Local Focus

This week is Skilled Nursing Week, and we want to say a big THANK YOU to our friends in long-term care.

This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week and an opportunity to express the immense gratitude we have for our volunteers who make a difference to our patients and families daily.

The influx of hospices now serving our community has caused confusion about providers. Who delivers better care? What is the difference? Does it matter if the hospice is for profit or non-profit?

We often hear from patients and families – and sometimes physicians – that they are unsure about the right time to call hospice.

"Total pain" is a holistic approach that considers all aspects of a person's experience, including physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and practical struggles. 

Hospice of Northwest Ohio volunteers make a positive difference in the lives of the patients and families they serve and are greatly appreciated by the Hospice team, as well.

Holidays are hectic enough.  Adding the loss of a loved one can amplify stress and uncertainty.  It can be difficult to feel joy in the midst of grief, and that’s ok.

A recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization since 1979, Hospice of Northwest Ohio has created a foundation with the sole purpose of philanthropic support for the agency. The Hospice of Northwest Ohio Foundation was granted its own 501(c)(3) designation this summer.

With Hospice and Palliative Care Month upon us, I think it’s a great time to remember that death and grief are some of the few things that ALL of us have in common.

Hospice of Northwest Ohio is here for you wherever you are in your journey. Since 1981, we have provided palliative and hospice care, caregiver support and bereavement services. To best meet the needs of patients, we offer several levels of care. Talk to your hospice care team if you have questions about levels of care.

Supplemental oxygen may be used to help with breathing problems or shortness of breath. Having oxygen in the home creates some safety concerns.

The role of the chaplain in end-of-life care is to be a calm spiritual presence to our patients and families and to help them find peace.

Hospice care is beneficial for nursing or assisted living facility residents that have any progressive illness with a life expectancy of six months or less.

Trust. This is essential when considering those who provide care for you or a loved one.

Communication takes many forms and is vitally important for both patients and caregivers at the end of life.

Food plays an important role in our daily lives – and is at the center of many family traditions – it is difficult to see a loved one not eating or drinking near the end of life. However, as people decline, they often lose their appetites and don’t want to eat.

Women have supported or served in the military in various capacities for as long as there have been military forces.

Since 2007 Hospice of Northwest Ohio has had a program called Positive Memories, meant to assist patients and families achieve end-of-life goals or wishes. The program was developed in response to Hospice of Northwest Ohio care staff who were assisting with creating these experiences on their own, and at their own expense for many years.

This week, Hospice of Northwest Ohio celebrates Employee Appreciation Week.

Hospice of Northwest Ohio was started by a passionate group of volunteers more than 43 years ago. Today, our volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the experiences of our patients and families.

That is THE question. Would there be a point at which you would say “enough is enough, this fate is worse than death,” or have you ever contemplated that thought?

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush designated March 30 as National Doctors Day, an official day of recognition by the US government. The annual observance serves as a moment to honor the dedication, skill and unwavering commitment of physicians in providing high-quality health care to individuals and communities worldwide.

In honor of National Social Work Month, I wanted to share a little about the benefits the social worker provides as part of the hospice care team.

At Hospice of Northwest Ohio, we have so many things to be thankful for. First and foremost is the ongoing support we receive from the community. Our agency was founded by a small group of visionary volunteers in 1979. Without ongoing support, our work to provide expert care to those with serious illness would not be possible.

For many, this time of year can bring such joy, excitement, and anticipation. You walk into a store and hear holiday tunes pouring out from the speakers. You’re buying gifts for friends and family or cooking and baking beloved recipes for family gatherings. As the song goes, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

We want to address recent media reports, and research by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), that have shed new light on hospice fraud.

Even though hospice care is one of highest rated forms of medical care, every day we encounter misconceptions about what it is…and what it isn’t. Here are some common hospice myths:

In 2011, “Cruisin Zeake” and Barb Chandler created Car Cruisers for Hospice and began to raise funds and awareness for Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Living with advanced, serious illness presents many challenges.

The expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has signified a time of reflection. A time to step back and acknowledge all that we accomplished and to say thank you.