Emotional Support and Practical Assistance

The challenges of a life-limiting illness are overwhelming. Adapting to the changes that accompany a life-limiting illness can be difficult, frustrating and just plain confusing. Maintaining one's independence while depending on others is a shift for anyone. Transitions is designed to help you adapt to these changes and enhance your quality of life.

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Transitions is a free community service available to anyone with a life-limiting illness. We provide assistance during or after medical treatment for serious illnesses. Our specially trained staff and volunteers donate their time to provide supportive services to clients and their families, such as:

• Assessment, case management and phone support
• Companionship
• Help with errands
• Assistance with chores
• Light food preparation
• Relief for the primary caregiver
• Assistance with additional resources available in the community

An important part of the Transitions program is the companionship, assurance and support that are so vital to those facing complex issues relating to their illness, treatment and outcomes.

The Transitions staff provides case management services to identify client and family needs and offers resources to fulfill those needs through volunteers, referrals and links to community agencies. This service increases the likelihood that Transitions clients will receive appropriate medical and non-medical services from their community providers. Community medical and non-medical providers also benefit from the monitoring services that Transitions offers. This unique program increases client communication with caregivers and facilitates networking between providers to enhance quality end-of-life care.

Transitions services are available at no charge. Anyone with a life-limiting illness is eligible. Services are provided to patients in their own home, nursing home or assisted living facility. For information about the Transitions program, contact manager Elena-Marie Ankiewicz at 352-854-5200 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

FAQs

What is Transitions?
The Transitions program provides emotional support and practical assistance to individuals and families who are coping with a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of one year or less.
Transitions provides support—from listening to assistance with community resources—for the special needs arising from a serious illness.

Who does Transitions serve?
Transitions is available for individuals who choose to pursue curative treatment or palliative, and for those who don't want or don't qualify for hospice care. Your doctor’s approval is requested.

What does it cost?
There is no charge for services provided by Transitions. The program is funded by donations.

Why do we use volunteers?
Transitions recognizes that volunteerism is the cornerstone of its services to clients and families. A core group of volunteers is specially trained to assist in the most effective and skillful manner possible.

Transitions provides support assistance. The manager lends help by providing: a listening ear, information about area services, help understanding confusing events, options and choices, periodic visits, phone check-in calls, and a connection with a trained volunteer.

The Transitions volunteer may provide: companionship, emotional support, help doing errands, household help and respite for caregivers.

Why might I contact Transitions?
It can be confusing to know where to turn for help when coping with a serious illness and all the changes it brings. It is not unusual to feel hopeful one minute and discouraged the next. We realize that asking for help may be difficult for many people, so it may take some courage to do so.
We often hear comments like these:

“Since I have been on this new medication, the days seem so long. I am feeling lonely, but I don't want to bother my daughter at work. I would very much like to talk with someone else."

"Since my cancer has returned, I have been very tired. I don't have the energy to cook or clean, but it bothers me to see the dishes in the sink."

No one needs to feel alone. We’re here to help. Just call!

Ask the Doctor

Dear Doctor,
I know someone battling cancer. They simply aren't emotionally ready for hospice and still want more chemotherapy. But they are too weak to fix their own meals or drive themselves to their treatment appointments. Is there anyway Hospice of Marion County could help them?
Signed,
Concerned in Ocala

Dear Concerned,
Yes, we CAN help you. We are offer a program, Transitions, free of charge, to all residents of Marion County who are facing a life-limiting illness, with an estimated prognosis of one year or less.

This groundbreaking program offers practical assistance and emotional support, links to community resources, and trained volunteers to clients who may be receiving aggressive, curative care or are simply not emotionally ready for hospice. We've all had friends who are valiantly struggling against life-threatening illnesses, but they are often exhausted from the experience and might need a helping hand.

Transitions services are available to clients in their own homes, nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Our specially trained volunteers are ready to listen and offer a caring shoulder, help with errands, chores or light meal preparation; provide a needed break for caregivers or other activities. However, NO medical care is given in the Transitions program.

Transitions services are offered free of charge to anyone in the community regardless of race, religion, color, ethnicity, socio-economic background, age, national origin, physical disability, veteran status, medical treatment, ability to pay or gender. Although anyone can make a referral to Transitions, your doctor’s approval is requested. More than 100 hospices across America also include this time-tested program among their services.

Support the work of Transitions

Financial gifts from the community and volunteer workers make Transitions possible.
Learn more about how you can become a volunteer. We appreciate your support, either through donations or your work as a volunteer.

Contact the program manager, Elena-Marie Ankiewicz at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or call 352-854-5200 for details.