tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28480305913072820392024-03-14T02:10:01.223-07:00Hospice of Santa Cruz County BlogHospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-15000970021438235872015-07-28T10:48:00.002-07:002015-07-28T10:54:24.053-07:00Helping Kids Cope with LossBecause of the generous support of our community, Hospice of Santa Cruz County hosted our first weekend camp for grieving children, Camp Erin© Santa Cruz, last fall. Nestled in the redwood forest at Mount Hermon Redwood Camp, the weekend was filled with both healing and fun activities for the 40 campers in attendance. Campers brought photos of their special person to include on the memory board. They gathered in small groups and, with the support of trained volunteers and staff, discussed their feelings of grief and loss. Interspersed with these healing activities was a lot of fun – ziplining, swimming, art projects and an adventurous ride on the Geronimo Swing.<br />
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<b>Bernice’s Story</b><br />
As we gear up for our 2015 camp, we continue to check in and connect with our camper alumni. Eleven-year-old Bernice attended Camp Erin Santa Cruz County on the recommendation of her school counselor. After her father’s sudden death in an auto accident in 2010, Bernice had suffered from nightmares. Her mother had worried that Bernice had become withdrawn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXA2j3mDKI7iM3fAJiuSTN2IjD4pu_39LJWlgCYDWOyScfXJp_VRmz-ZCA4xuHoLd1rJFjAwL4VoTSjOu-tn-qI_SyAr4c6IKax9NxIXGL2-sh48ch4HJvGB9P5HYlPuPqDxpsdcwaETf/s1600/Bernice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hospice of Santa Cruz County Camp Erin" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXA2j3mDKI7iM3fAJiuSTN2IjD4pu_39LJWlgCYDWOyScfXJp_VRmz-ZCA4xuHoLd1rJFjAwL4VoTSjOu-tn-qI_SyAr4c6IKax9NxIXGL2-sh48ch4HJvGB9P5HYlPuPqDxpsdcwaETf/s400/Bernice.jpg" title="Hospice of Santa Cruz County Camp Erin" width="275" /></a>“When something happens, you don’t want to just tell everything to people,” explained young Bernice. Sometimes you keep it in and it can be difficult to open up again.” At Camp Erin, Bernice was in the company of 14 other children who had lost their fathers. For many of the children, this was the first time they had met other people their own age who had experienced a similar loss.<br />
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Camp Erin has proved to be an important part of Bernice’s healing journey. “It’s amazing because you have all these people there that are in similar situations, and they understand what’s happened,” explained Bernice. “All of the kids supporting each other and getting to know each other and learning how to interact. It’s a really great environment because people respect what you do and don’t want to do,” she added.<br />
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Fourteen Big Buddies attended HSCC grief support training and considered their own losses so that they could best support the campers. “It means so much that the volunteers and staff want to help,” shared Bernice’s mother, Yadira. “They are so well prepared and really care … they have such big hearts.”<br />
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Today, Bernice still feels the sadness of losing her father, but she doesn’t feel as alone. “I would have never met all these wonderful people, and I would still feel heavy if I didn’t go to camp,” she told us.<br />
“I would have everything jumbled up inside me and I would feel like I should be closed up and not have people see that side of me,” she added. Yadira agrees that HSCC and Camp Erin has made a difference in Bernice’s healing. “It’s a wonderful experience and very helpful for the children and for the parents,” she said.<br />
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HSCC’s Camp Erin is free of charge to all children and teenagers ages 6-17, who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Our next camp is October 9-11 at Mount Hermon Redwood Camp. Applications are now available on our website <a href="http://www.hospicesantacruz.org/camp-erin">www.hospicesantacruz.org/camp-erin</a>. Please help spread the word about Camp Erin.<br />
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<b>Camp is available to children and teens in Santa Cruz County, the greater Monterey Bay, Silicon Valley and other areas.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025243154814818969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-86975874540833263982015-07-23T09:54:00.002-07:002015-07-23T13:56:23.247-07:00The Recipes of Life - A Volunteer's Journey<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzd2AI2pMbE-5_-OKQBUfZ31VUlPHzQQo6ZFcCh1_i9o90AznhODHquoWSnOu4Fz71DAeB6ga0g3sbhsTD0hykXVEu67YLPg6mm5fa5reH0CPJBUkRXlVFkK1Qs3R6LBvBnik9UlXwUpj/s1600/4+Denine+Jones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hospice of Santa Cruz County Volunteer Visitor" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzd2AI2pMbE-5_-OKQBUfZ31VUlPHzQQo6ZFcCh1_i9o90AznhODHquoWSnOu4Fz71DAeB6ga0g3sbhsTD0hykXVEu67YLPg6mm5fa5reH0CPJBUkRXlVFkK1Qs3R6LBvBnik9UlXwUpj/s320/4+Denine+Jones.jpg" title="Hospice of Santa Cruz County Volunteer Visitor" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteer Visitor Denine Jones</td></tr>
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Sometimes an experience in life inspires us to change directions. Denine Jones had one of those experiences toward the end of her father-in-law’s life. While spending time with him in the hospital, she realized her calling – to become a nurse. As she was helping to honor her father-in-law’s end-of-life wishes, it became clearer that her interest was in hospice care. “I just want to support and empower people who are dying and do what I can to improve their quality of life,” explains Denine.<br />
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And that’s exactly what Denine is doing. She has been a Volunteer Visitor for three years, in addition to being a nursing student at San Jose State. “It feels good. It feels like I’m doing exactly what I want to do - empowering people to be autonomous and do the things that are important to them.”<br />
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Every Saturday Denine spends four hours visiting with Rita. Their time together is well planned – they bake. Before her illness, Rita was a caterer and her favorite thing to do was bake. As her brain cancer has progressed, Rita has lost the use of her left side and can’t see out of her left eye, making it dangerous for her to do her most cherished activity. “Imagine having all that taken away from you,” says Denine. With this volunteer’s support, Rita is back in charge of her kitchen. “Rita supervises me and tells me what to do. And, she loves serving people – it gives her so much satisfaction to give the gift of food,” she adds. Their delicious creations are offered to visitors and friends who stop by to help with odd jobs and chores.<br />
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Rita was reluctant to accept a volunteer visitor at first. “I told them I don’t want a Volunteer Visitor who wants to sit all day. I want someone who wants to bake!” She quickly came to cherish her time with Denine and has shared some of her prized recipes with her volunteer. “She is so willing to learn and do. I sit in my wheelchair in my kitchen and I hover over her,” explains Rita. “We usually make two pies so Denine can be part of it. I like to send one home with her.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SzQQnofPI9hK60j3WeDfSIZ3waLdZBe3vDkTlFGhDs4JckwHJsp2VoYkJoZ8Zuld5g1Xo4z6vrCdqZUJlsrrGMMzgdZXuBx1LMzPWVci5Uj_9kU8haX5Z78w4YL4CC-pgcDpCAV4YFI6/s1600/Rolling+Pin+Baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SzQQnofPI9hK60j3WeDfSIZ3waLdZBe3vDkTlFGhDs4JckwHJsp2VoYkJoZ8Zuld5g1Xo4z6vrCdqZUJlsrrGMMzgdZXuBx1LMzPWVci5Uj_9kU8haX5Z78w4YL4CC-pgcDpCAV4YFI6/s320/Rolling+Pin+Baking.jpg" width="320" /></a>Denine has been inspired by her baking afternoons. Back at home, she is now sharing Rita’s recipes with her 15-year-old daughter. “I’m going to get an old fashioned box to put her recipes in.” Denine’s eyes well up as she speaks about her time with Rita. “It’s wonderful to bake with her and bring home these treats to my family – I feel as if I’m sharing Rita’s legacy.” Their time together is also precious to Rita. “I can’t cook and I can’t bake anymore,” she says tearfully. “It makes me feel good that I can get back into it a little bit and at least I can see my baking get done. It makes me feel like a part of things again,” adds Rita.<br />
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And so their Saturday baking days continue. “It’s extremely important for me to bake with Rita. She’s still giving and useful. I feel like it’s a gift for both of us,” shares Denine.<br />
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<b>What a beautiful gift the recipes of life are.</b><br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz County is currently looking for friendly, compassionate men and women to volunteer to give support directly to patients and their families in their homes and in Skilled Nursing Facilities and/or Residential Care Facilities throughout Santa Cruz County. <br />
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Hospice volunteers are a remarkable and dedicated group of individuals and an essential part of our team. Volunteers are drawn to hospice for different reasons, yet they share a common desire – to be of service and help others at this precious time of life. Hospice of Santa Cruz County volunteers visit patients, support loved ones during their grief, and assist in our office. They also speak about hospice services in the community, and join together to present exciting fundraising events. Volunteers who do massage therapy are especially needed.<br />
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Click to visit <a href="http://www.hospicesantacruz.org/make-a-difference/volunteer-opportunities" target="_blank">Hospice of Santa Cruz County Volunteer</a> page for more details.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025243154814818969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-70305841371981575782015-03-12T09:33:00.000-07:002015-03-12T10:36:05.690-07:005 of the Most Important Questions You Should Have the Answer to<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The news is inundated with stories of accidents and unexpected illnesses that effect people every day. Have you ever thought about what would happen if you were suddenly unable to speak for yourself? The following are five questions you should have the answer to for not only your peace of mind, but for your family’s peace of mind.<br />
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<li>Who do you want making decisions for you?</li>
<li>What kind of decisions would you want them to make?</li>
<li>Would you want to be kept alive on life support or would you prefer comfort care only? Or something in between?</li>
<li>Are you comfortable leaving your loved ones to try and figure out what you would want?</li>
<li>Are you certain if your loved ones aren’t there that your healthcare provider is aware of your wishes?</li>
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If you haven’t completed a directive, you’re not alone. According to a study conducted in late 2011 by the California Healthcare Foundation, while 82% of Californians say it’s important to have end of life care wishes in writing, only 23% say they have done so. <b>An Advance Healthcare Directive is a very simple form that can be completed quickly and it gives you a chance to make your wishes known.</b> This way your loved ones don’t have to guess about how to handle tough decisions related to your health. You get the peace of mind that they are following your guidance and they don’t have to worry whether they’ve made the right decisions.<br />
