by Julie Theado | Jul 31, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE president and CEO
Social relationships are intertwined in the DNA of every person; in fact, it’s been scientifically proven to influence physical and psychological wellness. As we build a network of support, our peers become the stability to which we depend on in times of joy, grief, and all moments encompassed in between. Companionship is a reinforced cycle, allowing you to discover friendships that encourage, motivate, and build a better you in every life stage. There might have been a time where you recalled someone saying, “it keeps me young” in response to an activity or hobby. These instances are a fundamental piece of socialization, as it positively enhances their perspective on aging and their ability to participate. The activities help create new cherished memories that will give them something to reflect on in the future.
Instilling a sense of belonging in older adults is crucial for their mental and physical well-being, particularly when they are bound to residential care facilities, where they are often secluded in their respective rooms. Settling into this lifestyle may involve some uncertainty and loneliness, especially if the family is not local. For seniors who are widowed or live far from loved ones, finding other ways to socialize is necessary for continued relationships and quality of life. Access to social engagements where the person can see familiar faces and maintain some level of normalcy is often attributed to higher energy levels and increased mobility.
Concurrent with the benefit of practical aid and social ties, a robust support network within a community nurtures emotional strength among older adults. Life’s trials, such as health issues, bereavement, or shifts in living situations underscore the significance of having a compassionate group who comprehends and shares in their journey.
by Julie Theado | May 20, 2024 | Uncategorized
FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. will host its annual Trash to Treasure Sale on Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8 held at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds to benefit the FAIRHOPE Hospice Memorial Fund. Community members are encouraged to participate by purchasing used items that need a new home or donating unused items to the sale.
“Participating in our annual Trash to Treasure Sale gives new life to unused items while also supporting our mission to bring hospice care and comfort to families in need through our Memorial Fund,” said Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE President/CEO. “We thank our volunteers for their dedication to this event and invite the community to join us in making this year’s event the best and biggest one yet!”
The Trash to Treasure event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 7, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 at 157 E. Fair Ave. in Lancaster. Items available at the event range from toys, games, common household products, and small furnishings. Volunteers help by collecting, sorting, storing, cleaning, pricing, selling, and packing the donated goods.
FAIRHOPE is currently accepting donations of new or gently used items. Clothing will not be accepted. If you’d like to donate, please contact Twylia Summers at 740-475-0657 or tsummers@fairhopehospice.org.
They will also have multiple drop-off days at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds:
- June 3, 4, 5 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- June 6 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
by Julie Theado | Apr 15, 2024 | Uncategorized
LANCASTER, Ohio (April 15, 2024) — FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. announced today that it has purchased a building at 1319 E. Main St., Lancaster. The building will allow FAIRHOPE to expand its palliative care services by opening a clinic specifically designed for palliative patients.
Palliative care is medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, while enhancing the quality of life for patients and families. Palliative care is a nurse practitioner program that is overseen by physicians. Currently, FAIRHOPE serves 300 palliative care patients.
“We are thrilled to have this amazing opportunity to expand our palliative care program to meet the growing needs of our community and patients,” said FAIRHOPE CEO Kristin Glasure. “Opening a clinic that allows us to better respond to patients with serious illnesses has been in our vision for several years.”
“Patients who may have a serious illness are still active,” said Seth White, vice president of FAIRHOPE. “Many patients who suffer a serious illness may go to work and their doctor’s appointments. They do not always want us to come to their home. They are still independent and would prefer to visit a clinic. This new palliative care clinic will allow them to continue their independence.”
Once FAIRHOPE completes all the necessary regulatory requirements, it will move forward with setting an opening date for the clinic. The palliative care clinic will be in Dr. Scott DeLong’s former building. Dr. Jerig’s practice will remain on one side of the building, and the palliative care clinic will occupy the other.
“We look forward to continuing our outstanding partnerships with local medical care professionals and providers, including Fairfield Medical Center,” said Glasure.
To learn more about FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care, visit www.fairhopehospice.org, or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FairhopeHospice.
FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Since 1982, FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care has provided exceptional and compassionate care in our community. We are dedicated to meeting the emotional, spiritual and physical needs of those we serve by honoring life during its most difficult times. We will meet you on your journey wherever you need us. This includes serving you at our serene 38-acre campus in Lancaster, home to the Pickering House hospice in-patient facility and the Anita M. Turner grief center. We invite you to learn more about us by visiting our website at www.fairhopehospice.org.
