Hospice Volunteers Voice Experiences
	HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS VOICE THEIR EXPERIENCES by Susan Burack “Every hospice volunteer tells how their life has been enriched by the experience. Hospice is about life, and living more than it is about death. Hospice provides care for people near the end of life and their families and caregivers with physical, emotional, medical, and spiritual support. Volunteers are an important part of the hospice team,” says Volunteer Susan Burack. Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice (KHN&H) has trained over a hundred hospice volunteers in the past 14 years. Both Ginny Vairus and Carol Griffin were in the first class in 1994. Griffin says. “It makes you feel good to help other people. I’ve sat with people as they are dying. It is a peaceful experience.” Vairus took the class because there was no hospice care available for her parents and her husband’s parents when they were dying. She says, “I wanted to fill that need for patient and family support so others didn’t have to feel as alone as we did. It’s is very rewarding and we develop meaningful relationships even though the person is in the final phase of their life,” She offers, “The focus of my volunteer visits and support is not on death, it becomes a celebration of life. It is a way to put faith into action. We’re there for the patient and the family, doing whatever needs to be done whether it’s respite for the family, sitting with the patient, or washing dishes.” Vairus also has training in helping patients record a history of their life. “Everyone has a story to tell, and each one is interesting and unique.” Judy Pleshe has been a hospice volunteer with Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice since the fall of 2004. “Hospice gives me a chance to help out. I like being part of the ‘hospice family,’ it’s a good group of people. When my husband was dying, he was in hospice. They were so wonderful and supportive of both of us that I wanted to be a hospice volunteer too! The caring attitude impressed me. Now I am part of the hospice team.” Judy Pleshe is a regular volunteer at Omega House. “I do whatever needs doing, helping residents eat, visiting, cleaning, or clerical tasks. I feel enriched by giving.” Early in her marriage, when her mother-in-law was dying, there was no help and support. “My sisters and I took turns caring for her. KHN&H came and provided the information and support we needed to care for her with more confidence. We knew how to talk with her and what to look for. Bernice Nicholson who is in her 80’s became a hospice volunteer after her husband died in hospice care. Currently, she goes every evening to feed her hospice patient, a bedridden 98 year old who doesn’t speak. “It’s good for me to do this work, I like to be useful and busy and I know I am helping someone. Vern Simula took the training a year ago to support a long time friend nearing the end of his life. “I wanted to find other ways to serve people in the area,” he says. “ Being with several hospice patients during the dying process has been very meaningful and rewarding. We were able to have long conversations. I was in awe of the dignity with which they faced death. For most of us, thinking about dying can be scary. “It’s like going into a dark room. Hospice is there to give light in the darkness,” says Paul Raapana who has served as a hospice chaplain. “It makes such a difference in so many lives. Hospice accepts each person without judgment. And bring light to the darkness. Volunteer Coordinator Karen Kezele works hard to match hospice volunteers with hospice patients she feels they can relate to. For more information about the upcoming Hospice Volunteer Training call Karen Kezele at KHNH 337-5700.
	Two Staff Members Certified in Wound Care
	Cindy Griffin RN of Bootjack and Jean Makinen RN of Tamarack City became certified in wound care through special training and testing sponsored by the National Alliance of Wound Care, NAWC. Both RN’s work for Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice of Calumet. The title Wound Care Certified, WCC, has been given these nurses after extensive study, training and attending seminars which prepared them to take and pass the national certification exam offered by NAWC in Florida this summer. Agency Administrator Wanda Kolb states, “Cindy and Jean have both worked for this agency for over 15 years and play important roles in providing direct patient care, coordinating care for wound care clients and in educating our staff, referral sources and patients and families to improve patient outcomes in wound and skin care.” Diane Tiberg KHNH Director of Nursing felt the agency needed to have nurses with these special skills and training to provide the best possible home health and hospice care to our community. “Wounds, especially those slow to heal which are often called chronic non-healing wounds are a challenge to everyone involved, the patient, their family and health care professionals. Having Cindy and Jean certified in wound care will benefit our patients and our community.” Diane told the Gazette. Cindy Griffin adds, “ There are many types of wounds that can be challenging to heal including pressure ulcers, vascular, arterial and diabetic ulcers as well as wounds from surgeries, traumas and those caused from incontinence or burns. Research shows that the optimal treatment and management of these wounds varies considerably by the type of wound. We work closely with the patient, their family and physician and other health care professionals to promote healing and comfort.” Diane added “We are proud of Cindy and Jean for having accomplished this valuable certification and this adds to the extensive list of specialty certifications of the staff at KHNH. We now have staff nurses, therapists and aides with certification in Wound Care, Hospice and Palliative Care, Parkinson’s Disease Therapy, OASIS and ICD 9 Coding.
