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Journey The Nov. - Dec. 2012 November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month! CC image courtesy of Roger Smith Portrait Gallery Your life. Your choice. Your Passage. Our care makes the difference Passages Introduces Palliative Care

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Page 1: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

JourneyTheNov.

- Dec.

2012

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month!

CC image courtesy of Roger Smith Portrait Gallery

Your life. Your choice. Your Passage.

Our care makes the difference

Passages Introduces Palliative Care

Page 2: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Nov. - Dec. 2012 The Journey1

CONTENTS

Nov. Dec.

Our New Tagline...........................................3

Palliative Care...............................................4

Veteran’s Day.............................................5-6

National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.............................7-8

Our Care Makes a Difference...................9

Volunteer Department............................10

Employees of the Month........................11

October was Pastoral Care Month......12

Welcome New Members........................13

PERK! Winners.............................................14

Around Town .......................................15-22

Passing it on................................................23

Index:

2012

Bloomington, IL404 N. Hershey Road, Ste. A Bloomington, IL 61704 Phone: 309.828.8139 Fax: 309.827.4878

Carbondale, IL120 North Tower Rd., Ste. A Carbondale, IL 62901 Phone: 618.490.1040

Lisle, IL515 Warrenville Road Lisle, IL 60532 Phone: 630.824.0400 Fax: 630.395.9235

Rockford, IL929 S. Alpine Road, Ste. 202 Rockford, IL 61108 Phone: 815.226.7785 Fax: 815.226.7786

Providing Quality Care In:

Swansea, IL16 Bronze Pointe Blvd. Swansea, IL 62226 Phone: 618.234.7078 Fax: 618.257.7266

Livonia, MI38099 Schoolcraft RoadLivonia, MI 48150Phone: 734-744-5091Fax: 734-744-5092

St. Louis, MO1120 South Sixth StreetSuite 500St. Louis, MO 63104 Phone: 314-241-5700 Fax: 314-241-0441

Anonymous Compliance Hotline (866) 842-7093As part of our continuing commitment to compliance we are encouraging facilities and other partners to use this number if they have a concern.

Page 3: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Chief Operating OfficerReneé Svorec

Executive Medical DirectorRajiv Kandala, MD

Business DevelopmentShelley Johnsen

Social ServicesRoxxi Davis

Spiritual CareDavid Weiss

Clinical ServicesCarmen Velez

Physician, Hospital and Palliative ServicesChris Doyle

AdmissionsJen Ashlin

PR and FoundationKansas Swain

Phone1-888-741-8985Toll-free

[email protected]

On the webwww.passageshospice.com

Connect with us!

JourneyThe

ContributorsEditorialKaitlyn HendersonKansas Swain

Art DirectionKamie Freeland

PhotographyStaff photographers supplied all photos in this newsletter unless otherwise specified

All photographs are property of Passages Hospice and may not be reproduced without permission. Contact [email protected] for permission or questions.

This issue of The Journey was made available to the public on November 5, 2012 through issuu.

See our care in action on our Youtube channel!

Did you know that we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau?

We are proud to be an Honorable Mention in the 2013 Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics through the Better Business Bureau! The award is given to businesses who demonstrate a high standard of ethical behavior with customers, vendors, employees and the public. Check back next issue for pictures of the ceremony.

Page 4: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

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The tagline represents the importance of each and every person getting the care that is right for them. Not every hospice provider offers the same services or quality of care, and it's critical to choose a provider that can give you what you're looking for.

The tagline also celebrates our approaching 8th anniversary, and emphasizes our commitment to the education and understanding of hospice care as a philosophy. It will be a cornerstone for new educational programs that help the public better grasp the mission and philosophy of hospice care. One of the biggest misconceptions it will address is the idea that hospice is a physical place where you pass away. In fact, hospice is a philosophy of care that promotes comfort and quality of life, and can be provided in almost any setting.

"Since 2005, Passages Hospice has been dedicated to the human spirit and to providing superior end-of-life care," Administrator Michael Gillman said. "Educating the community through an identifiable brand is one of our most important responsibilities as we continue to grow."

We have been fortunate over the past 7 years to meet thousands of kind, wonderful patients and families on the end-of-life journey. We have been equally privileged to work with compassionate, caring staff who not only are

excellent at their jobs but are also wholeheartedly good people.

We'll begin sharing our philosophy at community education programs over the next few months and hope you'll join us to learn more about hospice care.

On October 1st, we announced our new company tagline.

Your life. Your choice. Your Passage.

“Since 2005, Passages Hospice has been

dedicated to the human spirit and to providing

superior end-of-life care.”