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by Julie Theado | Jan 30, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE President and CEO
When you become a caregiver, you need to be authorized to act and make decisions on your loved one’s behalf. This can be difficult but requires preparation, patience and understanding. The three key areas are managing the legal, financial, and medical decisions for your loved one. This blog will cover some of the legal and financial plans. We encourage you to work with professionals to ensure your loved ones’ wishes are identified.
The first step is to work with an elder law attorney. They can assist with a range of services such as last will, testament, Durable Power of Attorney, preparing the estate for Medicaid Eligibility, and more. While you can execute some legal forms without an attorney, it is imperative to have legal advice and assistance from an elder law specialist. Below are a few local and trusted law firms:
As a caregiver, taking on the financial responsibility of your loved one can be challenging. It is important to keep your finances on track while caring for someone else. Below are some places to explore financial help.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), monthly payments for people unable to work due to a serious medical condition.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI), is a safety-net benefit for older, disabled, and blind people with minimal income and assets.
- Medicare is the federal healthcare program for people aged 65 and older.
- Medicaid is the federal healthcare program for low-income individuals and families.
- Veteran benefits, including financial support for caregivers of former service members.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps).
- Personal Care Agreement, which helps manage caregiving responsibilities. These are formal contracts that state what care needs to be provided.
“The ultimate goal is to make sure you have all the decision-making rights you need to manage your loved one’s affairs,” advises Charles Sabatino, director of the Commission on Law and Aging at the American Bar Association (ABA).
Our goal is to help support you in your caregiving role. We hope this series helped you prepare and understand what is available. Everyone’s situation is unique. Some advice may work for some but not others. It is important to give yourself grace during this time. Stay tuned for our next blog series!
by Julie Theado | Dec 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
Jennie Arter recently joined FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care as the development manager. She has held several positions throughout her career including being part of the marketing medical field for 14 years. In her role at FAIRHOPE, Arter will focus on building relationships in philanthropy in order to support patients and their families.
As a native Ohioan, born and raised in Lancaster, Ohio, Arter has a firm commitment to her community. She graduated from Lancaster High School, as did her husband and three sons. Along with her sons, she, and her husband Steve, were blessed with a daughter, Elizabeth Rose (Beth).
“We are overjoyed to have Jennie on our team,” said Kristin Glasure, President & CEO of FAIRHOPE. “She brings a unique skill set to our team and has a deep understanding of non-profits. I am impressed with her passion for improving the quality of life for others. We look forward to introducing Jennie to our wonderful patients and families.”
Arter developed a keen sense of devotion to the non-profit sector as a beneficiary of generous support while raising their four children, especially when it came to her medically fragile daughter, Beth. This experience gave her a deep appreciation for how non-profits seek to improve the quality of life for others.
by Julie Theado | Dec 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
By Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE President and CEO
Establishing boundaries defines what you are willing to do, how you want to be treated, and how you want people to behave around you. Establishing your expectations is your strong hopes or principles that a certain event will occur or that you will obtain the desired outcome.
It’s important for everyone to understand the power and need of setting boundaries, but it is especially critical for caregivers. It helps prevent burnout and additional stress. It permits you to ask for help. No one can do it all, and protecting your well-being while caring for a loved one is equally important.
Caregivers, ask yourself a few critical questions:
- When was the last time you got a full eight hours of sleep?
- When was the last time to ate a healthy meal?
- When was the last time you asked for help without feeling guilty?
If you struggled to answer these questions, it is time to consider your own needs and set boundaries. Being a caregiver doesn’t mean you need to skip out on life. Caregivers deserve to have hobbies, get enough sleep, and exercise. Boundaries can help meet the caregiver’s needs.
That leads us to – how to set boundaries. A good first step is to connect with peers who can help. Or you can communicate your boundaries to your family or friends.
Wherever you are on the caregiving spectrum, it is important to remember boundaries are not cruel but critical and expectations are not meaningless but meaningful. When put in any situation where you may need boundaries remember:
- The power of saying no.
- Catch stress early.
- Communicate.
- Get support when needed.
- Feel your emotions.
- Set realistic boundaries for your expectations or goals.
We understand setting boundaries can be difficult for some and easy for others. We also understand every situation is different, but everyone deserves to avoid burnout physically and mentally and have their boundaries respected. When in doubt take a step back and evaluate if you need to set boundaries or respect boundaries. Do not miss our last blog in our Methods to Reduce or Prevent Caregiver Stress article on making legal and financial plans!
