Lea Ann Mason – Hospice Hero

Housecalls Hospice – Parkersburg, W.Va.

(Lean Ann and husband, Brett)

Housecalls Hospice in Parkersburg, W.Va., received a referral from one of their local hospitals for a 49-year-old male who did not have any financial or family support. He was going to be sent to a long-term care nursing facility and had no clothes or undergarments.

Lea Ann Mason, PCR for Housecalls Hospice, went out on her own and bought the gentleman shirts, pants, socks and underwear so he would have something to wear besides a hospital gown.

Our hospices strive to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient. Sometimes that means medication adjustments, sometimes it can be facilitating end-of-life decisions, and sometimes it is just about preserving their dignity.

Lee Ann saw a need and acted on it – so this gentleman could go comfortably to his new home fully dressed (and with a few outfits to spare!). Just think of the impact we could have if each person reading this email helped at least one person a week in 2017! Sounds like a great New Year’s resolution.

Thanks, Lee Ann, for going above and beyond to support this patient during his transition. You are our Hospice Hero!

Robyn Jennings – Hospice Hero

Robyn Jennings – Hospice Hero

Robyn Jennings, RN, is the palliative care nurse for our University of Tennessee Palliative Program in Knoxville. Recently, one of her palliative patients was ready to move over to hospice, but did not want Robyn coming into his home because he was ashamed.

Robyn explained that we are not there for his home, but to take care of him – that we would not judge or treat him differently, no matter where he lived. The patient was still bothered, but finally agreed to let Robyn assess and admit him in her car in his driveway. He requested that visits be conducted in a car or on the front porch.

Of course, when the time inevitably comes the staff will have to enter the patient’s home, but right now they are building a relationship and caring for him in the setting where he is most comfortable.

Robyn said this was her first “car” admission. The patient shed many tears that day in the car as they discussed his options. Robyn had to get out of the car and go around to the passenger’s side to complete the assessment. She said it was an honor and privilege to serve the patient on his own terms.

Hospice is about meeting people who need our services where they are and allowing them to make choices about their care. Thank you, Robyn, for reminding us all of that fact. You are our Hospice Hero!