by Julie Theado | Mar 31, 2023 | Uncategorized
By Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE president and CEO
Research has shown that volunteering offers many health benefits. Volunteer activities can improve physical and mental health, provide a sense of purpose, increase overall satisfaction and self-esteem, and develop existing and new relationships through social interactions.
Hospice volunteers can choose from many options for donating their time and talents, whether in a patient’s home, in the office, or in the community. The opportunities are as varied as the time, skills, and interests of our volunteers. Plus, the schedule is flexible. Through participation and engagement, our volunteers find value in their devotion to patients, their loved ones, and their communities.
Some FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care volunteers visit patients to offer companionship, playing a vital role in enhancing the experiences of our patients and their families at the end-of-life. Other volunteers help with administrative tasks, such as data entry and filing, to help our organization run more smoothly and to improve the quality of life for our patients. Representing all ages and life experiences, we match the skills of each volunteer to the important tasks within our mission.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Patient & Family Volunteers – Act as an extension of the family in providing support to the patient and caregiver. Companion volunteers are trained to handle all situations that may arise while they are in the patient’s home. These volunteers:
- provide companionship and friendship
- perform simple chores
- offer caregiver respite by sitting with the patient so the caregiver can attend to other tasks in, or outside, the home
Office Support Volunteers – Work in FAIRHOPE’S office and assist with tasks to maintain the organization’s operations. These volunteers assist with:
- greeting guests at Fairhope’s Pickering House
- mailings
- filing
- making copies
- special projects and other clerical tasks
Community Outreach Volunteers – Represent FAIRHOPE in the community and spread the word about the programs and services we offer. These volunteers:
- participate in the Speaker’s Bureau
- staff FAIRHOPE booths at community events and fairs
- recruit new volunteers and supporters
- assist with fundraising projects and FAIRHOPE events
All FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care volunteers complete a training class to review the basics of hospice volunteering. Specialized instruction is geared toward the volunteer’s area of interest. Training varies from 4 to 21 hours, depending on the volunteer’s role within the organization.
Many volunteers choose to give back after having an experience with a loved one at FAIRHOPE where they encountered the compassionate care provided. These connections help those volunteers to be extensions of our team. They truly understand what families are experiencing. However, if you’ve recently faced a significant loss, consider taking time to process it before committing to volunteering.
We look forward to welcoming you to our team and are committed to working with you to help broaden your horizons as you share your talents and learn new skills. Call to register for our upcoming volunteer training sessions. We are certain that you will agree with our current volunteers: they treasure the time spent volunteering and receive much more than they give. Learn more at https://fairhopehospice.org/volunteer/.
by Julie Theado | Mar 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. will host its annual FAIRHOPE Celebrates Life event on Thursday, April 6 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Lancaster Golf Club as well as virtually.
The event will celebrate award winners, hold the signature fundraising event live and have both virtual and in-person live auctions. The donations from the event will support the FAIRHOPE Memorial Fund. This fund allows FAIRHOPE to provide end-of-life care to chronically and terminally ill patients who otherwise could not afford care and assists with other special patient needs and non-reimbursable program services.
To attend the event in-person, please register here: https://fairhopehospice.ejoinme.org/tickets.
To participate in the online auction, you will need to create a profile at https://fairhopehospice.ejoinme.org/fairhopecelebrateslifehopegrowshere2023. The online auction starts on Tuesday, April 4 at 8 a.m. and begins a tapered close on Thursday, April 6 at 8 p.m.
“It has been several years since we’ve been able to offer this event in-person,” said Kristin Glasure, President and CEO of FAIRHOPE. “We are looking forward to coming together and celebrating a truly special night. We are grateful for the support we continue to receive from the community. Last year, FAIRHOPE provided more than $210,000 in indigent care and grief support through the generosity of our community, and we know this event will help us continue to meet those needs of our patients and families.”
The event will also feature the FAIRHOPE Awards Presentation where the following winners will be recognized:
- President’s Leadership Award – Andrew Dagg-Murry
- Heart of Hospice – Marcie Beil
- Virginia L. Pickering Philanthropic – Fox Foundation
- Partners in Excellence – Gay Fad Studios
- Gordon B. Snider Community Impact Award – Rosemary Hajost
Several local businesses have stepped up to sponsor the event including Bremen Banking Center, Krile Communications, Park National Bank, Sitterley Law, Walker’s Shoe Center, ActionCOACH, Fairfield Federal Bank, Audiology Associates of Lancaster, Frank E. Smith Funeral Home and Fairfield Homes, Inc.
by Julie Theado | Feb 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
heart in hands giving
By Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE president and CEO
February, the month associated with love and all things heart-related, is American Heart Month. This offers an ideal time to focus on cardiovascular health, especially as people age and experience changes with their heart and blood vessels.