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We think this is so important that <b>we’re offering free, 30-minute Advance Healthcare Planning Sessions throughout the county in honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16).</b> Trained counselors can assist you in updating or completing your Advance Healthcare Directive. We are also offering two Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind forums to provide information that might be helpful as you are planning for your future or the future of your loved ones.<br />
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<b>Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind - Free educational forums featuring experts on: </b><br />
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Understanding Wills and Trusts<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Completing Advance Healthcare Directives<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Finding and Choosing the Care You Want<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Funeral planning<br />
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<b>Planning Ahead Forums </b><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>4/13</b> 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Dr.</li>
<li><b>4/17 </b>10 am – 12:00 pm at Community Foundation, 7807 Soquel Dr., Aptos</li>
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<b>Advance Healthcare Directive Workshops </b><br />
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<li><b>4/13</b> Advance Healthcare Directive workshop 2-4 pm Dominican Oaks 3400 Paul Sweet Rd. in Santa Cruz near Dominican Hospital</li>
<li><b>4/14</b> Advance Healthcare Directive workshop 1-3pm Mountain Community Resource Center, 6134 Highway 9 in Felton</li>
<li><b>4/15</b> Advance Healthcare Directive workshop 1-3pm Arbor Cove at 84 Blackburn St. in Santa Cruz on the Westside</li>
<li><b>4/16</b> Advance Healthcare Directive workshop 1:30-4pm Scotts Valley Senior Center at 370 Kings Village Rd. in Scotts Valley</li>
<li><b>4/16</b> Advance Healthcare Directive workshop for Spanish speakers 10am – noon at Hospice of Santa Cruz County’s Center for Compassionate Care located at 65 Nielson St. #121 in Watsonville, on the campus of the Watsonville Community Hospital.</li>
<li><b>4/17</b> Advance Healthcare Directive workshop 10am - noon Watsonville Community Hospital Senior Circle located at 75 Nielson St. in Watsonville</li>
<li><b>4/18</b> Advance Healthcare Directive workshop 10am – noon Community Foundation located at 7807 Soquel Dr. in Aptos</li>
</ul>
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<b>Please call ahead to reserve your spot: 831.430.3078. </b><br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0Santa Cruz County, CA, USA37.0453988 -121.9579578000000336.6399648 -122.60340480000004 37.4508328 -121.31251080000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-25114242072534743282014-11-25T08:30:00.000-08:002014-11-25T08:30:00.152-08:00Supporting Children When Someone They Love Has a Serious Illness Part 6 - Explaining the Final Stages of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Part 6 of our <a href="http://hospicesantacruz.blogspot.com/2014/11/supporting-children-when-someone-they.html" target="_blank">6 part blog series</a> sharing coping tips to help support children when someone they love has a serious illness. </div>
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<b>Explaining the Final Stages of Life</b></div>
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The final stages of life can be confusing and scary for children if they do not understand the changes they see happening. Not all terminally ill people will go through these changes, but talking about them ahead of time can help children be prepared.<br />
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<b>Loss of Strength</b><br />
The disease may weaken the body so much that the person will need lots of rest. At some point, the person may not have the strength to talk. Explain that he or she is still able to hear their voice and feel their touch.<br />
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<b>Loss of Appetite</b><br />
The person will slowly lose their appetite until they may not eat anything at all. It is important to tell children that because of the disease, the person does not feel hungry or need food like they did before.<br />
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<b>Pain or discomfort</b><br />
The person may sometimes have pain or other discomforts from their illness. Let children know that the care team is doing all they can to keep the person comfortable.<br />
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<b>Personality changes</b><br />
Some people may act differently as the disease weakens their body. They may be more irritable, sad, or quiet. Let children know that these changes are caused by the disease and not by anything anyone in the family has said or done. <br />
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<b>Confusion</b><br />
Some diseases cause the ill person to be confused as they get closer to the end of life. They may start saying or doing things that don’t make sense. This can be very frightening for children. Explain that the disease is causing the confusion and reassure children that nothing they did or said caused it.<br />
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<b>Breathing Changes</b><br />
It is common during the last few days of life for breathing to change. There may be pauses between breaths or breathing might sound loud and heavy. There may also be a sound like the person needs to clear his or her throat. Explain that these breathing patterns are like snoring – uncomfortable to listen to, but the person is not feeling any discomfort from them.<br />
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Explain to children that the family will not be calling 911 to prevent the death but will be doing everything to help the person stay comfortable.<br />
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<b>When Death is Close at Hand</b></div>
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The transition from life to death is often peaceful. Witnessing this can give children a sense of reality and comfort. If you feel comfortable being with the person as they are getting closer to dying, ask your children if they would like to join you. The child should decide; never force them to be there against their will. Assure children that they do not need to feel guilty if they aren’t there at the moment of death. If you feel uncomfortable having your children present, you may want to tell them about it later instead.<br />
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Don’t promise children they can be present at the time of death. Since many people die when everyone is out of the room, being with them is not always an option. Gifts of words and art are other ways children can say goodbye. <br />
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<b>Age-related Responses to Children at the Time of Death<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><br />
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Warm, loving concern should be shown to children of any age when they learn that the person has died. Let children know they can say goodbye even if they are not in the same room or house with the person who has died. <br />
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3-5<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Preschool children will watch the reactions of the people around them. Their own reactions happen later, when they begin to understand that the person is gone from their life. Once this happens, they may feel sadness and disappointment or have trouble believing that the person is gone.<br />
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6-8<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are many different ways children of this age may respond to the death. They might have no response at first, or cry quietly. They may sob or scream, even if they knew that the death was coming. These responses may last a few minutes to about an hour. After this, most children usually return to what they were doing before the news.<br />
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9-11 Children this age often put on a brave face to help them deal with their strong feelings. They may look like they are not feeling grief, but this is not the case. They sometimes show anger as a way to cover up their fear, anxiety and sadness.<br />
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12-18 Adolescents are able to talk about the fact that their loved one has died and show sadness and cry. They also become anxious as they face the loss and how it will impact their life.<br />
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Remember that being patient with your child is the most helpful way you can support them at this difficult time for everyone. <br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-83004639301624505052014-11-24T06:30:00.000-08:002014-12-09T15:52:32.034-08:00Supporting Children When Someone They Love Has a Serious Illness Part 5 - Guidelines for Teenagers<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Part 5 of our <a href="http://hospicesantacruz.blogspot.com/2014/11/supporting-children-when-someone-they.html" target="_blank">6 part blog series</a> sharing coping tips to help support children when someone they
love has a serious illness. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>The Teen Years </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">During the teen years, children are finding their own identity and becoming more independent. They need more privacy and often withdraw from family members. This process of growing up is harder for them when someone in the family is ill. They try to balance the family’s needs with their own very different needs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Teens may show anger as they become more anxious and fearful about the illness. When much of a parent’s time and attention is focused on the sick person, the teen may feel that they are being abandoned and become resentful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">As the ill person gets closer to dying, teens often are able to talk about it and cry as they express their sadness. They may also become very anxious and worry about how the death will affect their lives. Around this time, they may try harder to behave well and do what is asked of them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Teens need as much time as possible to prepare for the death. Let them know when death is near so that there is time for them to have a final conversation and say goodbye, if possible. If they have been angry and resistant, they may become more cooperative when the death is near, but not always. Sometimes they may become even more angry as a way to protect themselves from their sadness. Teens’ hostility and anger before a death may lead to feelings of guilt after the death.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Guidelines for Children 12 – 14 Years Old </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Teens between the ages of 12-14 can understand the illness and how it will effect their lives, yet it may be hard for them to cope with the feelings that come with it. They may not want to talk about it out of fear that they’ll lose control and cry. They may act “grown up” as a way to ignore their strong feelings. This can make it seem like they don’t care, which can be upsetting to parents, but this is not the case. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Teens this age can also be very optimistic that the sick person will get well and they may not want to hear otherwise. They hold on to their positive outlook by avoiding facts and feelings. This is normal for a young teen and should not be discouraged.