to honor her memory by supporting some of the community causes she cared about.

First, they are supporting their local food bank by making donations in their friend’s honor. They gathered donations from staff, facilities and even a local farmer who donated a truck full of potatoes. They took the $500 they won during Hospice Helps week and donated $250 for canned goods to the local food bank.  Then they took the other $250 and bought blankets and pet food for a local animal rescue that their friend supported.

The Idaho Home Health and Hospice teams took a devastating loss and turned it into wonderful way to honor their teammate and friend. You are all our Hospice Heroes!

Halcyon Hospice (Philadelphia, Miss.) – Hospice Heroes

Halcyon Hospice – Philadelphia, Miss.

The end-of-life journey is never easy – for the patients, for their families and loved ones or for our teams. We all rally together to not only take care of our patients, but to also hold each other up. That is what we do.

Halcyon Hospice in Philadelphia, Miss., recently had the opportunity to care for the father of one of our fellow home health branch managers, and she wrote a quick note to tell them how much their efforts were appreciated.

Randi Shafer, RN, and Dena Smith, RN, have been very sweet and helpful to the patient and family. Dena calls the two daughters (both of whom are nurses) daily and updates them on their father. The patient’s wife said that Balencigia McClendon, CAN, and Tomecia Hammock, CNA, are absolutely wonderful and very gentle and kind to her husband. They are all so pleased with the care their father/spouse has received from the Philadelphia team and wanted them all to know how much they appreciated the help during this journey.

Thanks to Randi, Dena, Balencigia and Tomecia for truly caring for your patients and their families. Your compassion and excellent care is apparent and brings peace and comfort. You are all our Hospice Heroes!

Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care – Hospice Heroes

Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care – Jennings, La.

The wonderful thing about being a mission-driven organization is that we all, no matter what our position or title, strive to fulfill that mission every day. Recently, a home office employee had a family member who needed hospice services. She spoke with us about the process and available options. Her family member initially chose another provider, but we told her to let us know if she needed anything.

A few days later, she again sought our help – her family member was in extreme distress and their hospice provider would not come to the home to help. She could not immediately find the person she was looking for – they were visiting one of our locations – but, luckily, she encountered JoAnne Little, who asked how she could help.

JoAnne listened to her story and immediately called Angela Fontenot, administrator at Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care in Jennings, La. Angela talked to her and was able to walk her through the transfer process. Holly Miller, RN, admitted the patient to our program that day and stayed over three hours on the first visit. The next day, Holly and Terri Miller, RN, both spent most of the day with the patient and family. Paul Estes, chaplain, was also able to spend extended time with them. The patient passed away later that day.

Thanks so much to Joanne for stepping in with a fellow employee and getting the ball rolling. Thanks to Angela for your passion and for getting this transfer completed as soon as possible. And thanks to Holly, Terri and Paul for spending many hours in the home to provide exceptional care. You all saw a need and stepped in to help. Our employee said that she had no idea hospice was such a special service. You are all our Hospice Heroes!

Michael Newton – Hospice Hero

Access Hospice – Branson, Missouri

Michael Newton, RN, at Access Hospice in Branson, Mo., recently cared for a 19-year-old hospice patient. While working with the patient and getting to know him, he discovered that, as his final wish, he wanted to take a helicopter ride.

So, Michael went to a tourist company offering helicopter rides in the Branson area and worked out a deal for the patient to fulfill his wish. He also took the initiative to raise the money and make transportation arrangements for his young patient to live out his dream.

Michael, you not only listened to your patient about his last wish, you helped to make it a reality. Thanks for your compassion, caring and determination to make his dream come true. You are our Hospice Hero!

Halcyon Hospice House (Atlanta, Ga.) – Hospice Heroes

Halcyon Hospice House – Atlanta, Ga.

Halcyon Hospice House in Atlanta, Ga., recently received a letter from the sister (and also POA) of a patient they had cared for. This particular patient had fought a long and hard battle with lung cancer. Her sister wrote that the last three months of her life, when the medical treatments stopped working and the cancer took over her life, were rapid, dramatic and frightening.

The patient was first moved to a skilled nursing facility for a few weeks after being released from the hospital. Her sister felt that the care was disappointing. The facility eventually sent her to the ER where she was evaluated and recommended for inpatient hospice care. That is when Halcyon House stepped in. At first her sister was worried that she might be making a mistake, and that she would have an experience similar to the one in the skilled nursing facility. 