Page 5: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Your life. Your choice. Your Passage.

If you’ve been diagnosed with serious illness, but want to treat or cure the disease, hospice isn’t for you. But you might have side effects from the treatments, like pain, nausea or insomnia. And illness is stressful. You’re worried about your family, and they’re worried about you.

Palliative care uses the same holistic philosophy as hospice care, but is offered at the same time as regular treatment. Palliative care includes medications and supplies to manage symptoms, as well as a social worker to help with the stress of the illness. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurances often, but not always, cover palliative care costs. Like hospice care, palliative care helps the person’s family, too.

When should I start palliative care?Palliative care can start as soon as you’re diagnosed with a serious illness. Palliative care is given at the same time as curative treatments like chemotherapy or dialysis, so the earlier you begin palliative care, the more relief you will feel.

How do I pay for palliative care?Palliative care is a covered benefit through Medicare and many private insurances.

Where can I learn more about palliative care?Call Passages Palliative Care toll-free at 888-741-8985 or email [email protected].

We are proud to announce that Passages Palliative Care is now serving patients and families in the greater Chicago area! Palliative care is an

extension of the hospice philosophy that creates a better continuum of care. Passages Palliative Care is growing, and we expect it to reach all

our service areas in early 2013.

Palliative Care

Page 6: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Nov./Dec. 2012 The Journey5

Passages Hospice StaffJordon Wolf, Regional Social Services Director, Army

(Currently deployed in Afghanistan)April Martinez, RN Director, Army National Guard

Steven Campbell, RN, NavyJeanette Dickerson, CNA, Army

Heather Sconzo, Hospice/Palliative Liaison, NavyEllizabeth Elliot, Hospice/Palliative Liaison, Army National Guard

THANK

YOU

FOR

ALL

YOU

DO

Our southern Illinois staff participated in a September 11th ceremony at Heritage Health in Gillespie. Hospice and Palliative Liaison Elizabeth Elliot is in the National Guard and played trumpet for the ceremony’s 21-gun salute. Here, Elizabeth greets one of the residents.

Page 7: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Nov. - Dec. 2012 The Journey 7

On Veteran’s Day, we recognize the countless men and women who have given their time or lives in service to our country. We honor them by

celebrating their service and the freedom they gave us with their sacrifices.

Most of the World War II generation is now 80 or older, and many are seeking hospice care as a compassionate, comfortable way to live at the

end of their life. We give special tribute to our veteran patients this month through Veterans Day ceremonies across the state.

We also recognize that military service affects not only the person serving, but also their loved ones at home. We thank the following people in service to our country as either a member of the military or a dedicated, concerned

family member.

Passages Hospice Loved OnesNancy Hillman, Navy, Mother of LPN Kim McCaslinKeith Zellers, Air Force, Father of LPN Kim McCaslinTony Zellers, Air Force, Brother of LPN Kim McCaslin

Luis Villanueva, Army, Brother of Director of Clnical Services Carmen VelezWilliam Rosado, Army, Uncle of Director of Clinical Services Carmen Velez

Luis Rosado, Army, Cousin of Director of Clinical Services CarmenJames Zei, Army, Son of Volunteer Coordinator Aileen Zei

Sean Chramega, Army, boyfriend of Billing Specialist Nicole PunkeJake Townsend, Navy, Husband of Director of Information Elise Townsend

Michael Coulter, Air Force, Husband of RN Michelle CoulterAlexander Landis, Army, Nephew of Hospice/Palliative Liaison Renea Huth

Johnny Wright, Marine Corps, Son of LPN Julia SmithMichael Jumps, Air Force, Father of RN Dena Sawka

Jake Kaszubski, Air Force, Brother of Hospice/Palliative Liaison Kate KaszubskiRichard Kazsubski, Marine Corps, Father of Hospice/Palliative Liaison Kate Kaszubski

Brittany, Marine Corps, Step-sister of Hospice/Palliative Liaison Kate KaszubskiEverett Olmstead, Army Reserves, Father of Social Worker Wanda Rohl

Jay Rohl, Marine Corps, Husband of Social Worker Wanda RohlAustin Kember, Marine Corps, Son of Social Worker Wanda Rohl

Matthew Wilsterman, Navy, Husband of Hospice/Palliative Liaison Jennifer WilstermanAndrew Bach, Marine Corps, Nephew of RN Liza OttAngela Schultz, Army, Sister of RN Laura Segelhorst

Todd Schultz, Air Force, Brother-in-law of RN Laura SegelhorstDavid Acevedo, Navy, Husband of Medical Records Assistant Jessica Acevedo

Jonathan Kirksey, Army, Husband of Medical Records Director Berenice KirkseyFreddie Bledsoe, Navy, Cousin of Office Manager Martika Jackson

Darrell Farmer, Army, Step-father of Office Manager Martika JacksonWilliam Wilson, Army, Uncle of Office Manager Martika Jackson

Eric Rutherford, Army, Brother of PR and Development Coordinator Kamie Freeland

THANK

YOU

FOR

ALL

YOU

DO

Page 8: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month!