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Reactions to expect:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Not wanting to talk about the illness</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Feeling strong emotions but acting or saying that they are “fine” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Holding on to the belief that the patient will get better </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tending to argue and be more “difficult” or demanding</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Resenting chores and other demands that take them away from school and friends</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Having trouble with school work, or, sometimes, trying very hard to please adults by being extremely good</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Trouble sleeping </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Anger</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sadness</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>How to help:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Talk with them about the disease</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Keep them up-to-date with what is really happening, even if they don’t want to hear it. Don’t assume that they understand as much about what’s going on as they seem to. Let them know when death is near so that there is time for them to have a final conversation and say goodbye, if possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Give them a chance to talk about their feelings and concerns</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">It is important to talk with your teen about how they are feeling, even if only briefly and even if they don’t really want to talk. Try to be as open and nonjudgmental as possible when they share their feelings. Sharing your feelings and concerns can help them feel more comfortable sharing their own. This helps them see that the feelings they have are normal and expected. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>You may say, for example:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">“You look kinda sad today. I’m feeling sad about this too. How are you doing with all of this?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">“Sometimes talking about what’s going on helps. I’m here to listen any time that you want to talk about any of this.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">It is also normal for grieving teens to have strong and often negative feelings about the person who is sick. They can feel frustrated and angry about the illness and may direct their anger towards the person. Often after having or expressing these emotions, teens can feel guilty. Help them understand that having a wide range of feelings is normal, and help them figure out ways to cope with their strong feelings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Be understanding of the teen’s reactions</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Remember that if your teen pulls away from you, has lots of ups and downs, or is defensive or self-centered, this is all normal given their age. Teens often find writing, quiet time alone, and time with friends helpful as they deal with a difficult situation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Be an advocate for your child</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">If possible, try to limit the teen’s duties and chores at home, since pulling them away from school and friends can cause them to become angry or difficult. Understand that they may not do as well in classes at this time. Let their teachers know about the illness. Help them connect with any counseling or support groups offered by the school or local hospice. Often teens don’t want their classmates to know that they are receiving counseling. Listen to your teen’s concerns, offer options, and help find creative solutions to this issue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Guidelines for Children Ages 15 – 18</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Teens between the ages of 15-18 can usually understand the realities of the illness and deal with their emotions. Yet at times they still may feel overwhelmed. Though they can generally talk about what they think and feel, their feelings about the illness may not be clear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Teens this age tend to be more practical in their thinking than younger teens. They may also be more considerate. Because they’re more aware of the possibility of death, they may feel more grief during the illness than a younger child might. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">At this age, teens want to be treated like adults and are trying to rely more on their friends than their family for support. They’re able to be more concerned about the needs of their family members, though they may resent having to do more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Expected Reactions:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fears about the future</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Irritability</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Having strong feelings like anger and guilt toward the person who is ill</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Trouble concentrating </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Being torn or frustrated when having to focus on the needs of the family rather than attend activities or socialize with friends</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Feelings of resentment, anger, and defiance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>How to help:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Talk with the teen about the illness and how it will progress </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Include older teens in family discussions about the illness. It’s helpful if the sick person can talk directly to the teen about the illness as soon as possible. Teens this age can understand personal or spiritual thoughts and feelings, including uncertainties and unknowns, so these can be shared with them as well. Let them know when death is near so that there is time for them to have a final conversation and say goodbye, if possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Expect that the teen will not perform as well during this time </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Keeping up grades, activities and friendships is very important to most teens. However, during a serious illness, it’s normal for them not to do as well in school, sports, etc. This can be hard for teens and parents who believe that grades will affect future opportunities. However, some teens actually do better at this time as a gift to their ill parent. Either way, be understanding of what the teen is going through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Recognize how the stress caused by the illness can affect them</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Teens this age may feel overwhelmed by the stress from the illness on top of the other pressures they feel in life. Talk with them about ways they might reduce the stress in their lives, dealing with the things that are causing them stress one at a time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Know that they may be worrying about the future </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Talk with older teens about how future plans will be affected by what is happening. Reassure them in a way that is realistic. Provide a listening ear as they share any fears they may have about their future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Know that teens may be afraid that they too could become ill </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Let older teens talk to medical professionals if possible to allow them to ask questions about the illness-how it is caused and what to expect. Talking with your teen about the actual chances of them getting sick can help them feel less fearful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Talk with the teen about ways they can be helpful to the family</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Giving the teen helpful tasks can sometimes help them feel less anxious. Look for opportunities for them to help in ways that they enjoy, such as cooking, shopping, or errands. They may also want to spend time with the patient reading, listening to music together, watching a movie, sharing food, or writing a card or letter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Understand that the challenges of growing up are even more stressful when a parent is seriously ill</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">The normal process teens go through to become their own person is harder when a parent is seriously ill. It can be challenging for them to see a parent be needy. It can also be hard for them to deal with a parent wanting to control their activities and comings and goings more at this time. They might react to this with resentment or anger and then later feel guilty about it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Be an advocate for your teen</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Consider helping your teen join counseling or support groups that may be offered by the school or local hospice. They benefit from talking with understanding people who are not directly involved. They may find that friends who are usually supportive “just don’t get it”. Speak with teachers and coaches about the illness and about ways they might help support the teen. </span></div>
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-18898074791085371632014-11-23T12:55:00.000-08:002014-11-23T12:55:00.249-08:00Supporting Children When Someone They Love Has a Serious Illness Part 4 - Guidelines for Children 9-11 Years Old Part 4 of our 6 part blog series sharing coping tips to help support children when someone they love has a serious illness.<br />
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<b>Guidelines for Children from 9 – 11 years old</b></div>
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Children ages 9-11 are able to understand more about the illness than younger children and may ask about the details. Their desire to know these details may make it seem like they don’t have a lot of feelings about what is happening. Yet getting facts to help them understand what’s going on is one of the ways that they cope with scary and strong feelings.<br />
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Children this age understand that death is final and can feel sad about a future loss. They wonder how they will be impacted by illness and death and who will do the “daddy” or “grandma” things. When one parent is terminally ill, the child often fears the death of the other parent and worries about what will happen to them if both parents died. They tend to hide emotions and it’s easy to think the situation is affecting them less than it is. They may silently wonder, “Can I catch this?” “Did I do or say something to cause this?” Or they may create their own explanations when they are not given facts about what is happening on a regular basis. Children this age welcome distractions of school, activities and friends. <br />
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<b>Behaviors to expect:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>A lot of interest in understanding the disease, treatment and progress</li>
<li>Wanting to avoid strong or scary emotions</li>
<li>Not wanting to talk about or show feelings</li>
<li>Anger (used to cover fear, anxiety and grief)</li>
<li>Angry and mistrustful reactions when not given the facts about what is happening</li>
<li>Strong reactions to stress and normal frustrations in every day life </li>
<li>Wanting to stay active with schoolwork, sports and outside activities</li>
<li>Wanting to help care for the ill loved one</li>
</ul>
<b>How to help:</b><br />
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<b>Talk openly with the child about the disease</b><br />