The patient’s sister stated that everything changed the moment she decided to go with Halcyon House. The intake process was surprisingly efficient. People actually showed up when they were supposed to – BEFORE they were supposed to. Paperwork was minimal and handled efficiently and with respect and dignity for the family and the patient. 

Her sister was attended to and settled immediately. Her room was beautiful and the facility was just as it appeared in the brochure they had seen. From that moment on, everything the patient needed was taken care of in the most expedient and caring fashion. The family was amazed by the positive and caring attitude of not just some of the staff, but ALL of the staff. She never had a moment’s worry from the time her sister arrived until the time she passed away. The staff also went out of their way to attend to her family and visitors as best they could.

She went on to say that she saw all of the notes, cards and letters posted on the bulletin board from other grateful family members, and couldn’t let the opportunity go by to tell them how grateful they all were for the care, dignity and kindness they showed her sister, her family and her friends while they were at Halcyon House.

What a privilege we have to be able to walk the end-of-life journey with our patients and their loved ones. Hospice helps to fill the void of a loved one’s death with peace, compassion and love. Thanks to Terry Ritchie, administrator, and the entire team at Halcyon House for taking this journey with your patients and their loved ones and helping ease their pain. You are all our Hospice Heroes!

Lance Gatlin – Hospice Hero

Halcyon Hospice – Dunwoody, Ga.

The “heart” of any viable hospice program is in its pool of volunteers – those folks who sacrifice their time to help others going through the end of life. Although a volunteer program is a Medicare mandate for our agencies, we often find that our volunteers are the backbone of our staffing and that it would be hard to adequately serve our patients and families without their services.

Halcyon Hospice in Dunwoody, Ga., has one of those priceless volunteers. Lance Gatlin just started volunteering this past January and has already had a profound impact on our patients. Lisa Nock, volunteer coordinator for Dunwoody and the Atlanta IPU, had a “difficult” first meeting with a patient, his wife and Lance.  They were not too sure they really needed a volunteer. They agreed to let Lance come out to their home once a week for a few weeks just to try it out. The few visits turned into weekly visits for the six months the patient was on our service.  Lance always went on Saturdays at the same time, as requested by the patient and his wife. He even went to visit the patient at the IPU when he was sent there for crisis management of symptoms.

Lance noticed that the patient was working on a large puzzle the first time he and Lisa had visited. Every week when he visited with the patient, they worked on the puzzle together until they finished it. Lance also discovered that the patient loved working on model ships, so he ordered one for the patient and one for himself to work on.  Although the patient was too ill to work on the ship, he enjoyed teaching Lance and watching the progress they made each week on their ships.  When the patient passed away, his wife called Lance and he spent eight hours with her that day and attended the viewing and funeral.

Lance found out what was important to this patient and then fit that into his visits. He took the time to break down the wall of resistance he initially encountered with the patient and his wife.  Lance, you really made a difference for this patient and his family. You are our “Hospice Hero!”

Heartlite Dalton Team – Hospice Heroes

Heartlite Hospice – Dalton, Georgia

Heartlite Hospice in Dalton, Ga., had a young female patient with end-stage cancer. As the team cared for her, they were able to meet her six school-age children. Due to the circumstances of her illness, it was apparent that the family would not be able to afford school supplies. So, they took action. The entire staff in Dalton pulled together and managed to supply all six kids with all of their school supply needs – and new clothes and shoes.

Stephen Molineaux, administrator, sent this story – not to brag or boast about his team, but to show the impact of the LHC Group motto. They were able to positively affect a life and bring happiness to a family in need. It really is all about helping people. The Dalton team lived our motto by taking action for this family.

Thanks to the entire Heartlite Dalton team. You are all our “Hospice Heroes!”

Nichola Patton – Hospice Hero

Halcyon Hospice – Dunwoody, Georgia

A daughter sent us the following email shortly after her father was admitted to Halcyon Hospice:

“My father was admitted to your care for hospice last night. I wanted to just reach out and say that the intake/admission nurse, Nichola Patton, was INCREDIBLE with my family and my father. At the hardest time of our lives, she was able to make us laugh and somehow “enjoy” the process. We all felt like Nichola was part of our family by the time she left. I wanted to thank you for having someone so awesome on your team to start this process. It made the entire process much easier, and my family has a confidence in Halcyon following her visit.”

First impressions do make a huge impact, and Nichola, the first Dunwoody team member to encounter this family, was able to make them feel at ease and even laugh. They felt as if she cared for their father and family. Thank you, Nichola, for being the “face” of our hospice team and for becoming a part of this patient’s family after just one visit. You are our Hospice Hero!