	Michigan Dream Team Winner - Deb Gagnon
	Houghton Resident Wins State Hospice Award Debbie Gagnon, Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice, has just been awarded the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization 2007 “Dream Team Award” for Hospice Aides for the state of Michigan. Debbie was presented the award at the MHPCO Spring conference in Bay City on May 1 2007. Debbie has been working as a Home Health and Hospice Aide at Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice since 1991. Diane Tiberg, KHNH Director of Nursing told the Daily Mining Gazette, “Debbie visits both Home Health and Hospice patients across the Copper Country and has become the most experienced Hospice Aide at our agency. She was a member of the first group of Aides in the nation to take and pass the exam to become certified in Hospice and Palliative Care.” Cindy Griffin, BSN, Debbie’s supervisor at KHNH added about Debbie’s work, “In 2006 Debbie made 919 visits to patients enrolled in Hospice care and 630 visits to Home Health patients. She drove a total of 8605 miles related to her Aide duties at KHNH. She has visited many patients in their own home and helped to ease the transition for patients who needed to move to a local nursing home or Omega House. The continuity of her care and support has been a great comfort to many of our patients and their family members. When contemplating the decision to enroll in hospice, patients and families often ask if Debbie can continue to be their Aide. Our agency promotes this approach and it is reassurance to many patients. Debbie is a very efficient and kind in performing her Aide duties” When asked about winning the award Debbie responded by saying “I feel honored to have been even nominated by my co-workers, and I am very moved to have received this award as Hospice Aide of the year.”
	Colin Munn, PT Becomes Certified in Parkinson's Disease
	Colin Munn, Physical Therapist for Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice recently attended a five day training program on Parkinson Disease, becoming Certified in Parkinson treatment. The Allied Team Training, sponsored by the National Parkinson Foundation, brought together health professionals from many disciplines and all parts of the United States, Canada, Australia and the Bahamas. The course was designed to provide an increased understanding of Parkinson Disease, team development and training in treatment strategies for each discipline represented. The training provided an opportunity to work together to raise the level and quality of care available for persons with Parkinsons and their family carepartners. According to Colin, “This training helped to create an active networking and referral process that increases access to quality care for those affected by Parkinson Disease”. Colin has been a Physical Therapist for Keweenaw Home Nursing for ten years and his work experience includes being the Director of Physical Therapy and Associate Director of Rebab Services at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tn. While trained to treat many disorders, Colin has a special interest in patients with Parkinson Disease and other neurological problems, especially as it effects balance. The National Parkinson Foundation supports research for a cure and programs dedicated to improving care and quality of life. They provide a wealth of education and support materials free of charge to persons with Parkinsons as well as for support groups. The local support group meets at the offices of Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice in Calumet on the second Monday of the month at one in the afternoon. For more information about the support group or Parkinson Disease, call 337 5700.
	My Wish....