Watch for opportunities to talk about the illness and explain what children are seeing and hearing. Include them in discussions and updates. If children are not given enough information they will listen in doorways or strain to hear whispered phone conversations and may jump to false conclusions. <br />
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Talk about the name of the disease, how it affects the sick person, causes, and side effects of treatments. Children also like learning things from doctors and nurses when possible. You can try to be optimistic about what to expect but not give false hope that the person will heal from the illness. So, instead of saying, “Grandma is a fighter, and she will be cured,” it would be better to say, “The doctors and nurses are working hard to help Grandma feel as comfortable as possible. She may be well enough to come to your birthday party this weekend.”<br />
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Encourage children’s natural interest in the illness by reading together and providing time to write or draw.<br />
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<b>These are some common questions:</b><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How did she get it?<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Can I get it?<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How do you know I won’t get it?<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What if the medicine doesn’t work?<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What will happen to me when she dies?<br />
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Reassure children the illness is not their fault. Gently let them know when the person may be close to death. This will help them to make final visits and say goodbye.<br />
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<b>Let children know that what they are feeling is normal</b><br />
Let them know that the situation is hard for everyone and that the family will deal with it together. Remind them often that your moods are not their fault. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings about all the changes that they are seeing in themselves, in you and in the patient. When it is time, acknowledge sadness about the possibility of death.<br />
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<b>Prepare ahead of time for changes in routine </b><br />
Children need time to prepare for changes. Talk with them ahead of time about upcoming changes in their routine as much as is possible.<br />
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<b>Offer children ways to be helpful</b><br />
Some children this age want to help take care of the sick person as a way to show their love and caring. Let them help by doing simple things but limit their responsibilities so they don’t feel burdened. Children can help the patient feel loved by drawing pictures, telling the patient they love him or her, talking quietly, sharing favorite memories, etc.<br />
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<b>Be an advocate for children</b><br />
Help the child stay active with after-school activities and by spending time with their friends. Let teachers and other supportive school staff know about the illness so they can provide support as needed. It is not uncommon to see a temporary drop in grades due to changes and stress at home. You may want to ask teachers for homework packets if you know children will be absent from school.<br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-22567713820063267772014-11-22T08:00:00.000-08:002014-11-22T08:00:10.886-08:00Supporting Children When Someone They Love Has a Serious Illness Part 3 - Guidelines for Children 6-8 Years Old <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Part 3 of our <a href="http://hospicesantacruz.blogspot.com/2014/11/supporting-children-when-someone-they.html" target="_blank">6 part blog series</a> sharing coping tips to help support children when someone they
love has a serious illness. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Guidelines for children 6 – 8 years old</b><br />
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Children between the ages of 6-8 will often feel anxious during a serious illness. They fear being left and can feel they are the cause of family distress. They often blame themselves for bad things happening. Their actions are often tied to what is happening around them. They may feel rejected when the person who is ill is less able to be part of usual family activities.</div>
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<b>Behaviors to expect:</b></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Showing many different feelings such as anger, anxiety, sadness, fear, and feeling left out or forgotten</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">More conflict between siblings</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">More acting out or sulking when separated from parents</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Strong requests that their personal activities not be changed and loud protests when activities are changed</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Concern about how the sick person looks and feels. Concern about changes in the person’s ability to talk or do things with them.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Becoming more clingy, stubborn or demanding</li>
</ul>
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<b>How to help:</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Give the child information about the disease</b></div>
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Name the disease and write it down. Talk about how it changes and how the sick person may look or feel over time. Talk about treatments and causes. Reassure children that nothing they did caused the disease. Let them know that it cannot be caught from the ill person. Prepare explanations ahead of time, since children this age tend to ask questions that are very exact and they often include a lot of "why" questions.</div>
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“The doctors have told me that your grandpa has Parkinson’s disease and is going to die.”</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
“Parkinson’s changes the way grandpa’s brain works and it makes him shaky and maybe more tired than before. It’s not like a cold because grandpa can’t give it to you or anyone through his germs. This disease isn’t because of anything that you did or said. </div>
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“The doctors will work very hard to make sure your grandpa isn’t in pain. You will probably have questions about this. Remember I am here to answer any questions that you have and that I love you very much.”</div>
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<b>Talk with them about changes in the person’s illness and treatment</b></div>
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Update the child often. This helps them feel valued and included. When they feel close to their family members, they are better able to deal with the stress. When possible, let children talk with the doctors, nurses, and social workers caring for the ill person.</div>
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Children this age tend not to ask questions. This can be because they fear upsetting their parent or fear that the answers to their questions will be too scary. They may also worry that they will make the illness get worse by talking about it. Try not to let their lack of questions keep you from talking about it.</div>
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“The doctor has told me that the medicine hasn’t worked. This means that the cancer is growing.”</div>
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“I’m hoping that something will happen and the cancer will stop growing on its own, but I’ve heard that this probably won’t happen.”</div>
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“Remember that this cancer has nothing to do with anything that you did or said. I don’t know why I got this and I am really mad and sad about it.” </div>
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“Most of all I want you to know that I love you and I want so much to be alive and see you grow.”</div>
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<b>Help children understand that what they are feeling is normal</b></div>
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Talk openly about how the situation is hard for everyone. If the person who is ill acts differently, explain that this is caused by the illness and not by a lack of love or caring. Understand that children may still be angry about the changes within the family. Even if they’re not told that the person is dying, they will often fear this and may keep that fear inside. Let them know that it’s okay to show their feelings. Allow them to see your own feelings and tell them that you will still take good care of them even though you are sad or mad or scared. If children are struggling in school, let them know that this is normal given what they are going through and that it is temporary.</div>
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<b>Prepare ahead of time for changes in routine</b></div>
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Prepare children for any situations where both parents may have to leave the house unexpectedly. Talk ahead of time about the plan so they know what to expect.</div>
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“Your dad and I are going to be spending a lot of time at Grandma and Grandpa’s helping with Grandpa. We have a plan for when we aren’t able to pick you up from school. Your Aunt Sue is going to give you rides home from school and to soccer practice. She loves you very much. We’ve talked to her and she’s promised to take good care of you, just like she does with her own kids. We don’t know if this will happen, but we wanted you to know these plans just in case.”</div>
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<b>Allow time for play or art</b></div>
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Play is the natural language of children and a healthy way for them to deal with stress. It allows them to feel a sense of power and control. </div>
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<b>Be an advocate for your child</b></div>
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Talk with teachers and other adults in the child’s life about the illness. Try to be consistent with who cares for the child when you cannot. Try to chose people who relate well with the child. Extra praise can help children’s self-esteem during this stressful time.</div>
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-24016926511925012062014-11-21T07:30:00.000-08:002014-11-21T07:30:00.138-08:00Supporting Children When Someone They Love Has a Serious Illness Part 2 - Guidelines for Children 5 and Under<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Part 2 of our <a href="http://hospicesantacruz.blogspot.com/2014/11/supporting-children-when-someone-they.html" target="_blank">6 part blog series</a> sharing coping tips to help support children when someone they love has a serious illness. </div>
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A child’s age and maturity will affect how he or she reacts to the news that someone they love has a serious illness. The guidelines below are broken down by age and offer ideas on how to support children at different levels.<br />
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Babies and toddlers live in the moment. They feel the emotion of what is happening around them even though they don’t understand illness.<br />
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<b>Behaviors you may see:</b><br />
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<li>May be more fussy</li>
<li>May be harder to soothe</li>
<li>May “regress” or begin to act like a younger baby. This can include their sleeping, eating and toilet habits. For example, a toilet-trained child may return to needing a diaper again.</li>