Reduce the risk of heart disease with heart-healthy habits. Here are 8 tips to keep your heart healthy:
Don’t smoke. Smoking, the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, damages blood vessels and artery walls and can cause heart disease. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you smoke, quit. Quitting, even in later life, can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer over time and result in improved circulation and increased energy.
Manage conditions. It is important to keep uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or diabetes under control as they can contribute to risks for heart disease and stroke. Follow your health care team’s recommendations to manage these conditions, including taking any medicines you have been prescribed.
Eat a heart-healthy diet. Choose to eat foods that are low in trans-fat, saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium. Salt can cause swelling in the legs and feet as we age. Replace foods high in sodium with fresh fruits and vegetables to help lower blood pressure and eat foods high in fiber and those made from whole grains to ward off cardiovascular disease.
Stay physically active. Staying physically active helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy at any age and can lower blood sugar, help obtain a healthy weight, maintain bone mass, improve mental ability, and build strength and stamina. The American Heart Association recommends that individuals perform at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise – every day is best, and physical activities can be done in shorter bursts, like brisk walking, dancing, bowling, bicycling, water aerobics, yoga, or gardening. Talk with your doctor about incorporating a variety of activities into your weekly routine, including aerobic or endurance exercise as well as ways to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and increase flexibility.
Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight can increase your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and bone issues. Maintain a healthy body weight as you age by eating wisely, limiting portion sizes, and staying physically active. Muscle mass loss and a decrease in metabolism may mean older adults need to eat and drink fewer calories and ensure foods are high in nutrients to maintain energy.
Limit alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol consumption can worsen health conditions that contribute to heart disease, like blood pressure, arrhythmias, and high cholesterol levels.
Reduce stress. Learn how to manage stress, relax, and cope with problems to improve physical and emotional health. To lower your risk of heart disease, utilize healthy outlets like meditation and stress management programs, as well as physical activity such as yoga. It can also help to talk with friends or family.
Get proper rest. Sleep is beneficial for brain functionality, metabolism, immune functionality, and emotional well-being. Most older adults should sleep between 7 and 9 hours each night. If snoring is accompanied by sleep apnea, or breathing that pauses during sleep, it can be associated with high blood pressure, arrhythmia, stroke, and heart failure. A sleep study can help diagnose if there are issues that could be harmful to your cardiovascular health.
Fully embrace heart health during American Heart Month by taking care of your body and your health to reduce your risk of developing heart disease and other health conditions. It is never too late to start living a healthy lifestyle to reduce your heart disease risks.
by Julie Theado | Jan 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
By Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE president and CEO
A new year is the perfect time to reflect. For many, it can be a time to shift perspectives or even to make a conscious effort to approach life differently.
If your loved one is in hospice care, the new year offers a reminder to focus on the beauty and joy that can be found, even while nearing the end of life. Hospice affirms life, offers peace, and provides an opportunity for awareness about what is to come for your loved one and family.
During reflection and when spending time together, focus on progress, not perfection. Set small, attainable goals and pick activities that feel refreshing, peaceful, relaxing, or energizing. Every day is an opportunity to lead a life worth living. Connect or reconnect with one another by sharing stories, playing a childhood game, reminiscing over old photographs, listening to music or calling an old friend. Express gratitude by sending thank you notes or gifts, writing out blessings or donating to a worthwhile charitable cause. Appreciate nature by watching the sun rise or set, viewing the stars, visiting a garden or park and observing the birds, dogs, children and other sights and sounds along the way. If learning new activities or being active is practical, read a new book or take a class like yoga, meditation or dance. Talk about the unknown and take each day as it comes. Use this time to obtain closure and prepare for the end-of-life journey.
Be sure to celebrate every win. Join me this year in renewing the commitment to celebrate life today and every day!
by Julie Theado | Dec 19, 2022 | Uncategorized
By Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE president & CEO
For many, the holiday season is a time of joy, family, and celebration. But for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the holidays can intensify feelings of sadness and pain. A 2021 survey found that 36 percent of respondents didn’t want to celebrate the holidays due to feelings of grief or loss.
While it is difficult to face the holidays without a loved one, there are ways to find comfort and hope throughout the season.
Acknowledge your emotions. The first step in handling grief during the holidays is to recognize and acknowledge the emotions you are feeling. Don’t deny or ignore the sadness that comes with missing a loved one. Instead, allow yourself to feel and express those emotions. Set realistic expectations for yourself as you accept the ups and downs you may experience. It is okay to cry, to talk about your loved one, and to take time for yourself to grieve.