This year’s theme is: Comfort. Love. Respect.

Top tips for the best hospice experience:

5. Do your research. Every hospice provider offers similar base services, but based on your plan of care we

add other options to help our patients and families experience the

best quality of life possible.

4. Tell us what’s important to you. Hospice services are provided

by professionals and volunteers. They provide medical, emotional

and spiritual support to the patient and family members.

3. Let us know where you want care. We’ll come to you - whether you’re at home, in a nursing home or in a hospital.

2. Consider hospice for YOUR diagnosis. Cancer is common, but dementia, heart disease and many other diagnoses qualify for care. For a

complete list of qualifying diagnoses, visit our website.

We educate the family, so everyone understands what to expect near the end.

We provide all four levels of hospice care - routine (home) care, general inpatient care, respite care, and Continuous Care (for crisis situations).

We offer memorial services and educational in-service events at your loved one’s nursing home.

What sets Passages Hospice apart from other providers?

1. DON’T WAIT until the last few hours or days of your life to call hospice. If you have a terminal diagnosis of 6 months or less to

live, we can help.

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Page 9: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month!

CC image courtesy of Roger Smith Portrait Gallery

We can help! Our dedicated staff is standing by to answer your questions.

Call us toll-free at 888-741-8985 or email us at [email protected].

Page 10: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

CC image courtesy of Isafmedia on Flickr CC image courtesy of Roger Smith Portrait Gallery

Volunteer program: Our compassionate and dedicated volunteer team is available to spend one-on-one time with your loved one.

Passages Pooches: Our volunteer dogs are all sizes and breeds, but each one has a gentle, loving personality and a generous spirit. Passages Pooches are accompanied by their dedicated and trained owners on patient visits after passing a thorough health and temperament check.

Walking With You video series: Our Walking With You video series helps patients and families understand hospice with short, easy-to-watch videos. Each video has a Passages Hospice professional explaining an aspect of hospice care and answering common questions. The videos are available online at www.youtube.com/passageshospice, or on disc through a Hospice and Palliative Liaison.

Our care makes the difference

To help our patients celebrate their hopes and dreams, Passages Hospice started a nonprofit organization,

Hospice Dreams. A Dream is available hospice patients of any provider. In the past, Passages Hospice patients have ridden in a Harley Davidson sidecar, celebrated a wedding vow renewal ceremony and attended baseball, basketball and football games. For more information about Hospice

Dreams, visit www.hospicedreams.org.

Do you have a Dream?

Page 11: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

CC image courtesy of Roger Smith Portrait Gallery

Above Left: Ray visits with his volunteer, Maddy, who is a nursing student at Illinois State University. Volunteer Coordinator Amy O’Dea and Communications Manager Kaitlyn Henderson were also visiting that day.

Above Right: Passages Hospice Volunteers give of their time and offer compassion to the patients that they visit on a weekly basis. Many times, the relationships that form are equally as meaningful, both for the patient and the volunteer. Passages Hospice volunteer Christina has been visiting with a patient for seven months and they have formed a friendship that is extraordinary. Christina goes out of her way to brighten the patient’s day by reading to her, bringing her books on tape and even brings meals from time to time. The patient is so excited about Christina’s baby that is due in four months that she is helping Christina crochet a baby blanket!

At Right: Izzy Tobianski got a visit from his favorite friends - animals! Izzy used to live on a farm and misses the special comfort animals give. Our amazing Passages Pooches volunteers brought a lot of smiles to Izzy’s face!

Midnite the Black Lab says hello to Izzy.

RN Sandra Ralph introduces Izzy to Thumper the bunny.

Our next Walking With You video will feature our incredible volunteers!

Interested in volunteering?

Call 888-741-9895 or email [email protected].

Stay Tuned!

Page 12: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

September:

Employees of the monthEmployees of the month are chosen by their co-workers for going above-and-beyond in their

work. Join us in celebrating these dedicated staff members for their efficiency, excellence, creativity, positive attitude and team work. You are what makes Passages Hospice great!

