Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care is the recipient of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York’s Community Advocate Award for 2009. Over the last four years Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care and the Alzheimer’s Association have partnered in many different ways including the creation of the educational DVD “Making Life Easier….Together” for those newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The partnership has also developed educational programs for both families and professionals, and has streamlined services by making joint home visits. “This award symbolizes the difference hospice makes in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s disease and their families,” said Ann Marie Thayer, Alzheimer’s Association Program Manager.
The award will be formally presented at the Alzheimer’s Association Annual Winter Awards Reception on December 3rd in Albany.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Community Conversation Opens Dialogue
Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care CEO/President Lola Rathbone enjoys a moment with Virginia MorrisTo an overwhelming turnout, Ms. Morris offered her personal experience and insights from years of research on end-of-life care in a compassionate yet candid and thought provoking manner. “Our goal was to offer our community an opportunity to get real information and ask real questions that will inspire families and friends to have “these” conversations that can help improve their lives in a positive and lasting way,” said Landa Palmer, Vice President for Patient Access of Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care.
Lola Rathbone, CEO/President of Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care added, “It’s all about people making their own decisions. It is so much easier for everybody when wishes/decisions have been discussed ahead of time and it’s actually easier to have these conversations before the situation occurs.”
The audience asked an array of personal and philosophical questions to the panel that consisted of Ann Eldred, MD - Nephrologist / Medical Director of Dialysis, Bassett Healthcare; Jennifer Rule, MD - Family Medicine, A. O. Fox Hospital, Susquehanna Family Practice; Charles Howarth, MD - Assistant Chief, Hospitalist Division, Bassett Healthcare; Mary Bergen, MS Counseling – Hospice Social Worker, Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care; Rev. Teressa Sivers, Pastor First United Methodist Church; Carol Kirkey - Family Member.
To view video excerpts of Virginia Morris’ talk and the audience/panel interactive dialogue, go to www.cahpc.org.
Short Takes
Wish List
There are many ways to support the mission of hospice. One way is to donate or help to purchase one of the items on our wish list. The list is always changing and evolving, if you would like to support hospice in this meaningful way, contact Pamela Finch at 607-432-6773.
Helping Hospice Families for Generations to Come
You can assure the future of hospice in our community by making a provision in your will. Your bequest will serve as a timeless legacy for you or your family and provide support to thousands of individuals and families for generations to come. For more information, call Huemac Garcia at 607-432-6773.
Community Events
Many community groups or individuals have created fundraisers to support the efforts of our hospice program. Their efforts are meaningful and essential to the continuity of our services in Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie Counties. If your event is not listed below, please let us know and we will publish it in our next issue. If your company or group is interested in fundraising for hospice, please contact Huemac Garcia at 607-432-6773.
We’d like to thank the following groups, their sponsors, volunteers and participants:
$1,014
2009 Leatherstocking R/C Buzzards Giantscale Fly-In Airshow
$200
Oneonta Country Club Women’s Golf Association “Beat the Pro Day” in memory of Frank “Gus” Grygiel and in honor of PGA Professional Paul Jaycox
$420
Gail Bunting / Corey James Art Calendar proceeds
$100
Oneonta Walgreen’s Customer Appreciation Day
$300
Hudson Highlands Retreads Motorcycle Club Poker Run
$800
Laurine and Gregory Jennings 4th Annual Hotdogs for Hospice and Bake Sale in memory of Edward “Ted” Jennings Jr., Deborah Bauer and Marion Starr
$211
Walton Motors Delaware County Fair raffle proceeds
$400
Antiquarian Books “Private Seller Book Sale”, Hatherleigh Press Ltd, Hobart NY
$110
Bobby and Carolee Riddell’s “Arnold Lake Golf Shootout”
There are many ways to support the mission of hospice. One way is to donate or help to purchase one of the items on our wish list. The list is always changing and evolving, if you would like to support hospice in this meaningful way, contact Pamela Finch at 607-432-6773.
Helping Hospice Families for Generations to Come
You can assure the future of hospice in our community by making a provision in your will. Your bequest will serve as a timeless legacy for you or your family and provide support to thousands of individuals and families for generations to come. For more information, call Huemac Garcia at 607-432-6773.
Community Events
Many community groups or individuals have created fundraisers to support the efforts of our hospice program. Their efforts are meaningful and essential to the continuity of our services in Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie Counties. If your event is not listed below, please let us know and we will publish it in our next issue. If your company or group is interested in fundraising for hospice, please contact Huemac Garcia at 607-432-6773.