Sadie Whorton – Hospice Hero

Ouachita Regional Hospice – Mena, Arkansas

Sadie Whorton, a registered nurse at Ouachita Regional Hospice in Mena, Ark., is a true advocate for her patients and their families.  Jessica Bigham, a PCR in Mena, receives many compliments about Sadie’s kind spirit and wonderful caring attitude from the facilities and physician offices that she visits regularly.  Recently, the following was posted to Facebook by one of the family members that Sadie encountered:

“Sadie, I just love you. If you ever wonder why your calling was in the field you work in, please remember today. You gave my family hope, comfort, peace, and a will to continue the fight that we could only pray and wish for. Your positive attitude, attention and prompt service caused immediate relief and even joy to him.  Thanks again…”

Most people think that hospice only focuses on death, but more often we really focus on life – helping patients live out their last few months in the best possible way. Thanks, Sadie, for being a bright rainbow for your patients and families and helping them make the most of their limited time. You are our Hospice Hero!

Helen Fishbeck – Hospice Hero

Community Loving Care Hospice – Bowling Green, Missouri

The team at Community Loving Care Hospice in Bowling Green, Mo., recently had a very important milestone for one of their nurses.  Helen Fishbeck, LPN, just celebrated her 50-year anniversary as a nurse. What an amazing accomplishment!

In 1966, Helen graduated from Graf Vo-Tech School in Springfield, Mo., as an LPN.  She started her career as a hospital nurse at Missouri Hospital and Cox Medical Center in Springfield before moving to St. Louis to be with her new husband and work for Barnes Hospital.

Life brought the couple to the Hannibal, Mo., area and Helen took a position at Audrain Medical Center (which later became Hannibal Medical Center).  She retired from Hannibal Medical Center after 30 years and tried to “take it easy.”  Of course, that didn’t last long. 

Helen told her husband, “I am a nurse and always will be a nurse.  Come tomorrow, I am going to look for a job.”  He replied, “What took you so long?”

Helen found Community Loving Care Hospice and joined the team as a part-time LPN until her husband became ill and eventually passed away.  She continues to work for CLC on a PRN status – always willing to cover patients and do what she can to help her fellow nurses.

Helen is an active supporter of the Patriot Guard Riders, who help escort the Honor Flight Veterans every month by serving sandwiches (along with her fellow CLC team members) to the riders.  She is also an avid fundraiser for the Hospice Promise Foundation.  Helen and her late husband raised a family of 7 children – Raymond, Danny, Christine, Matthew, Michael, Jonathon and Terry.

When asked if she always wanted to be a nurse, she immediately responded: “Oh yes!  I have always wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember.  I have always felt it was a real treat to care for other people.”

Thank you, Helen, for your many years of service as a nurse. We appreciate your support for your team, your patients, your community and our Hospice Promise Foundation. You are our Hospice Hero!

Debra Thomas - Hospice Hero

Deaconess Hospice – Biloxi, Mississippi

Deaconess Hospice recently had the opportunity to care for the friend of a fellow LHC Group employee – Donna Gann, DPT at Deaconess Home Care in Pascagoula. The patient was young and had battled his cancer for over a year.  He was put on hospice with the Biloxi team a month before he passed away.

The patient’s wife expressed her deepest thanks to the entire Biloxi team, but especially to registered nurse Debra Thomas, whom she calls her “guardian angel.” She is forever grateful to Debra for not only making things easier on her husband during his last month, but for helping her through the awful experience of losing him. After the patient passed away, Debra was able to handle details that his wife could not emotionally handle.  His wife said that she could have not made it through without her.

The patient’s illness and treatments took a huge financial toll on the family. The Biloxi team applied for help from The Hospice Promise Foundation and a grant was provided to pay for cremation costs.  Again, the wife expressed her deepest appreciation for assistance during this very difficult time.

When thanked for her outstanding service to this family, Debra replied: “No thanks are necessary.  I love what I do and I love my patients and their families.  Being a hospice nurse is my purpose in life.”

Donna Gann expressed her deepest thanks to Deaconess Hospice, Debra and The Hospice Promise Foundation for making a real and important impact on this family’s life.

Debra and the Biloxi team – you are all our Hospice Heroes!  And thanks to everyone who continues to support The Hospice Promise Foundation – you, too, are all Hospice Heroes!