	I didn’t even know of Hospice twenty one years ago when my mother died. My mother’s care depended on the family. My brother and sister-in-law were the primary care givers. The rest of us siblings did what we could. I never realized how stressful a care givers life could be. Ten years after my mother’s death, my children grew independent and I had a lot of time on my hands. I missed my mother, our conversations of family and history. Something was missing in my life. It was then I saw a notice for a 6-week training for hospice volunteers. The ad listed the opportunities such as companionship, giving support and providing relief for care givers. The word relief caught my attention, especially after knowing what my family had gone through. I wasn’t sure if I would be a good candidate for Hospice as I would be dealing with dying patients and I still grieved the death of my mother. But I thought if I could just help one family, it would make a difference. After consulting the Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, she suggested I take the training and if I decide not to volunteer that the training would be very helpful. After completion of the class, I knew it was a calling and I had made the right decision. I became part of a care giving team of Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers, Aides and Chaplains that provided the best care possible, pain management, emotional and spiritual support according to the patients needs and wishes. Each patient has the right to die-pain free with dignity and to maintain as normal a life as possible at home with loved ones till they die. That is the Hospice Philosophy. I loved being there for the dying and care givers. Patients confided with me on personal issues in their lives. I sat and listened, laughed and even cried with them. Some days I would just sit and hold a hand. I never imagined how fulfilling it could be, and how rewarding it was knowing I was helping to make someone’s life easier, even though they were dying. Through the years I experienced stages of death and dying and it helped me cope with many issues. I provided grief support to families and friends after a loved one died. At times it was very difficult for me, but I always received support from the Hospice team. Eventually, all of us must face the death of someone we love. Hospice can make a difference and volunteers are a essential part of the care. I wish I knew of Hospice and had the opportunity for my mother to die at home, instead of the cold hospital room environment. I wished she’d had the chance to be in the comfort of her own home, listening to her favorite music, with the grandchildren in the background for her to hear. As they say, “hearing is the last to go.” My mother’s death would have been so much more peaceful, happier and easier for us, had I been aware of Hospice and their volunteer service. I wished I knew. I’m no longer a volunteer, but I am so happy to have had the experience. I still have a connection to make a difference in my community with my position as Volunteer Coordinator. The memories I have from the past years I will never forget. Volunteering has been the best experience of my life! It has prepared me for anything that comes my way. Educate yourself on Hospice and be prepared for your future or someone in your family by taking the Hospice Volunteer Training. Don’t leave yourself wishing. For more information call Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice at 337-5700. National Volunteer Week is April 15-21, if you know of a volunteer - THANK THEM! Karen Kezele is the Volunteer Coordinator at Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice.
	New Research Study Finds Hospice Patients Live Longer
	By Raymond Weglarz, RN, CHPN Hospice Patient Care Coordinator Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice To those of us who work in hospice care, and to those who may need hospice care for themselves or a loved one, the results of a new study brought welcome news. The study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management , in the March 2007 issue reveals that hospice care actual helps to prolong the lives of some patients with terminal illness. 4493 patients were studied using data provided by the centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sampling 5% of patients with 6 different diagnosis between 1998 and 2002. The diagnoses used for the study included congestive heart failure, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer. Patients who were enrolled in a Medicare hospice program, lived 29 days longer than similar patients who were not receiving hospice care. “This affirms what 14 years of hospice work has taught me, that patients in hospice can benefit in both quality and at times even duration of life. Diane Tiberg, Director of Nursing and Quality Care at KHNH further emphasizes the point. “We have long believed that when patients get high quality care consistently, and have their needed medications and equipment provided directly to them at no cost, their pain is controlled and they feel better and are more interested in life, and often live longer than expected.” This study was sponsored by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and done in collaboration with the highly