We’d like to thank the following groups, their sponsors, volunteers and participants:
$1,014
2009 Leatherstocking R/C Buzzards Giantscale Fly-In Airshow
$200
Oneonta Country Club Women’s Golf Association “Beat the Pro Day” in memory of Frank “Gus” Grygiel and in honor of PGA Professional Paul Jaycox
$420
Gail Bunting / Corey James Art Calendar proceeds
$100
Oneonta Walgreen’s Customer Appreciation Day
$300
Hudson Highlands Retreads Motorcycle Club Poker Run
$800
Laurine and Gregory Jennings 4th Annual Hotdogs for Hospice and Bake Sale in memory of Edward “Ted” Jennings Jr., Deborah Bauer and Marion Starr
$211
Walton Motors Delaware County Fair raffle proceeds
$400
Antiquarian Books “Private Seller Book Sale”, Hatherleigh Press Ltd, Hobart NY
$110
Bobby and Carolee Riddell’s “Arnold Lake Golf Shootout”
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Hospice Celebrity Party
Presenting Sponsors
SEFCU
Corporate Sponsors
MVP Health Care
Venture Sales Group
NBT Bank
Participating Sponsors
Brewery Ommegang
Central New York Radio Group
College Association at Delhi
Craig Gelbsman
Hometown Oneonta
Lettis Auction Service
Mexican Original
New York Central Mutual
Northern Eagle Beverages
The Daily Star
Time Warner Cable Media Sales
Tyson
U.S. Foodservice
WKTV
For 2010 Golf and Party information and Sponsorship Opportunities, contact Huemac Garcia at 607-432-6773.
SEFCU
Corporate Sponsors
MVP Health Care
Venture Sales Group
NBT Bank
Participating Sponsors
Brewery Ommegang
Central New York Radio Group
College Association at Delhi
Craig Gelbsman
Hometown Oneonta
Lettis Auction Service
Mexican Original
New York Central Mutual
Northern Eagle Beverages
The Daily Star
Time Warner Cable Media Sales
Tyson
U.S. Foodservice
WKTV
For 2010 Golf and Party information and Sponsorship Opportunities, contact Huemac Garcia at 607-432-6773.
Walter Rich Memorial Hospice Celebrity Golf Classic
Tournament Sponsors
Energy East Foundation
Jett Industries
Major Sponsors
Adirondack Combustion
John Bertuzzi
Security Mutual Life Insurance Company
Walter Rich Charitable Foundation
Participating Sponsors
Andrew M. Blum
Astrocom Electronics
Bassett Healthcare
Bill Weldon
Boston Private Bank and Trust
CAD Designs
Catskill Eye Care Associates
Citi Smith Barney – Matthew J. Sohns
Eastman Associates
ESPN
Ferguson Enterprises
Michael and Beth Ann Hutcherson
James Sprungle III
Karine, Stephanie & Derik Rich
Key Bank
Keystone Associates
Koester Associates
Lou Holtz
Mang Insurance Agency
Medical Coaches, Inc.
NBT Bank
New York Business Development Corporation
New York Central Mutual
New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway
Preferred Mutual Insurance Company
Schlather and Birch
Energy East Foundation
Jett Industries
Major Sponsors
Adirondack Combustion
John Bertuzzi
Security Mutual Life Insurance Company
Walter Rich Charitable Foundation
Participating Sponsors
Andrew M. Blum
Astrocom Electronics
Bassett Healthcare
Bill Weldon
Boston Private Bank and Trust
CAD Designs
Catskill Eye Care Associates
Citi Smith Barney – Matthew J. Sohns
Eastman Associates
ESPN
Ferguson Enterprises
Michael and Beth Ann Hutcherson
James Sprungle III
Karine, Stephanie & Derik Rich
Key Bank
Keystone Associates
Koester Associates
Lou Holtz
Mang Insurance Agency
Medical Coaches, Inc.
NBT Bank
New York Business Development Corporation
New York Central Mutual
New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway
Preferred Mutual Insurance Company
Schlather and Birch
Hospice Welcomes Full-time Medical Director
Catskill Area & Palliative Care is pleased to announce that on July 22, 2009, Dr. Patrick Dwyer was appointed as our first full-time Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Dwyer will be responsible for overseeing the medical aspects of our patient’s care and will serve as liaison with members of our local medical community.
Dr. Dwyer has been affiliated with Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care since 1989 when he became an Associate Medical Director and volunteered to attend interdisciplinary team meetings and perform patient consultations as needed. Dr. Dwyer cited that the people at hospice attracted him to joining our team. He stated, “We have a unique combination--a talented group of people that not only offer a great service but that have a lot of love and a lot of heart.”