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<b>How to help:</b><br />
Provide security and as much routine as possible<br />
A caring presence and a regular routine help babies feel safe and secure. Try to keep a regular schedule for meals, naps, story time and bedtime as much as possible. You may want to use simple words, like “grandma is sick” to explain changes they are seeing in the family. Lots of physical contact at this time is helpful and comforting to young ones.<br />
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<b>Guidelines for children 3 – 5 years old</b><br />
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Children ages 3 to 5 are sensitive to major changes, strong emotions and other behaviors in their parent or caregiver. We should expect them to react to changes in their normal routines and to frequent, unplanned separations from their mother or main caregiver. <br />
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<li>Brief outbursts of emotion followed by play</li>
<li>Waking up very scared (“night terrors”), nightmares, and trouble sleeping</li>
<li>Not wanting to be separated from parents or caregivers</li>
<li>More temper tantrums and stubbornness</li>
<li>May “regress,” or begin to act like a younger child. This can include sleeping, eating and toilet habits.</li>
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<b>How to help:</b><br />
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<b>Talk to the child about the illness</b><br />
Use words your child understands. Children at this age take things very literally. Pick words that talk about the real illness instead of using words that avoid what is happening. Brief, concrete explanations are best. This may be something like:<br />
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“You know that Grandma is very very sick. That is because she has a sickness called heart disease. “<br />
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“Heart disease is not like a regular sickness because you can’t get it from germs, and no one can catch it from anyone else. Grandma did not get sick because of anything you did.”<br />
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“I am really mad and sad about Grandma’s illness. How do you feel about it?”<br />
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Inviting children to draw a picture or make a card for the person can be a good way to end the conversation.<br />
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<b>Explain what they are seeing and hearing</b><br />
As the ill person becomes more sick, use very simple terms to explain the changes the child may see. Explain things gradually as changes happen. For example:<br />
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“Daddy is very, very sick. That is why he’s so tired and sleepy lately. The doctors are trying to help him with his sickness, but he won’t be strong enough to play ball with you for now.”<br />
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It is important to not give the child false hope. This can cause them to lose trust and be confused. If asked, “Is Daddy going to die?” you might say something like:<br />
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“People have died from the disease that Daddy has, but the doctors are doing everything they can to keep him comfortable.”<br />
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Even as the possibility of death comes closer, it’s important to talk to the child about what is happening. Reassure them that they will be cared for and talk with them about how family life will continue.<br />
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<b>Help children understand that what they are feeling is normal</b><br />
It is helpful to set aside a regular time each day when children can ask questions and share their feelings. Evening can be a good time to do this. If other demands make it hard for you to find this time, you may want to ask a trusted family member or friend if they can be with the children at a regular time each day. <br />
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Children this age usually don’t ask many questions about the illness because they don’t know what to ask. Parents may think that the child isn’t affected by what is happening when the child doesn’t ask questions. The child may also use play as a way to express feelings. Realize that these are both normal ways of coping at this age and don’t mean the child is not upset. <br />
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<b>Let children know that they are loved and will be cared for </b><br />
Keeping regular routines and schedules helps reassure children. Let them know ahead of time when there will be changes to their routine. They may find it harder to separate from you during this time. Try to limit the number of different people who care for them. If possible, have the same relative or babysitter care for them when you are away. Express your love and affection often.<br />
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<b>Allow time for play</b><br />
Children work through stress and emotions by playing. Play allows them to take a break in the midst of everything that is going on around them. Play also helps children make sense of all that is happening in the family. Giving children a play doctor kit, colors, markers or paint and paper gives them way to work through their feelings. Encourage kids to be kids and play!<br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-21227719193308204982014-11-20T12:59:00.001-08:002014-11-20T12:59:48.222-08:00Supporting Children When Someone They Love Has a Serious Illness Part 1 - What All Children Need<div>
In honor of National Children's Grief Awareness Day, we'll be posting a 6 part blog series from our anticipatory grief booklet to help support children by sharing coping tips.</div>
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Everyone in a family is affected when one family member has a serious illness. All are dealing with the unknown and must use strengths they didn’t even know they had. Most of us haven’t been taught how to manage when someone we love is very ill, let alone how to support children and teens during this time. Yet time and again, parents and caregivers find the strength within themselves and learn new coping and parenting skills along the way. <br />
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Our blog series describes how a child’s age affects the way they understand and react to changes in the sick person, in you, and in themselves. In addition, it offers suggestions about how to talk with your children and ways to help your children prepare for the death of a loved one. </div>
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As you read these posts, keep in mind that you are the expert on your child. What works for one child doesn’t necessarily work for another. Learn from the experts, but also trust yourself, your child, and your instincts. We hope you come back to these posts again over time as you travel this journey. And remember that the Grief Support Program at Hospice of Santa Cruz County are here to answer your questions and support you along the way.</div>
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<b>What All Children Need</b></div>
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<b>Gentle honesty</b></div>
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Telling children the truth as soon as possible helps them to trust and feel a sense of safety. Start by explaining what is happening in simple terms. For example, “Grandma has a sickness that makes her body tired and weak. Usually when people are sick, doctors and nurses can help them get better. Her sickness is different because the doctors don’t think that she will get better. She may die because of this sickness.”</div>
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Give children time to absorb what you have told them. Encourage them to ask questions if they are unsure or upset about anything. The words that you use don’t have to be perfect. You will find your own caring words. Try to talk with your children in a comfortable, familiar place where you can be together for a while. It’s best not to talk before bedtime, as they may need some play time after this conversation. </div>
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Don’t shy away from using the words “dying” and “death”. Children can be confused by terms like “going away” or “gone to sleep.” Those words may create fear that loved ones won’t come back when they go away on a trip or won’t wake up when they go to sleep. When you talk about the illness, also remind your children how much you love them. Let them know that there are people who can help your family if needed. This helps children feel safe and cared for during a tough time.</div>
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It is okay to cry when you talk with them. They might cry too. It might be good to have another adult with you to support you when you talk to your children. Remind your children it is not their job to make you feel better and that you will be okay. </div>
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Being honest doesn’t always mean telling everything you know. Younger children need less information with fewer details. Older children may want more facts. The kind of information children need varies with their age and personality. Ask “What do you think?” as you talk with children. This will let you know when they need more help understanding what you have told them.</div>
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<b>Information at the child’s level </b></div>
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Tell your children the name of the illness and, to the best of your understanding, what may happen as the illness continues. Use honest words like heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. When not given truthful information, children can feel like they’ve been forgotten or lied to. They may also make up their own stories about what is happening. Honesty from you will help them cope with what is happening. </div>
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<b>Encouragement to ask lots of questions</b></div>
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Children of all ages have many questions. Encourage them to ask questions about anything they are unsure about or feel troubled by. Answer questions honestly, keeping the child’s level of understanding in mind. Keep your responses short and to the point. Children understand illness and the dying process little by little. They may ask the same questions over again and it will reassure them when they hear the same information again and again. It’s also okay to say “I don’t know”, if it is true. </div>
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Children may only be able to take in a little bit at a time – and you may only be able to talk about it in brief spurts. That’s okay. Coming back to the topic later actually helps children digest it in their own way. Leave the door open for ongoing conversation. Regular updates that fit the child’s age and level of understanding can help them trust.</div>
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Examples: </div>
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After providing an update: “I just gave you a lot of information and used some words you’ve probably never heard before. I’m thinking you might have some questions. What are you wondering about right now?” </div>
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“We’ve decided that we’re going to have family meetings every Thursday night so you can ask for the latest information about this illness. Of course, you can ask any question that you have at any time, but we wanted to make sure to save special time to talk as a family so we don’t get so busy taking care of things that we forget to talk with one another.”</div>
