SCHOHARIE COUNTY ANGELS

by Jacqueline Guntert

My Mom and Dad, Betty and Larry Wood have lived together with my husband Ed and I since 2000. Owning their own home had become too much for them to handle. Although they needed some assisted living, they were still able to lead independent lives. However, over the next few years’ things began to change. First Dad had to give up driving, and then Mom felt she couldn't do it either. By 2006, their health began to deteriorate. Mom has many chronic health issues, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, and hypertension. Dad was legally blind due to macular degeneration and glaucoma. He also couldn't hear well; couldn't get around very well, and ended up falling frequently.

Although Ed and I are retired, by the summer of 2007, caring 24/7 for two loved ones in their 90's was beginning to take its toll on us. During several of my parents many doctor visits, Dr. Eckel kept suggesting that I call Hospice. She was sure they could help us. Finally, in September, I called Hospice on a Monday morning. Monday afternoon Julie and Pat came to interview us, and tell us what the Hospice Program could do for us. We had no idea all the wonderful things that were available for Mom & Dad. In fact, we had never heard of the Palliative Care Program. Like so many others, we thought Hospice was only for terminal cancer patients.

On Tuesday morning we already had help from a delightful LPN named Tammy. Medications also arrived via FedEx. Before we knew it, we had had all necessary equipment and supplies that made things easier for us.

However, in no time at all we settled into a very comfortable routine. Monday through Friday we had wonderful help from Tammy, then Shirley, and now Star. They have not only helped with bathing, dressing, and light housework; they have provided wonderful companionship for my parents. Someone to talk to, help write in a diary, read from the Bible, sit on the deck, and many hugs. During this time, Ed and I could get out of the house if we wished to walk the dog, go downtown for a hot chocolate or whatever.

Once a week, Julie our RN came visit Mom and Dad to check on their status and communicates with Dr. Eckel and the hospice team with updates. Mom and Dad enjoyed being home and not having to go to the doctor’s office for routine matters. Julie is the eyes and ears for their doctor. Anytime I have a concern Monday -Friday I can call her. Evenings and weekends there is always a nurse on call to talk to and guide us through whatever we need.

Pat, our social worker comes every other week to check on the well being of all of us. She visits with my parents, and encourages Ed and me to get out and have more time together. She even arranged for a Hospice volunteer named Brenda to come and visit Mom every Saturday. Mom really looks forward to those visits.

Although I have been referring to Mom and Dad in this article; my Dad passed away in January, 2008, at the age of 97. Once again Hospice was there to help us through this difficult time. Even though it was the middle of the night, the nurse calmly talked to me, and offered suggestions for us to try. The next morning I could hear Tammy singing "Amazing Grace" to Dad while she bathed him. Although he wasn’t conscious, I'm sure he heard every word.

Dad passed away that afternoon. Ed called Hospice to let them know. Julie came back and stayed quite a while. She helped tell Mom that Dad had passed, called the funeral home, and most importantly, offered hugs. During the following week we received phone calls and visits from the Hospice Team, all checking in to see how we were doing.

I am happy to say we continue to have Hospice for Mom. She recently caught cold and became quite ill. She was having a lot of trouble breathing. Julie offered some immediate suggestions, and consulted with Dr. Eckel. Again Mom was able to stay home. After some medication changes, she is on the road to recovery.

In closing, I cannot say enough about all the wonderful Hospice staff, and the services you provide. I know they all love their jobs. The smiles on their faces are like a ray of sunshine when they walk into our home. The hugs are terrific too. Never have I met such a compassionate group of people. They always know what to say and do. Because of hospice, my parents have been able to remain in our home where they are comfortable, and with their help be cared for with love, compassion, and dignity. We are truly blessed to have hospice in our lives. We will never forget them. They truly are Schoharie County angels.


Jacqueline Guntert is the daughter of Betty and The Late Larry Wood