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April 2011 To the Editor: Although my husband and I both work at Hospice of Marion County, this letter is not written as employees but as caregivers. Both our fathers were recent patients with Hospice of Marion County and were provided with excellent care by the East team (my dad) and Legacy House (my father-in-law). Had we not worked for Hospice and knew of the service, we probably would have never explored this option. Until we actually experienced Hospice of Marion County’s care firsthand, we couldn’t fully appreciate all this organization offers our community. The professional and compassionate care our fathers received was remarkable; the nurses and social workers were so kind to our entire family. They made sure our needs were met as much as our fathers’ were. When people hear the word ‘hospice’ they think of death. While death is inevitable for most hospice patients, the special care actually extended our parents’ lives. My father’s prognosis was 3-6 months, but with the excellent care he received, he lived well over a year. This gave our family precious time to enjoy our dads and to prepare us for what was to come. Many people don’t know enough about hospice to consider this option. We had 24/7 nurses and social workers; wonderful doctors made house calls; chaplains and home health aides were available as needed. It was truly a team effort giving us peace of mind knowing our dads were getting the best available care. Thank you to all the Hospice of Marion County staff. You were truly our rock during this difficult time and we are so grateful. Now we can truly say we KNOW Hospice of Marion County is a gift to this community, not only as employees but as recipients of their excellent care. Sincerely, |
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| Nothing speaks louder or more sincerely than words that come straight from the heart. Eighteen employees from across the organization, one current patient and the daughter of a former patient contributed essays for our last Hospice Month event: The Power of the Pen.
Below is each essay for you to enjoy and embrace the expressions of the caring people we are privileged to share our lives with. There Are Angels Among Us Anonymous Essay for Hospice Barbara A. Huggins, HMC Patient What Does Hospice Mean to Me? Chaplain Bob Greaves What Caring is All About Bonnie Rhoads, RN My Story Daneene Johnson, RN Hospice Essay FP Homecare How I Started at Hospice of Marion County Joanne Mancini, RN Hospice Nurse KathyLee Johnson, RN Walked in Their Shoes Liz Gauthier, RN How I Came to Hospice Nursing Lynn Stamps, RN The Hospice Symphony Marty Powell, Education/Health Dept Why Hospice, You May Ask? Mery Lossada, MD Hospice Means Caring, Hospice Means Sharing Sally Ann Dickey, Volunteer Services Do You Believe in Miracles? SummerField Suites family member Never Too Late…to Listen Chaplain Warren Thompson |
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Letter to the editor of Daily Sun: August 9, 2010 My 94-year-old mother died on your hospice program after a difficult decline. Your “angels of mercy” reduced Mom’s suffered and helped her leave the confines of this world peacefully and with dignity. From the time they first visited our home, they were extremely dedicated and capable. They all said their work did not depress them, but rather uplifted them. We are so grateful to these compassionate professionals. The Family of Angela Marino |
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Letter to the editor of The Ocala Star Banner: July 13, 2009 My father-in-law passed away recently. My wife and I miss him. We feel fortunate to have had him living with us when he died. It is a "special time" for family to be with a loved one in those closing weeks, days and hours. It is a time for reliving fun times and coming to terms with disagreements we've had over the years. Our dad had nothing to apologize for because he was such a man of integrity and grace. This "final phase" with Dad was made possible by Hospice of Marion County. When Dad was diagnosed with cancer and given less than six months to live, our hearts sank as we tried to consider life without Dad. Would he need to be hospitalized or go to a nursing home? Could he be at home? So many questions. We immediately turned to Hospice for help in sorting out the issues of ending a life with dignity. After a short stay at a rehab center, Dad came home. Before Dad left rehab, Hospice had developed a "care plan" in consultation with our family. Upon his arrival at home, we were set up with everything needed to help him get around within the home. Someone came twice a week to bathe him, and a nurse came weekly to "take his vitals" and spent time with us answering the myriad questions concerning his needs. She even provided us with hugs when needed. Hospice care evolved over the weeks as my father-in-law's condition worsened. They were there every step of the way, including that early morning phone call when he had passed in his sleep. They made the basic arrangements of calling the funeral home. They made the pronouncement of death. We sat in amazement at the calm and reassuring manner of the Hospice nurse who put us at ease that morning. Hospice showed us how to care for a person with dignity and to celebrate their life before they pass. Thank you, Hospice of Marion County, for helping another family. Don Wyrick |
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Brenda Jacobs Sharon Towe, CNA, helps patient Brenda Jacobs with her pillows at Sylvia’s House. |
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My mother was a hospice patient under the care of your organization for nearly 3 years until her passing at the Oakhurst Nursing Center. During that time, I was extremely satisfied with and appreciative of the excellent and compassionate care she received from her nurse and her CNA. The nurse was on top of every aspect of her care and medical treatment and coordinated effectively with the doctor to ensure my mother received quality treatment that I know prolonged her life. As I live in New Jersey, the nurse kept me informed of my mother’s condition on a regular basis and during my visits to Oakhurst always met with me to review her progress. The CNA was also a friendly and positive influence in my mother’s care. I would also like to commend the other members of the hospice team who were always there for her. Again, let me say how much I am grateful for all that hospice has done to make my mother’s last three years as happy and comfortable as possible. Sincerely, Gloria Behrens |
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I thank you for all the beautiful materials I have received after 6 months. I am on my way to recovery. Thank you for all your help in my husband’s passing and in making my grief a little less of a burden to bear. Sincerely, Beverly A. Reed |
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I speak for all my family and friends when I say we felt like we were all a part of “A Gathering of Angels” in the recent death of our mother. Your hospice group was that “Gathering of Angels.” From Peggy Soucy’s visit at the hospital, and everyone at Tuscany House, our fears and dismay was met with comfort and assurance that all was well. We were in good hands. I could write a book on our experience, your attention to the smallest detail, just please know Hospice of Marion County will always be sweet words to us. Thank you is so inadequate. If you ever need anyone to speak up for you, just call me. You are all wonderful. Much love and God’s riches and Blessings to you all, Joy Calhoun & Family |
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I was in pain and I was gone with the wind. I’m now well enough to say I’m 64 going on 16. I attribute it all to my “angels.” I can’t pronounce “palliative.” But that “pal word” those people are amazing.