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“Anything you want to ask about Grandpa? Whenever you are ready, we’ll talk.”</div>
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<b>A chance to share feelings</b></div>
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It’s normal for children to feel all sorts of feelings, including sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, frustration and fear. Children often feel anger followed by guilt. They can be helped to express their anger safely with activities such as pounding on pillows or throwing a ball at a target. Sometimes children don’t yet have words for their feelings. Sharing your own emotions can be a model for them and reassure them that others also have these feelings. It’s good to remember that many times children express and show their feelings through art and play rather than just talking about how they feel.</div>
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<b>Reassurance that nothing they did caused the illness</b></div>
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Children make sense of the world from their own point of view, based on their age and ability to understand. They may think that something they did or said caused the illness. They may see the person’s illness and death as a punishment for something bad they did. They also may believe that they can keep the person from dying by promising to be good. Children, especially young children, need to be reassured that nothing they did or said and nothing they will do or say is connected to the illness.</div>
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<b>Time to play</b></div>
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Playing hard, laughing, and being with their friends can give children a needed break as well as reassure them that their life will continue. Give them opportunities for play and art. This helps them express themselves at their own pace in the way most familiar to them. Because children learn through play, they may act out medical scenes or want to have a funeral. A medical play kit allows a child to act out medical scenes. During pretend play, going along with the child’s pretend scenes can help you get an idea of anything they may be missing or not understanding about the illness. </div>
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<b>Keeping routines as much as possible </b></div>
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Children find comfort in their normal activities and schedules. They feel safe when their world is predictable and they are surrounded by caring family and friends. Try to keep routines as normal as possible. Let them continue with their out-of-school activities if possible. Have a trusted family member or a friend that your children are comfortable with help out with driving if needed. Try to have regular meals and a consistent bedtime.</div>
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<b>Take care of yourself</b></div>
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If you are also a caregiver, take care of yourself as you balance the needs of the ill person with those of children. It is okay and normal if sometimes the children’s needs take a backseat to the needs of the parents. Find time to take care of yourself in the ways that help you rest or recharge. This may be through exercise, talking honestly to friends or family members, creating art, meditating, going to church, etc. Many adults, as well as children, are helped by counseling during this time.</div>
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0Hospice of Santa Cruz County 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, USA37.047262 -122.0155899999999711.525227500000003 -163.32418399999997 62.569296500000007 -80.706995999999975tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-45362602126271276162014-11-07T09:48:00.000-08:002014-11-07T09:48:04.825-08:00Betty Leonard Reflects on Friends of Hospice OktoberfestAs Friends of Hospice Celebrate their 31st annual Oktoberfest<br />
Betty Leonard Reflects on the First Event<br />
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The weather was especially hot for the Friends of Hospice’s 31st annual Oktoberfest event. The signature fundraising event has something for everyone: food, music, and silent and live auctions that include vacations and weekend get-aways; fine wines from local wineries; original artwork by local artisans; tickets to sports events and shows; and gift certificates to the area’s best restaurants, stores and beauty salons. Each year, hundreds of supporters attend what has become a community treasure and a way to support our county’s only non-profit hospice organization.<br />
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Recently Betty Leonard, one of the founding members of the Friends of Hospice, sat down with us to reflect upon the first Oktoberfest event in 1983. “It all started with Julie King,” explained Betty. “She was the one who had the idea for a fundraiser – a big party for Hospice,” she added. A longtime resident of La Selva Beach who died in 2012, Julie is remembered by friends for her continuous and gracious hospitality and her knack for throwing excellent parties. “There were five of us and we just went around asking all our friends to give what they could to make the event a success,” she added. And the event was a success, raising almost $5,000. They knew with that kind of success that they would do it again….and again.<br />
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Fast forward to 2014 and the Friends of Hospice are now 100+ members strong as they present two major fundraising events each year – Oktoberfest in the fall and Fairways for Kids Golf Classic in spring. Last year, the all-volunteer group raised $123,000 to support Hospice of Santa Cruz County’s programs including transitional care services for seriously ill community members and grief support for adults, children and teens. <br />
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Even back in 1983, when the concept of hospice care was still very new, Betty understood the impact that Hospice of Santa Cruz County would make. “When my husband died of cancer, there was no hospice care,” Betty explains. Over the years, she has seen how hospice care supports both the patient and their family members. “It takes a special kind of person to work for hospice,” she adds. “I’m just so glad that we have such a strong organization to support our community, and it’s so wonderful to remember how it all started.”<br />
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As Betty reminisces about the early years of Oktoberfest events, she is reminded of an old Mickey Rooney joke: “I found a barn, now let’s put on a show”. Her story brings to mind the timeless words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”<br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-28896594007722531442014-10-16T12:25:00.002-07:002014-10-16T12:59:09.854-07:00An Interview with Charlea Massion, M.D.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>By Joanne Guzman, Marketing Manager</b><br />
<b>Hospice of Santa Cruz County</b><br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz County is pleased to welcome our new Chief Medical Director, Dr. Charlea Massion. As a board certified hospice and palliative care physician and a member of the palliative care team at Dominican Hospital, Dr. Massion brings expertise and a deep caring to her role of leading HSCC’s medical team.<br />
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I recently sat down with Doctor Massion to talk about her hospice work and how she arrived here at HSCC.<br />
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<b><i>1. What brought you to end of life care work?</i></b><br />
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“It was the natural evolution in my career as a family physician. I trained in family medicine and held a primary care position in an office based practice for over 25 years. During that time, the role of the family physician it became more and more circumscribed. The scope of the work shrunk. I decided to become a hospitalist. I was a full time hospitalist for 6 years. While working as a hospitalist, I saw many, many patients at the end of their lives. I often saw the suffering that they and their families had and became interested at that time. As a hospitalist, I was able to consult the inpatient palliative care team and see how they were able to help patients and their families. I decided what I wanted to do and trained in palliative care. I passed the Board certification for hospice and palliative medicine in 2012. That’s the work I really wanted to do, I didn't know whether I could stay in Santa Cruz and I was very happy about staying in my home community.”<br />
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<b><i>2. Why is this work meaningful to you?</i></b><br />
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“As a family practitioner, I was always interested in family dynamics and communications. At the end of life family communication is amplified; sometimes to the difficult and sometimes to the loving and peaceful side. It’s a time where it’s possible for families to come together and find new strength. By families, I mean anyone who loves that person - extended family. Sometimes there are unexpected opportunities to resolve difficulties and they can come to a new understanding of what’s important. Having an opportunity to support that process is very meaningful to me.”<br />
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<b><i>3. Is there something you would you ask patients to better understand them?</i></b><br />
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“What is most important to you at this time in your life?”<br />
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<b><i>4. And if someone were to ask you what brings you joy, how would you answer?</i></b><br />
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“I’m not sure I could say one thing. Work is very central to me, I feel very happy and honored to do this work. Feeling the lifecycle in my own life as a physician, I started out taking care of babies and children and their mothers, the whole family. Now working with patients at the end of their life, I’m bringing the skills of over 30 years working in medicine to my work every day.<br />
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In addition to my work here the things most important to me are my friends and my family. I’m also very passionate about women's health. I’m on the Board of National Women’s Health based in Washington, D.C., it's another opportunity for me to support the growth of healthcare.<br />
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I feel that hospice and palliative medicine is coming into its own. It’s been in healthcare system for many years and I feel it’s becoming more and more appreciated and mainstream medicine. I’m glad to see it and to be a part of bringing it to families and physicians and our community."<br />
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Welcome Doctor Massion!</h4>
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-38654842159139464602014-10-06T09:54:00.000-07:002014-10-06T09:54:19.171-07:00Expressing Grief through Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QW5wKV_3C5EU7dNyShSE2RKZJpO7cf4qzqb_DjOmKDhqkSfeaIrESqa9xznvCFqcfnb7b1IH64dVmeREB7PZAN7yzBAgrgIlL6uAJrJlh0fpHI4aknn6jAAJ4osA4Ynu8oVmrhGIq8K6/s1600/HSCC+Expressive+Arts+Grief+Support+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QW5wKV_3C5EU7dNyShSE2RKZJpO7cf4qzqb_DjOmKDhqkSfeaIrESqa9xznvCFqcfnb7b1IH64dVmeREB7PZAN7yzBAgrgIlL6uAJrJlh0fpHI4aknn6jAAJ4osA4Ynu8oVmrhGIq8K6/s1600/HSCC+Expressive+Arts+Grief+Support+1.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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HSCC now offers an Expressive Arts Grief Support Group for
adults that uses creative activities to tenderly encourage expression, insight
and growth in a supportive environment.