Dr. Dwyer is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, and his medical degree from Washington University (St. Louis). Dr. Dwyer completed his medical residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Dwyer also trained as a Clinical Associate at the National Institutes of Health in the National Cancer Institute. He completed his medical oncology training and hematology fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. After his training, Dr. Dwyer also served with distinction as a hematologist-oncologist for 25 years at Bassett Healthcare.
Both of Dr. Dwyer’s parents were served by hospice and he has had a long commitment to the philosophy and mission of hospice. He feels that he has an obligation to our patients, families, staff members, referring physicians and other referral sources to ensure that the care we provide is excellent and accessible.
Dr. Patrick Dwyer
Dr. Dwyer has been affiliated with Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care since 1989 when he became an Associate Medical Director and volunteered to attend interdisciplinary team meetings and perform patient consultations as needed. Dr. Dwyer cited that the people at hospice attracted him to joining our team. He stated, “We have a unique combination--a talented group of people that not only offer a great service but that have a lot of love and a lot of heart.”
Dr. Dwyer is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, and his medical degree from Washington University (St. Louis). Dr. Dwyer completed his medical residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Dwyer also trained as a Clinical Associate at the National Institutes of Health in the National Cancer Institute. He completed his medical oncology training and hematology fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. After his training, Dr. Dwyer also served with distinction as a hematologist-oncologist for 25 years at Bassett Healthcare.
Both of Dr. Dwyer’s parents were served by hospice and he has had a long commitment to the philosophy and mission of hospice. He feels that he has an obligation to our patients, families, staff members, referring physicians and other referral sources to ensure that the care we provide is excellent and accessible.
Dr. Patrick Dwyer
Regardless of Political Debate… We All Have the Freedom of Choice
I usually shy away from political debate but the recent controversies involving end of life counseling beg my attention. Certainly the concept of informed choice is not a partisan principle. All Americans would agree that they want to have the freedom to make their own decisions regarding their health care, especially at the end of their lives.
The problem with the present system is that often information about end of life options is withheld, for a variety of reasons, until the person is literally days from drawing their final breath. At that moment the person usually is not able to make his/her own decisions and desperate grieving family members are forced to decide what to do.
Hospice is based on the philosophy and belief that people with a serious life threatening illness deserve an informed choice regarding treatment options as their illness progresses.
In my past 18 years of Hospice work I have had literally thousands of letters and satisfaction surveys from hospice family members stating, “We wish we had known about Hospice sooner.” I am pleased to report that this has improved as more and more, people are becoming better educated about the benefits of hospice and as a result, are more comfortable and confident as they reach out to us earlier.
We are finding that the truth about end of life care is that when people are educated about the benefits of hospice before they actually need it, and if they are referred to hospice early enough to enjoy the many services offered, they often live longer, fuller lives than those not receiving hospice.
Sadly, those not receiving hospice services spend much of their last precious year of life between doctor’s office visits, trips to the ER, and hospitalizations where they not only expend their waning energies but may also be exposed to infectious diseases that target the frail and weak.
The truth is that advance care planning puts you in charge of what happens to you in case you become ill. Advanced care planning gives us this “Freedom of choice” opportunity that we all have, regardless of political debate. Our job at hospice is to make this easier for you and your families.
Lola Rathbone, CEO/President
The problem with the present system is that often information about end of life options is withheld, for a variety of reasons, until the person is literally days from drawing their final breath. At that moment the person usually is not able to make his/her own decisions and desperate grieving family members are forced to decide what to do.
Hospice is based on the philosophy and belief that people with a serious life threatening illness deserve an informed choice regarding treatment options as their illness progresses.
In my past 18 years of Hospice work I have had literally thousands of letters and satisfaction surveys from hospice family members stating, “We wish we had known about Hospice sooner.” I am pleased to report that this has improved as more and more, people are becoming better educated about the benefits of hospice and as a result, are more comfortable and confident as they reach out to us earlier.
We are finding that the truth about end of life care is that when people are educated about the benefits of hospice before they actually need it, and if they are referred to hospice early enough to enjoy the many services offered, they often live longer, fuller lives than those not receiving hospice.
Sadly, those not receiving hospice services spend much of their last precious year of life between doctor’s office visits, trips to the ER, and hospitalizations where they not only expend their waning energies but may also be exposed to infectious diseases that target the frail and weak.
The truth is that advance care planning puts you in charge of what happens to you in case you become ill. Advanced care planning gives us this “Freedom of choice” opportunity that we all have, regardless of political debate. Our job at hospice is to make this easier for you and your families.