regarded actuarial firm, Milliman, Inc. Increase in length of life was found in four of the six disease categories studied. Patients with heart failure lived 81 days longer in hospice than without hospice. Even lung cancer patients lived longer with hospice than without it, an average of 39 days longer. I spoke with Jeff Townes Executive Director for the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization about this matter and he offered, "This study comes as no surprise for many who work in hospice care. But for the general public this study runs counter to widely held perceptions that hospice means the end, quickly. It is good to see research confirming what those in our industry have always known, that quality hospice care can prolong the lives of individuals while improving the quality of their lives. The recent hospice experience of famed political satirist Art Buchwald is a great practical and public example of the impact on patient longevity that hospice can have." Researchers cited several factors that may have contributed to longer life among patients who chose hospice. The monitoring and specialized treatment and attention hospice patients receive from the hospice team along with avoiding the risks of over-treatment were all possible factors As a hospice nurse of many years and Patient Care Coordinator at KHNH I hope this information reinforces for our community what many people already know. That hospice does promote quality of life and for many people and many of these patients live longer than expected. For more information about hospice care contact Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice at 337-5700
	Hospice Volunteer 2006 - Bernice Nicholson
	KHNH has recognized its Hospice Volunteer of the Year 2006. "Every year KHNH awards a special volunteer for the services they have provided to the agency. Our volunteers are the heart of our hospice," said Volunteer Coordinator Karen Kezele. "They touch the lives of so many in our community and we need to recognize them for all they do." The group honored Bernice Nicholson. She has been volunteering for the agency since the spring of 2005. "Bernice is a very caring, compassionate person and is willing to help out as much as needed. In 2006 Bernice provided over 270 hours of compassion and support to those who were dying," Kezele said. "We are fortunate to have such caring individuals who donate their time and energies to our hopsice program." To learn more about the issues surrounding death and dying, join the Hospice Volunteer Training Program by calling Karen at 337-5700.
	2006 MHPCO Hospice Clinical Supervisor of the Year
	Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice and the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization are proud to announce Ray Weglarz as the 2006 MHPCO Hospice Clinical Supervisor of the year. Eight disciplines were honored at the MHPCO Annual Spring Membership Conference, May 2nd in Bay City, Michigan. The annual Dream Team award acknowledges individuals within the Hospice Team for their outstanding achievement and dedication. Each winner is presented with an award and a brief sharing of their contributions at a reception during the conference. Ray is a 1977 graduate of Michigan Technological University with an ADN in nursing. He also attended the University of Michigan and Kirtland Community College. Prior to joining Keweenaw Home Nursing in 1992 he was an intensive care unit nurse and Clinical Coordinator of a neurosurgical unit for several years. Ray has been certified in Hospice and Palliative Care for many years and has promoted hospice education and certification for KHN&H nurses and aides. Ray was recognized because of his work promoting hospice care in our community. Ray developed the hospice program at Keweenaw Home Nursing in 1993, the first Medicare certified hospice program in the Copper Country. For well over a decade he has provided both staff education and hundreds of hours of community outreach and education on hospice and end of life care. He personally has met and cared for hundreds of our neighbors, relatives and friends in our community. Ray enjoys teaching and has been a guest lecturer at Finlandia University and Michigan Technological University at Death and Dying Classes and Medial Ethics Classes. Ray has been an active community volunteer for Copper Country Trout Unlimited and has been a member of the Omega House Board of Directors for over 5 years and serves as Vice President of the board. Ray has developed many programs at Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice most recently the Veteran’s Service Program. Ray had these comments about receiving the award. “Hospice is truly a team effort and I work with a special group of people at KHNH. Our hospice team of nurses, aides, social workers, volunteers, chaplains, medical director and office staff are committed and compassionate and we believe that even in the face of terminal illness quality of life and hope can be promoted for individuals and their families. I am grateful I have been able to serve our community in this manner. A special thanks to Cindy Griffin RN who handles so many of the clinical issues at KHNH day to day which allows me the opportunity to do community outreach activities.”