Members are offered new ways to tell their story, express emotions
without words and feel connected and supported as they creatively honor their
grief and loved ones.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This special group runs for 8 weeks and typically includes
6-8 participants along with 2 facilitators who have an art and grief support
background. The group is different than
other bereavement counseling in that while there is some time each week to
share with each other, much of the time participants are working individually while
writing, painting, drawing, sculpting and through movement. There is no previous art experience necessary
to join the group and participants take their creations home with them.</div>
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In a recent group participants made hand molds to remember
and acknowledge all they gave to their loved ones and to others, and what they
wanted to receive for themselves and then they painted over both sides.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The new group session will begin in Scotts Valley on October
22, 2014. If you’re interested in
hearing more about the Expressive Arts Grief Support Group or to register, please
call Shirley Sapena, Group Program Coordinator at (831) 430-3058. For more information on grief support services available, visit our website at <a href="http://www.hospicesantacruz.org/patients-family-community/grief-support-services" target="_blank">Hospice of Santa Cruz County Grief Support Services</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025243154814818969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-33068101263212944612014-09-19T08:41:00.000-07:002014-09-19T13:49:40.177-07:00Memorial Wall Open House<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
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An enchanted backdrop of
towering redwoods and autumn foliage provided a welcoming invitation for all
that attended the annual <b>Hospice of
Santa Cruz County Memorial Wall Open House</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The gathering took place
on Saturday, September 13<sup>th</sup> at the Hospice of Santa Cruz County’s
Redwood Memorial Garden in Scotts Valley. Multiple generations of families and
friends came together creating a place of peace and tranquility to remember
loved ones. A pristine fall afternoon
enhanced the atmosphere of honor and remembrance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hospice of Santa Cruz
County’s CEO, Mike Milward and VP of Communications and Philanthropy, Cathy Conway addressed the
outdoor crowd with comforting and inspirational words of love, hope and remembrance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The traditional laying of the flowers around
the memorial tiles, trees and garden stones concluded the afternoon of remembrance,
offering families and friends, still
another precious memory of their loved- ones to safely hold dear to their
hearts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-22096051975566537202014-09-04T10:30:00.001-07:002014-09-04T15:02:48.733-07:00A Glimpse into the Work of a Hospice Volunteer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Peg Gallagher, Volunteer Visitor and Radha Mallery, Director of Volunteer Services at Hospice of Santa Cruz County share their experiences of comforting those facing the end of life.</span></div>
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Each fall and spring, Hospice of Santa Cruz County invites our community members to become Volunteer Visitors. These special volunteers participate in a training program that prepares them to take care of practical tasks or simply extend a hand to hold to hospice patients and their families. Volunteers may run errands, help prepare a meal, read to a patient, or just share some quiet time. Their presence can make it possible for a caregiver to take a needed break for a few hours. Recently, director of volunteer services, Radha Mallery, sat down with volunteer visitor, Peg Gallagher to talk about volunteering for Hospice of Santa Cruz County.<br />
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Peg Gallagher became a volunteer visitor in 2011 and has supported patients in their homes and in residential care facilities.<br />
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<b>Radha: Why do you do Volunteer Visitor work?:</b><br />
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<b>Peg:</b> I like helping others at a time in their life that's important and significant to them, and being fully present with somebody. I don't have any history with them and to be fully present to whatever their needs, wants or concerns are is a wonderful experience. I really enjoy those moments of connection. There's a purity to it that you don't get with most people because usually you are coming in with a lot of baggage. With hospice patients there is no baggage just the purity of the one-on-one connection. I didn't expect this, I was just looking for an opportunity to give back in our community.<br />
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<b>Radha: Do you think it is because they are at the end of life and it makes it more authentic for them? Or is it more real because they are really down?</b><br />
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<b>Peg:</b> What you see right away is all the losses they have suffered, yet they're still alive. That's the real beauty. As a person dies they suffer all of these losses; they figure out what is really important, what they want to be about and as they do that, I get to be a part of it and a witness to their experience. It's very incredible. In our culture, we talk about heroes as sports players or business people, while they do great and significant things - different from the ordinary person, the people who are dying are the absolute heroes to me. They have a hospital bed and that's their existence and they will greet me and be happy to see me and be alive in that moment and after all the suffering they go through, that's pretty incredible.<br />
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<b>Radha: What is it that moves you the most about the work? You said all of your experiences are great, knowing you as I do, some of the experiences you've had haven't been easy. There's been some that were difficult.</b><br />
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<b>Peg:</b> I thought what volunteering would be is that I would come in, sit down in a chair by a bed and the person would be there and I would read to them or write letters for them or watch television with them and that would be that. While those activities all occur, every visit and every person is different and unique in its own way. I can visit with somebody and they can be in a wheelchair and we go for a walk outside and I've been with people who are in a great deal of pain and suffering and I've helped communicate with the nurse to come relieve the pain. I've been with someone who actually died and that was an amazing experience, I felt very honored to be included with the family to be present with them at that particular sacred time. <br />
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I've run errands, picked up the house, the full gamut. What I always try to do is no matter what's going on, where the person is, or what's happening - I try to connect with them to figure out what has meaning and purpose for this person and how can I reflect that or bring that to the foreground for them. To facilitate it or step back because they are already doing it. I think that the connection the Volunteer Visitor makes with the person and their family is really critical, it opens up all the possibilities that occur for the volunteer and the patient.<br />
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<b>Radha: How do you answer the question, “Doesn't this make you sad?” Or respond when people say, “I could never do that”.</b><br />
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<b>Peg:</b> At times it is sad. People’s life circumstances can be sad and certainly as a young mother with teenage children is dying, that is a heartbreaking circumstance. To me, to be present with that person and talk in depth about what is important to them, what is significant to them, takes it to another level. It transforms the sadness into the give and pull of life. We don't get to pick when we are going to die, but we can choose how we will and what we want to be remembered for and what our legacy is. I remember one woman in particular, she worked with children, she talked of how her own children were her legacy and how each child she worked with was her legacy. That mix of sad and joyful, it’s a hard but authentic experience.<br />
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<b>Peg: How do you see volunteers grow/change from the training and from this work?</b><br />
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<b>Radha:</b> I see them change in a way that when we come together in support group or when we are talking on the phone, I talk with them in such a way that I understand that their experience is opening their lives and allowing them to be more fearless about facing their own mortality. It gives them the opportunity to actually be in that authentic place that you talked about. To actually experience that firsthand with somebody so that hopefully when they reach that point in their own life, (the dying process), they can remember and draw on that when they are facing death themselves.<br />