Lola Rathbone, CEO/President
This “Bucket List” Item Brings True Happiness
By Eileen Lishansky
A true “bucket list” item, this story comes from our entire family, especially my Dad, who was very happy that our hospice story would be shared with so many of you.
In April 2008, our family was told that my dad, Tom O’Brien, had two to three days to live. For five years he had been on oxygen. He had COPD and heart problems. The doctor informed us that his vital organs were shutting down, so as a family we gathered in the IC Unit of Fox Hospital and said our teary goodbyes. But Dad was not ready to die. After ten days in the hospital, he was not better, but stable. There really wasn’t anything more that could be done for him except keep him as comfortable as possible. Over the years, my dad confided in my mother and best friend of 57 years, that if possible he would prefer not to go to a nursing home. Yet, his biggest concern was how much of a burden his day to day care would be to my mom.
Before being discharged from the hospital, someone from hospice came to speak to us. She explained the type of services that Hospice could offer my father and our family. We left the hospital with peace of mind and a plan of action. My dad would be able to stay at home, watch TV and read his papers in his own chair. At night he could sleep in his own bed. The Hospice staff and nurses were incredible. They made regularly scheduled visits to my parent’s home. These visits were crucial to my dad’s physical and mental well being and equally important to my mom, his primary caretaker. It allowed her time to run an errand without worrying about dad. She knew there was someone who would be able to give her a break when needed; someone who understood not only what my dad was going through but the anxiety, fear, weariness and even the occasional guilt mom would feel. There were days when my father became irritable. This was hard on my mother. The Hospice staff would reassure her that this was normal. It helped my parents to talk to someone outside of the immediate family.
These (Hospice) people have an uncanny insight that the average person does not. Without interfering during such emotional times, they were able to be present in the way that we needed them to be. My father said he appreciated their candor. No one ever sugar coated the truth. He understood that he would not get better, but would be kept safe and as comfortable as possible. Their honesty and objectivity prepared him for this journey in a way that the family could not.
My mom was forever asking, “What would we do without Hospice?” My dad would reply, “That we would probably be making many scary trips to the emergency room in the middle of the night. With hospice, we can call and speak to someone with expertise who knows my condition.” The hospice phone number was taped strategically throughout the home. We didn’t hesitate to call. The comfort of knowing that someone with expertise and sensitivity was always available to us made a world of difference.
Dad was continually amazed by the computer system that the workers used and he trusted that whoever spoke to him was looking at his records and knew about what was going on with his personal situation. He found this coordinated effort on his behalf priceless. The medication management service Hospice provides is phenomenal, especially for the elderly. Our family task of ordering, renewing and picking up prescriptions, equipment and supplies was eliminated. Hospice did all of that for us, allowing us to focus on spending quality time together as a family.
Hospice eliminated what would have been major obstacles in my parent’s daily lives. My Mom would have been terrified if she had to transport Dad to doctor visits or labs for the bi-weekly blood work. With hospice, Dad’s care was handled in the comfort of their own living room. Most of all, Dad would remind us that he probably would have had to be placed in a nursing home if not for Hospice.
One of the nurses told me something that will forever echo in my thoughts. We would often ask, “How do you do this?” She said, “When I get to a door, there is no way of knowing what I am walking into, so, I look up to heaven and say, I’m not doing this alone, you’re coming in with me.” She said she always tells people, “I cannot spare you the inevitable, just make you all feel safer as it comes.”
We will be forever grateful for the experience of being right by Dad’s side in his own living room when we convinced him it was OK to go. We let him know that we were all safe and would take care of one another. On that morning my Dad took his last breath in his own home, in his favorite chair, surrounded by family. The plan Hospice laid out for us in that hospital room in April 2008 had brought us all through safely and together to September 20, 2009, Dad’s last day home. I have no doubts that Dad is smiling and that he will now check this (our story) off his probably still active “bucket list.”
A true “bucket list” item, this story comes from our entire family, especially my Dad, who was very happy that our hospice story would be shared with so many of you.
In April 2008, our family was told that my dad, Tom O’Brien, had two to three days to live. For five years he had been on oxygen. He had COPD and heart problems. The doctor informed us that his vital organs were shutting down, so as a family we gathered in the IC Unit of Fox Hospital and said our teary goodbyes. But Dad was not ready to die. After ten days in the hospital, he was not better, but stable. There really wasn’t anything more that could be done for him except keep him as comfortable as possible. Over the years, my dad confided in my mother and best friend of 57 years, that if possible he would prefer not to go to a nursing home. Yet, his biggest concern was how much of a burden his day to day care would be to my mom.