	Physical Therapists Caring for Our Community
	Introducing Colin Munn, Dorothy Riutta and Sue Peterson, the three physical therapists employed by Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice. Our physical therapists visit our clients in their home following recovery from hip, knee or shoulder surgeries including repair or replacement, recovery from a stroke, and management of chronic conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy and spinal cord injuries. Dorothy, Colin and Sue provide home centered rehabilitation and pain management for back pain or back surgery. Therapy can be ordered to improve walking, balance, general conditioning, function and to promote your safety. Featured Staff: Colin Munn, MBA, PT Colin Munn lives in Lake Linden and has family roots in the Copper Country. His grandfather was Dr. Anthony, the well known “one armed dentist” from Laurium and his mother was born and raised in Laurium. Colin has been a Physical Therapist for KHNH for 10 years. Colin graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1981 with his degree in PT and went on to further his education and received his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Iowa in 1989. He has been a Physical Therapist for 25 years and has worked both in the hospital, out patient clinic and for 15 years in home health. Colin’s work experience includes being the Director of Rehabilitative Services at Rehability Home Health and Director of Physical Therapy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, in Nashville Tennessee, and he was Senior Therapist at the Spine Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Iowa City, Iowa. He served on the Advisory Board of the Tennessee Association of Home Care. As a Physical Therapist for KHNH Colin visits patients in their homes across northern Houghton and all of Keweenaw Counties. While trained to treat many disorders, Colin has a special interest in working with patients with Parkinson Disease and other neurological problems, especially as it effects balance. He also is knowledgeable in treating patients with a variety of Orthopedic disorders, and worked in sports medicine for a number of years. For over 15 years Colin has found great satisfaction working primarily with the elderly. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association with sub-section membership in Geriatrics and Home Health. He is also a member of the Wisconsin Parkinson Association and regularly attends their annual conferences. When not at work Colin loves being outdoors bicycling, hiking and cross country skiing. He also enjoys traditional woodworking with hand tools, local history, and is a journeyman with Mark Silver of Chassell, maker of historic muzzle loading firearms. Colin is a member of the Houghton and Keweenaw County Historical Society. For more information about KHNH and our Physical Therapy program call Cindy Griffin at 337-5700. Featured Staff: Dorothy Riutta, Physical Therapist Dorothy Riutta has worked as a Physical Therapist (PT) for 20 years, the last 14 at KHN&H. Born and raised in the Copper Country, Dorothy is a 1967 graduate of Hancock High School. She received her BA degree at Alma College in 1971. In 1978 she studied massage with Hilia Knuuttila, a well known masseuse in the Tapiola area. She later received her certificate in Massage Therapy from The Santa Fe College of Natural Medicine, and practiced Massage Therapy locally for 8 years. In 1986 she received her BSPT from The University of Michigan-Flint and began her PT practice at Portage View Hospital. Through Portage View contracts she also served the Western UP District Health Department and the Houghton County Medical Care Facility. She also worked for Rehab Associates. Riutta sees patients who have orders for Physical Therapy from a doctor. Conditions include fractures, joint replacements, stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries, balance disorders, debilitating diseases, and general weakness. "My goal is to help my patients regain their everyday functions," Riutta says, "like getting in and out of bed without pain, bathing and dressing, and walking without difficulty. In order to accomplish these tasks people may need to do specific exercises or learn new ways to accomplish these tasks. I also do home and fall assessments and make recommendations to increase safety and ease of function." "Riutta says she wants her patients to be comfortable. "They are usually facing a very difficult situation," Riutta comments. "I often use humor, or gentle massage, and I teach my patients deep breathing and relaxation techniques when appropriate. Riutta is a member of the Geriatric, Home Health, and Neurological Sections of the American Physical Therapy Association. She was instrumental in the development of Finlandia University’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program and sits on its Advisory Board. Dorothy lives in Hancock. She enjoys having tea with friends, playing with her nephew, walking her dogs, and fishing for brook trout with her husband Ron. For more information about KHN&H and our Physical Therapy Program call Cindy Griffin at 337-5700.
