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!”