October:Detroit areaNurse: Stacy Lynn Temple

North Chicago areaCNA: Jennifer GillsNurse: Irma Truijillo

Bloomington areaCNA: Jennifer SedlockNurse: Tiffany Pilcher

South Chicago areaCNA: Samantha GriffinNurse: Blanche Payton

Swansea areaCNA: Brandi StevensonNurse: Mary Colyer

Regional StaffSocial Worker: Shelly RoyHospice and Palliative Liaison: Mary RossioVolunteer Coordinator: Aileen ZeiPR and Development Coordinator: Stacy BarclayChaplain: Tim Mitchell

North Chicago areaNurse: Katie Stec

Rockford areaCNA: Mary RicheyNurse: Mary Vinyard

Bloomington areaCNA: Debra HaggardNurse: Heather Moslener

South Chicago areaNurse: Angie Chivers

Swansea AreaCNA: Kemetra Alexander

Regional StaffSocial Worker: Lila DilbaitisHospice and Palliative Liaison: Rachaun WilkinsPhysician Liaison: Becky CrowVolunteer Coordinator: Sue CholewinskiPR and Development Coordinator: Christy CooperChaplain: Cliff Close

Our Spiritual Care department gathers on an old tractor.

Page 13: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

October:Detroit areaNurse: Stacy Lynn Temple

North Chicago areaCNA: Jennifer GillsNurse: Irma Truijillo

Bloomington areaCNA: Jennifer SedlockNurse: Tiffany Pilcher

South Chicago areaCNA: Samantha GriffinNurse: Blanche Payton

Swansea areaCNA: Brandi StevensonNurse: Mary Colyer

Regional StaffSocial Worker: Shelly RoyHospice and Palliative Liaison: Mary RossioVolunteer Coordinator: Aileen ZeiPR and Development Coordinator: Stacy BarclayChaplain: Tim Mitchell

Our chaplains gathered in our Bloomington, Illinois office for some official business, then enjoyed fellowship and fun at a

local pumpkin farm.

Our Spiritual Care department gathers on an old tractor.

Chaplains Chrissy Cataldo and David Bilyeu

“attack” each other with gourds.

Director of Spiritual Care David Weiss poses with

Chaplains Ruth Newell and Marc Washington.

October was Pastoral Care Month!

To learn more about hospice chaplains, click here.

Page 14: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Perk! Welcome new team members:

Christopher Canedy///Human Resources

Generalist

Jen Ashlin///Director of Marketing

Shelly Johansen///Chief Director of

Business Development

Jennifer Wilsterman///Hospice and Palliative Liaison (Chicago area)

Ginger Lane///Quality Assurance

Analyst

Brittany Herwig///Regional Director

(Rockford)

Stacy Barclay///PR and Development

Coordinator (Chicago area)

Congratulations to PR Coordinator Kristine Borcz, whose hand-painted golf ball sold at a charity

auction to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities for $10,000!

Page 15: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Congratulations to our recent contest and PERK point winners!

Perk!

Right:Physician Liaison Casey Rolape

Left:Medical Records Assistant Winifred Muema

Winners

Left:CNA Linda Greer

Right:Social Worker Lila Dilbaitis

Bottom:RN Tracy Williams

Page 16: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Residents at Franklin Grove Nursing and Rehabiliation held a community picnic in September!

Left :PR Coordinators Stacy Barclay and Christy Cooper get ready to roll at the Wheel-a-Thon event to benefit Options Center for Independent Living, a local organization for people with disabilities.

Right:Our southern Illinois staff participated in the Making Stride Against Breast Cancer Walk in St. Louis.

around town

Page 17: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Feliz Dia de la Independencia! Hospice and Palliative Liaison Fe Gonzalez helped celebrate the Independence Day of Latino countries with fiestas at Casa Central, Ambassador Rehabilitation

and West Chicago Home! Watch a video of the celebrations here!

We met a lot of great people at the Illinois Health Care Association convention in Peoria last month! We showed off PARO’s unique charm and help people understand more about hospice care.

Watch a video of how PARO works on our Youtube Channel by clicking here!

Page 18: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

We attended a presentation by Dr. Atul Gawande, one of the country's leading hospice advocates. His passion for hospice care is inspirational!

Thank you to Bravehearts Riding Center in Harvard, who helped us hold a very special memorial service for a woman named Ruth. Ruth loved participating in our equine therapy program, and after she passed, we helped her take one more ride.

Next month, we’ll present Bravehearts with a plaque of appreciation for their work with Ruth.

Page 19: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Our staff works hard, and time off is important! Staff attended

picnics in their local areas to enjoy a beautiful afternoon.