	Veteran's Benefits
	America’s Veterans and VA Health System: Facts and Demographics
	2005 - Hospice Volunteer of the Year
	MAGDALENA BELEJ HONORED AS HOSPICE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR FOR 2005 Hancock resident Magdalena Belej is the recipient of the 2005 Hospice Volunteer of the Year award from Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice. Magdalena began her hospice volunteer work for KHNH in September 1998 and has been actively visiting KHNH hospice patients for 8 years. She was educated as a chemist and spent 10 years earlier in her career working in a laboratory. She married Marko Belej, a local physician in private practice in Hancock, where they raised their family together. When asked why she chose hospice as a way for her to volunteer in the community, she answered, "because of the need to do something meaningful in life." Magdalena faithfully visited the hospice patients she was assigned to, visiting three different terminally ill patients in 2005. One of these was a resident of the Houghton County Medical Care Facility, whom she visited 56 times at the facility, bringing companionship, tasty home cooked treats and the gift of friendship. Asked about her volunteer service recently, she responded, "Being a hospice volunteer is a privilege, the work is so rewarding. What you give returns to you many times over." She added, "I often think of my family members who I was not able to visit and be with in their time of need" (because they live in Czechoslovakia). Besides being a very active KHNH hospice volunteer, Magdalena was a founding member of Omega House, and has served on the Omega House board of directors since its inception five years ago. She served as the Treasurer of the Omega House board for several years, and is still active in helping to nurture the first hospice house in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Jean Laurie, KHN Volunteer Coordinator, has been working with Magdalena for many years and said, "Magdalena is a kind and caring person who seldom declines an assignment. She is an asset to our hospice program and truly merits being given the 2005 Volunteer of the Year award. " If you would like to join the KHNH team and become a hospice volunteer, give Jean or Joanne a call at 337-5700.
	Ten Myths About Dying
	Ten Myths about Hospice and Palliative Care Hospice isn’t a place. And hospice care is not just about those who are dying. Hospice is a comprehensive kind of care that focuses on living—it’s about living as fully as possible, surrounded by family and friends, up until the end of life. Almost one million dying Americans were served by the nation’s 3,300 hospices last year, reports the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Yet there are many myths about hospice that keep people from getting this compassionate care when they need it most. MYTH REALITY Hospice is where you go when there is nothing more a doctor can do.Hospice is a philosophy of care providing medical, emotional, and spiritual care focusing on comfort and quality of life. Good care at the end of life is very expensive.Medicare beneficiaries pay little or nothing for hospice, and most insurance plans, HMOs and managed care plans include hospice coverage. Hospice is only for the last few days of life.Hospice patients and families can receive care for six months or longer, depending upon the course of the illness. Choosing hospice means giving up all medical treatment. Hospice places the patient and family at the center of the care-planning process and provides high-quality pain management and symptom control. Everyone dies in a hospital.Hospice goes to the patient and family at home—whether that’s a private home, a nursing home or assisted living facility, or a hospice residence. Hospice is only for cancer or AIDS patients.Fifty percent of hospice patients are diagnosed with conditions other than cancer or AIDS. Families are not able to care for people with terminal illnesses.Hospice involves families, and offers them professional support and training in caring for their loved ones. Hospice is just for the elderly.Hospice serves anyone facing a life-limiting illness, regardless of age. There’s no hospice in my area.Less than one percent of Medicare beneficiaries live in an area where hospice is not available. Hospice only focuses on the dying process.Hospice offers grief and bereavement services to family members and the community. If this information about hospice surprises you, take the time to find out more. The best time to learn about hospice is before someone in your family is facing a health care crisis. More information is available from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, call the HelpLine at 1-800-658-8898 or visit www.caringinfo.org.