Create new traditions. At the same time, make space for happiness. Allow yourself to enjoy the holiday season in whatever ways you can. This could include creating new traditions, spending time with family and friends, or volunteering to help those in need. You can also find comfort in your faith or spiritual practices. Allow those who care about you to assist with holiday shopping, decorating, cleaning, and cooking to lessen feelings of loneliness and help find joy.
Honor your loved one. Memories were made in love, and the holiday season is a time to remember that love never dies. Keep memories alive by displaying pictures, telling stories, visiting a memorial site, making a loved one’s favorite foods, or participating in activities your loved one enjoyed. You can also consider ways to give back to the community in their honor. Aim for connection with others as togetherness can be an antidote for loss, and conversations with family and friends can bring you closer and create moments to cherish.
Take care of yourself. Additionally, it is important to take time to rest and practice self-care. Get enough rest, eat healthy, and stay hydrated. Exercise can be a great way to cope with stress and sadness. Writing in a journal can be a good outlet for your grief and be sure to reach out for help if you need it. Talk to a friend, family member, or mental health professional if you need additional support.
Embrace the grieving process. Finally, it is important to remember that bereavement is a universal, understandable human response to loss and everyone grieves differently. Some people may find comfort in talking about their grief and seeking support from friends and family. Others may prefer to be alone and take some time to reflect and process their grief. It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed by grief during the holidays. Experiencing joy and laughter during a time of grief does not mean you have forgotten your loved one. Create an open and ongoing dialogue with others to help honor each person’s capacity for how, when, and in what ways they participate.
While it can be hard to find joy during the holidays when you are grieving, remember that you have the strength and resilience to get through this difficult time. Acknowledge and honor your emotions, find ways to make space for happiness, and take care of yourself. With time and support, you’ll be able to find comfort and peace during the holiday season.
by Julie Theado | Nov 18, 2022 | Uncategorized
By Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE president and CEO
When someone is diagnosed with a serious illness, it can be challenging to prioritize advance care planning conversations with their family and doctors. However, it is important to ensure care is aligned with their wishes as early as possible. Confusion can sometimes arise around the specific differences between palliative care and hospice in deciding what level of care is best. While the objective of both palliative care and hospice is pain and symptom relief, the prognosis and goals of care are different.
Palliative care seeks to enhance the quality of life of patients and families who are faced with serious illness. It focuses on increasing comfort through prevention and treatment of distressing symptoms. In addition to expert symptom management, palliative care focuses on clear communication, advanced care planning and coordination of care. It is a resource for those living with a serious illness, such as heart failure, cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and many other diagnoses. Palliative care can be provided at home, in hospitals, in nursing homes, and in outpatient palliative care clinics. Palliative care encompasses the whole self, caring for the body, mind and spiritual needs of patients and their families, while also providing relief from pain and other symptoms. Medicare, Medicaid, and many insurance plans cover the medical portions of palliative care, and veterans may be eligible for palliative care through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Hospice care focuses on providing comfort care for those with a terminal illness, as well as lending emotional, spiritual, and social support to their families and friends during their illness and grieving periods. It is important to understand that stopping treatment aimed at curing an illness does not mean discontinuing treatment for all medical conditions, such as high blood pressure. Hospice care can be provided at home, in nursing and assisted living facilities, in retirement communities, hospitals, and at an inpatient hospice setting such as The Pickering House. Hospice care is most often paid for as a benefit of Medicare. Hospice may also be paid for as part of a Medicare Advantage plan, by state Medicaid plans, or by private insurance.
Palliative care can begin at the discretion of the physician and patient at any time, at any stage of illness, terminal or not. Eligibility for hospice care requires that two physicians certify that the patient has less than six months to live if the disease follows its usual course. If health changes, the kind of care being received can be changed.
Deciding between palliative and hospice care is not always easy, and it is important to discuss your options as care can be most effective when started early. Additionally, a person may receive palliative care for many years before entering hospice care. In some cases, someone may even recover from their condition while undergoing palliative care depending on factors such as illness and prognosis.
It can be beneficial to talk with someone who is familiar with palliative care and hospice care services to determine what is best for you or someone you are caring for. To help you decide, your doctor may often be able to outline benefits from either type of care. To enter hospice, all medical treatments aimed at curing the illness or prolonging life must be stopped, which can be one of the most difficult decisions to make as part of treatment. It can take substantial time and reflection with family, healthcare providers, and counselors or social workers to help make the best decision.