L-R CNA Director Nikki Wallarab and RN Director April Martinez had a few things to

take care of before they could relax.

Hospice and Palliative Liaisons Rachaun Wilkins, Mary Rossio, Gus Martin and Kirk Swanson pose with

Regional Marketing Director Dave Lithgow.

Page 20: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

LPN Paul Blanchette was a guest speaker at an Alzheimer's Disease support group in Pittsville, Illinois. Admissions Coordinator Rachaun Williams and

Physician Liaison Jacob Matich were also on hand for support.

We held fall football celebrations

at our offices in October. Staff wore college or NFL football clothing

and shared in a potluck lunch.

Rockford Office Manager Liz Gastmann poses as the Heisman Trophy and roots

for the University of Michigan.

Regional Director Bonnie Fisher and Chaplain Tim Mitchell show their pride in the University of Illinois and Ohio State

University.

Page 21: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Vandalia Rehabilitation and Health Care Center participated in the Vandalia Lion’s Club Halloween Parade. Heather Sconzo, Passages Hospice and

Palliative Liaison, marched amongst the pirates.

Hospice and Palliative Liaison (and trained opera singer!) Natalie Cochran held a concert at Sunrise Assisted Living. Residents loved the oldies and classic tunes. Hear a snippet from

the concert here!

click here

Kaylie Novak on our Michigan Medical Records team and her daughter Amora

enjoy our office trick-or-treating celebration on October 30th. Amora

was a Spiderman Princess!

Page 22: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

L-R Chaplain Marlin Ludwig, PR Coordinator Christy

Cooper and Hospice and Palliative Liaison Mary

Rossio help Theresa Miller paint her pumpkin.

Residents at Watseka Rehabilitation and Health Care and Gilman Health Care Center celebrated fall with a pumpkin decorating party!

The Cyr family shows off their pumpkins.

In the media

Click here to read

Page 23: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Plus!"Nursing home residents paint pumpkins" - Watseka Times-Republic (Watseka, Illinois)

"Leila's 100th birthday" - Michigan Chronicle (Detroit, Michigan)

In the media

“Hospitals penalized for readmissions” - The Southern (Carbondale, Illinois)As of October 1st, hospitals will receive reduced payments from Medicare if their patients are readmitted back to the hospital within 30 days of leaving. Community education and programs are important to help prevent readmissions.

“Tips for talking to someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer” - Rock River Times (Rockford, Illinois)October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What do you say to someone who has been recently diagnosed?

“Local business helps grant dream for hospice patient” - Manteno News (Manteno, Illinois)One of our patients received a Dream to attend a NASCAR race through the nonprofit Hospice Dreams. Read about the special day.

We work hard to spread awareness of the hospice philosophy and our care through local newspapers and other media outlets. Here are a few clips of our recent work.

Click here to read Click here to read

Click here to read

Page 24: The Journey Nov. - Dec. 2012

Passages Hospice

We are dedicated to enhancing quality of life by promoting superior end of life care, easing the suffering, and providing continued compassion for the sick and dying in a way that ensures dignity and respect.

We are dedicated to promoting realistic outcomes.

We are dedicated to working with professionals who follow the highest values of excellence to establish an individualized plan of care offering personal choices and decisions while still maintaining each patient’s uniqueness.

We are dedicated to being receptive to each patient and family’s social, emotional, intellectual, safety and physical needs.

We are dedicated to a level of care that encourages the safe and cost-effective delivery of hospice care.

We are dedicated to the human spirit.

Your life. Your choice. Your Passage.

www.passageshospice.com [email protected] See our care in action on our Youtube channel!

888-741-8985Call us to be connected with someone in your area.

One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, so it is very important for us to learn how to effectively communicate with Alzheimer’s patients. Here are a few tips for working with someone with a memory disorder.

Make eye contact: Always approach the person face-to-face and make eye contact. Use their name if you need to. It is vital that they actually see you and that their attention is focused on you.

Speak Calmly and slowly: Always speak in a calm manner with an upbeat tone of voice, even if you don’t feel that way. Speak at one half of your normal speed when talking to them. Take a breath between each sentence. Speak in short direct sentences with only one idea at a time.

Don’t say “remember”: Many times they will not be able to do so, and you are just point-ing out to them their shortcomings. That is insulting, and can cause anger and/or embar-rassment.

Turn negatives into positives: For example, say “Let’s go here” instead of “Don’t go there”. Respect the fact that they are an adult, and treat them as such.

Don’t argue with them: Instead, validate their feelings by saying “I see that you are angry (sad, upset, etc…).” It lets them know that they are not alone.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

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