	Hospice Facts
	What Americans Want from End of Life Care Key facts and figures from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
	World Wide Hospice Facts
	Worldwide Hospice Facts
	Talking about Dying
	Advance Care Planning: It’s About How You Live Six tips to get you started now Talking about dying is tough. It’s not a comfortable subject for most Americans. Yet the months surrounding the holidays might be the best times of the year to broach the subject. Families are together celebrating the season or on out-of-town visits with other loved ones. People are often filled with the spirit of goodwill and are more aware of the gifts in their lives. For Baby Boomers and their aging parents, death and dying are increasingly relevant. Time spent together during the holidays can set the stage for all-important conversation about advance care planning. “Advance planning” is the term used to describe thinking about and preparing for end-of-life care. “Advance directives” or “living wills” are those care instructions committed to writing. With advance planning, we take charge of our deaths, just as we do our lives. Advance planning also relieves family members, who, knowing what loved ones want, can make informed decisions about care. To get started with advance planning: 1.Do your homework – Find out what end-of-life-care options are available. 2.Decide what’s best for you – Determine exactly how you want to be treated. 3.Select a representative – Identify someone you trust to make healthcare decisions if you aren’t able. 4.Talk to your family – Select an appropriate time for talking, perhaps a family gathering. 5.Talk to your doctor – Let your doctor know that you have specific wishes for end-of-life care. 6.Put your instructions in writing – Because advance directives are legal documents that vary by state, consult an attorney to make sure your wishes will be respected. Hospices are expert resources for advance planning. They can advise on a step-by-step process, beginning with doing homework to determine the options and deciding how to talk to loved ones. In our community, [your organization] helps people on a daily basis deal with challenging issues relating to care at the end of life. If this topic is a story you’d like to cover, [your organization] can put you in touch with families who’ve undertaken advance planning. As Americans age, it’s more important than ever for families to learn about and discuss end-of-life care. The holiday season is a time of gift giving; we can help people give their families one of the greatest gifts of all—peace of mind should they face a serious or life-limiting illness. Hospice is a philosophy of care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. A team of professionals and trained volunteers offer care and comfort to patients and their families when a cure is no longer possible. Fully covered by Medicare and most insurance companies, hospice services are available at home or in a facility such as a nursing home. More information on care options and advance care planning is available at www.caringinfo.org or from the HelpLine at 1-800-658-8898.
	Michigan Award of Excellence
	Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice Receives the Michigan Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Home Health Setting Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice has received MPRO’s, Michigan’s Medicare Quality Improvement Organization’s (QIO), prestigious 2005 Michigan Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Home Health Setting. KHNH received the accolade for measured improvement in patient care. The Michigan Award of Excellence is sponsored by MPRO. The award honors home health agencies across Michigan that are performing quality initiatives aimed at improving patient care. The award acknowledges facilities that are actively engaged in advancing the delivery of quality healthcare. Agencies chose from a list of 41 clinical criteria to focus on quality initiatives and were required to monitor their improvement plans and demonstrate marked improvement in care. The clinical topics have been designated as national health care priorities by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. KHNH established a multidisciplinary team to spearhead improvement measures using proven, evidence-based practices. “As Michigan’s QIO, MPRO is privileged to recognize agencies such as KHNH, that are achieving measured improvement in patient care,” said Debra L. Moss, MD, MBA, president and CEO, MPRO. Dr. Moss added, “The importance of award programs such as the Michigan Award of Excellence is to foster an environment in which every person receives the right care every time and where that care is safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable.” “Our staff at KHNH is demonstrating that together, we are providing the very best in medical treatment and care. Our efforts have been enhanced through our collaborations with MPRO. We are extremely proud to be a recipient of this distinguished award,” said Diane Tiberg, Director of Nursing and Co-Owner of KHNH. About MPRO: MPRO is a non-profit organization, under contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to serve as the designated Quiality Improvement Organization in Michigan. MPRO works with healthcare providers such as home health agencies, to improve patient care for Michigan's 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries.