Before being discharged from the hospital, someone from hospice came to speak to us. She explained the type of services that Hospice could offer my father and our family. We left the hospital with peace of mind and a plan of action. My dad would be able to stay at home, watch TV and read his papers in his own chair. At night he could sleep in his own bed. The Hospice staff and nurses were incredible. They made regularly scheduled visits to my parent’s home. These visits were crucial to my dad’s physical and mental well being and equally important to my mom, his primary caretaker. It allowed her time to run an errand without worrying about dad. She knew there was someone who would be able to give her a break when needed; someone who understood not only what my dad was going through but the anxiety, fear, weariness and even the occasional guilt mom would feel. There were days when my father became irritable. This was hard on my mother. The Hospice staff would reassure her that this was normal. It helped my parents to talk to someone outside of the immediate family.
These (Hospice) people have an uncanny insight that the average person does not. Without interfering during such emotional times, they were able to be present in the way that we needed them to be. My father said he appreciated their candor. No one ever sugar coated the truth. He understood that he would not get better, but would be kept safe and as comfortable as possible. Their honesty and objectivity prepared him for this journey in a way that the family could not.
My mom was forever asking, “What would we do without Hospice?” My dad would reply, “That we would probably be making many scary trips to the emergency room in the middle of the night. With hospice, we can call and speak to someone with expertise who knows my condition.” The hospice phone number was taped strategically throughout the home. We didn’t hesitate to call. The comfort of knowing that someone with expertise and sensitivity was always available to us made a world of difference.
Dad was continually amazed by the computer system that the workers used and he trusted that whoever spoke to him was looking at his records and knew about what was going on with his personal situation. He found this coordinated effort on his behalf priceless. The medication management service Hospice provides is phenomenal, especially for the elderly. Our family task of ordering, renewing and picking up prescriptions, equipment and supplies was eliminated. Hospice did all of that for us, allowing us to focus on spending quality time together as a family.
Hospice eliminated what would have been major obstacles in my parent’s daily lives. My Mom would have been terrified if she had to transport Dad to doctor visits or labs for the bi-weekly blood work. With hospice, Dad’s care was handled in the comfort of their own living room. Most of all, Dad would remind us that he probably would have had to be placed in a nursing home if not for Hospice.
One of the nurses told me something that will forever echo in my thoughts. We would often ask, “How do you do this?” She said, “When I get to a door, there is no way of knowing what I am walking into, so, I look up to heaven and say, I’m not doing this alone, you’re coming in with me.” She said she always tells people, “I cannot spare you the inevitable, just make you all feel safer as it comes.”
We will be forever grateful for the experience of being right by Dad’s side in his own living room when we convinced him it was OK to go. We let him know that we were all safe and would take care of one another. On that morning my Dad took his last breath in his own home, in his favorite chair, surrounded by family. The plan Hospice laid out for us in that hospital room in April 2008 had brought us all through safely and together to September 20, 2009, Dad’s last day home. I have no doubts that Dad is smiling and that he will now check this (our story) off his probably still active “bucket list.”
Monday, December 7, 2009
Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care Receives Alzheimer’s Association Community Advocate Award
On December 3rd, Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care was presented the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York's Community Advocate Award for 2009. The award was presented at the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York’s First Annual “Champions for the Cause” Winter Awards Reception at the Italian American Center in Albany.
Over the last four years Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care and the Alzheimer's Association have partnered in many different ways including the creation of the educational DVD “Making Life Easier….Together” for those newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
The partnership has also developed educational programs for both families and professionals, and has streamlined services by making joint home visits. “This award symbolizes the difference hospice makes in the lives of those with Alzheimer's disease and their families,” said Ann Marie Thayer, Alzheimer’s Association Program Manager.
Ann Marie Thayer, Alzheimer’s Association Program Manager (center) is pictured with Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care CEO/President, Lola Rathbone(left) and Vice President of Patient Access, Landa Palmer (right).
Over the last four years Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care and the Alzheimer's Association have partnered in many different ways including the creation of the educational DVD “Making Life Easier….Together” for those newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
The partnership has also developed educational programs for both families and professionals, and has streamlined services by making joint home visits. “This award symbolizes the difference hospice makes in the lives of those with Alzheimer's disease and their families,” said Ann Marie Thayer, Alzheimer’s Association Program Manager.
Ann Marie Thayer, Alzheimer’s Association Program Manager (center) is pictured with Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care CEO/President, Lola Rathbone(left) and Vice President of Patient Access, Landa Palmer (right).
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