	NATIONAL AND STATE RECOGNITION FOR EXCELLENCE IN HOSPICE CARE
	We are pleased and proud to announce that two members of our "hospice team", Bill Sewell and Jean Laurie, were honored with State and National Service Awards. William Sewell has been a volunteer for our Hospice team for the past ten years. This year his long term service to hospice patients and families and his commumity (Portage Lake Hospice, Omega House, Barbara Kettle-Gundlach Home)was honored by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) with the award "Patient and Family Volunteer of the Year". This is the top volunteer service award for the entire nation. Scott Vickers from the NHPCO states "the award recognizes hospice volunteers who best reflect the universal concept of volunteerism in it's truest sense". There are 3,300 hospice programs nation wide and 400,000 Hospice Volunteers who annually provide 18,000,000 hours of service for the terminally ill in their communities. Bill Sewell, Professor Emeritus from Michigan Technological University was presented with the award at the NHPCO ceremonies in Atlanta, Georgia on April 23. Wanda Kolb, Administrator states, "We are certainly proud of Bill and Jean for the service they have provided to the terminally ill in our community for many years. These two awards are heartwarming and inspiring for our agency. They demonstrate that even in a rural area like the Copper Country, sustained and practical service to others is recognized and honored". Wanda accompanied Jean to the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (MHPCO) awards ceremony in Bay City, Michigan, on April 19th where Jean was presented with the MHPCO award, "Hospice Dream Team Volunteer Coordinator of the Year". There are 130 hospice programs in Michigan and 115 are members of the MHPCO. Jean Laurie, RN has been the Volunteer Coordinator here for the past six years and provides education and training to more than 40 hospice volunteers. In 2004 she became a "Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse" in addition to her duties as Volunteer Coordinator. Congratulations to Jean and Bill!
	VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, 2004
	Bill Sewell has been chosen as the agency's Volunteer of the Year. Bill was nominated for this award for all the hard work that he has performed as a Volunteer. During the past several years, he has helped with respite care for our patients, and is an excellent listener. He is kind, caring, conscientious, and strongly believes in the Hospice philosophy. He brings a sincere, sensitive approach to patient and family needs, while continually working towards making our community a better place to live and work. In addition, Bill has been actively involved with the Omega House since it's inception. Congratulations, Bill, for being this year's VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR.
	One Volunteer's Experience...by Candy Peterson
	I've always wished I had what it takes to be a nurse, but a squeamishness about blood and eyes kept me from the nursing career. When our nest emptied out and I had paid my dues to the Boy Scouts, Sunday School, Music Boosters, and Suzuki Association, I was searching for volunteer work that would be as honest and meaningful as full-time parenting had been. I wanted to be "on the ground", one-on-one with people, and spending time with a dying person and the family through our Hospice program seemed ideal. There is no phoniness about death. Seven years later, I think I can say that I have learned more from this "work", than from anything else I have ever done. The initial training was fantastic. I remember one instructor saying, "When you are with a dying person, you will feel you are on holy ground, and the words that need to be said will come from your mouth, as if by magic." A person who often wishes she could recall her words, I was eager for THIS experience. Although it doesn't happen all the time and I still make mistakes, I have felt this mystical phenomenon. The training also helped me feel confident and prepared when, within two years, both my mom and dad died. Walking into a strange home, meeting new people who are facing great changes, always stretches my comfort zone. But isn't that what is needed in today's world? Loving one's own family and friends doesn't contribute much in the process of bringing heaven to earth. Again, the honesty of death allows me to connect very quickly with new people; strangers do not stay strangers for long. Death is a leveling process, in more ways than one! In a nation with increasing disparity between the haves and have-nots, a trend I detest, I appreciate the fairness in the inevitability of death. Hospice makes no distinction between the rich and poor patients it accepts and assists. All are given top-notch yet gentle attention, and I am grateful to be part of such an organization. Perhaps the most important thing I have gained from my experiences with KHNH is having to wrestle with my own beliefs about death, an ongoing and challenging process. All faith traditions have explainations and hopes, and I find the varieties (and similarities) interesting and exciting. I have met some fantastic people on the staff of KHNH, nurses and secretaries and chaplains and volunteers, all in the business of helping people have a beautiful death. At my first annual Christmas party, I sensed such goodwill and friendship that I had to ask someone how it was that, in this "burnout" field of healthcare, KHNH folks seem energetic and downright happy. "Ah", came the answer. "It's because the administrators are nurses and know you must take care of caregivers". I am still learning. An oncologist who presented a workshop a few years ago, stated that no one dies before he or she is ready to go. I am gathering evidence all the time (at 56, I am seeing death overtake friends as well as elderly relatives), and am beginning to see the truth of this doctor's words. And if he is right and we ARE in control of our own fate, WOW!!!!! As I gradually lose my fear of death, my ability to love and help others increases. For this I am forever grateful!