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I also see that our volunteers want to work as a team, they're almost like a tribe. Again when they come together they feed off of each other's experiences and they learn and hospice is the conduit. They are able to really learn from each other’s experiences and that is the greatest teacher of all.<br />
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I see how they have hesitation about going into certain settings, like a reluctance to go into a facility, they can have that hesitancy, and we ask them to go because we don't have anybody else and they of course say yes and they realize that "I can do this" or "I can be in this setting". It can also be the opposite, they only want to go into facilities, no individual homes and then they go and it empowers them. <br />
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I see that they become really wonderful advocates for the people that they visit, that again is empowering.<br />
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<b>Peg: What kind of ongoing support do you provide volunteers?</b><br />
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<b>Radha:</b> My team and I get calls every day asking for support around different situations. We give them one-on-one support talking to them. The volunteers also have access to other team members. We have twice a month support groups. One in Scotts Valley and one in Watsonville in the evenings. Volunteers are able to come to that and receive support that way.<br />
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<b>Peg: What's most inspiring to you in working with volunteers?</b><br />
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<b>Radha:</b> I almost started to cry when you asked me this question because I am so moved by the level at which people show up and to the extent that they show up when asked. Whether it's simply running an errand or sitting at the bedside when someone is actively dying and everything in between. I am so moved by the level of their commitment and their engagement for what we ask them to do and their love of the work. It's truly inspiring. Every time we have a support group or training I'm re-inspired, the enthusiasm and dedication is infectious. In the midst of it, they keep a light heart - there is levity in the gravity. There is always a fun side of this work, there is no exception to that. People find the lightness in it and it’s quite magnificent. They bring joy and jokes and in a time when our culture perceives as the most difficult thing we can all experience; death. Which it is difficult, but our volunteers find the joy and the light in that, it's like magnet.<br />
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<b>Peg:</b> As a volunteer, the support that I have received from you and your team is outstanding. Any time I'm unsure or worried about something; when one of my patients dies they are always accessible. It's uncanny, they always know what to say, not trying to fix me, but just to be with me and help me go through whatever issue is occurring. It's been wonderful, I feel so supported and so helped and I don't have any kind of fear that there will be trouble. I can talk to you Radha and I’ll get the help that I need to be able to handle any situation.<br />
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I remember when I signed up being concerned about it. Will I be able to do it for a whole year? The work was so inspiring and such a gift, I've gone beyond a year! I’m still going strong and liking it so much. What people are generally asked to give is 4 hours a week. The time goes so fast. It's kind of interesting, every person I have visited - the four hours have been distributed differently. Sometimes it’s a block of time, other times I will go to facilities, I’ll go 2 or 3 times a week and break it up across the week so the patient can have more visits during the week have something to look forward to, that somebody is going to come and visit them. You can vary how you spend your time. It’s funny because I had those concerns in the beginning and they were not relative to the relationship and the dynamic of the relationship. <br />
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<b>Peg: If somebody is not sure about whether or not they could be a volunteer how do you help them through that?</b><br />
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<b>Radha: </b>We have a conversation about it. Right from the get go I tell people it’s a different kind of volunteering. You may not know if you have the mindset to be able to do it, but the interview itself will reveal a lot. I'll ask the questions that I think will draw out whether or not I think that you're ready. It's ok if you're not and I really respect that it's not the right thing for everybody and if you can't do it there are other ways you can get involved with the agency. That way you get to take a little step at a time. Maybe you'll be a Volunteer Visitor or maybe you won't. Maybe you help with staff support or administrative offices or events. We appreciate the courage you have here to come and talk about. We know it's a big commitment and we have the skills to determine if it’s right for you.<br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz County volunteers are a remarkable and dedicated group of individuals and an important part of the patient care team. They are drawn to hospice for different reasons, yet they share a common desire – to be of service and help others at this precious time of life. Volunteer Visitors are understanding listeners, the ones who extend a hand to hold, providing companionship and emotional support. Like a friendly neighbor they also take care of practical tasks: provide transportation, run errands or prepare a meal. Sometimes their presence makes it possible for a caregiver to get away for a few needed hours of respite. <br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz County is seeking friendly, compassionate men and women to join their Volunteer Visitor program. Training begins September 23, 2014 and applications are due by September 15th. <br />
This 8-session training prepares volunteers to support patients and their families both practically and emotionally. Bilingual volunteers and military veteran volunteers are especially needed. Interested potential volunteers can contact Volunteer Services Manager Radha Mallery at 430-3006 or email her at rmallery@hospicesantacruz.org. The volunteer application can be downloaded from the Hospice website, <a href="http://www.hospicesantacruz.org/make-a-difference/volunteer-opportunities">www.hospicesantacruz.org/make-a-difference/volunteer-opportunities</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F1mTardOMbNFyWAeIsgl_gp4MZZUgdxglOyg-OltV-3OsuUUiNjYamj7sDTgCWKho5lbRIMR2EOi-jLlUztEA9IhIjVB1iYZnO4uPcQnV-izXT9kcR1HeN81mKFulWMVNZz6u3c_d2M/s1600/Peg+and+Radha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F1mTardOMbNFyWAeIsgl_gp4MZZUgdxglOyg-OltV-3OsuUUiNjYamj7sDTgCWKho5lbRIMR2EOi-jLlUztEA9IhIjVB1iYZnO4uPcQnV-izXT9kcR1HeN81mKFulWMVNZz6u3c_d2M/s1600/Peg+and+Radha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F1mTardOMbNFyWAeIsgl_gp4MZZUgdxglOyg-OltV-3OsuUUiNjYamj7sDTgCWKho5lbRIMR2EOi-jLlUztEA9IhIjVB1iYZnO4uPcQnV-izXT9kcR1HeN81mKFulWMVNZz6u3c_d2M/s1600/Peg+and+Radha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-42885694494383460952014-08-29T10:52:00.001-07:002014-08-29T10:52:18.868-07:00Hike-Bike for Hospice Participants Honor Loved Ones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The 2014 Hike-Bike for Hospice participants walked in honor and to remember the following loved ones-<br />
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<b>I am Walking in Compassion for:</b><br />
Joe<br />
Catarino Ambrosio <br />
Anita, Irene and Charles Keller<br />
CAT<br />
Annie and Harold<br />
Peter Baker<br />
Kelly<br />
Chris<br />
Annie Gordon<br />
Everybody (1<br />
Nestor Guzman<br />
Nai-Nai<br />
Uncle Carl Mancini<br />
Clare Shultz<br />
My Mom Clare<br />
Great Grandpa<br />
Ervin Hediger<br />
Greatpa Catrino<br />
Carmen Saldivar (mom)<br />
Herman Mathis<br />
Wilsa Schroers<br />
Grandma Goldie<br />
John Sylvia<br />
Aurora<br />
Ashley<br />
Steve Daroza<br />
Barbara<br />
Judy Valentine<br />
Bob Herron<br />
Angel<br />
Nancy Tice (Mom)<br />
Addy<br />
My Mom<br />
Frank & Lucy Muzzin<br />
Dad (Catrino) <br />
Mom<br />
Gigi<br />
Judy<br />
Grandpa Bill and Grandma Rose<br />
Grandpa Hagen<br />
Jose Nunez Sr.<br />
William Moore<br />
Pamela Diaz<br />
Thelma Mathis<br />
Judy and Thomas<br />
Carl Mancini<br />
Doris Schwitzer<br />
Viola<br />
Don Anderson<br />
Yuri<br />
Russell Valentine<br />
Rose<br />
Filiberto Paez<br />
Dennis & Joan Dilley<br />
Thomas Devlin<br />
Elise Christine Anderson<br />
Eileen (Auntie J)<br />
Carol Jean Miller<br />
Pam Schlaepfer<br />
Joaquin Hughes, Wm. J Hughes<br />
Alene Hoga<br />
Jim McGirr<br />
Filberto Paez<br />
Maestra Judi Stobbe<br />
Polly Montrouil<br />
“Big Jim”<br />
Mira Kardon<br />
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<br />Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-29572794095676970832014-07-18T10:17:00.001-07:002014-07-22T16:10:13.442-07:00Women's 18 Holers Tee Up a Win for Hospice!July 15th, 2014 - Seascape Golf Club in Aptos was the site for the annual Seascape Women’s Golf Club Tournament which benefits Hospice of Santa Cruz County.<br />
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The Seascape Women’s Golf Club's Hospice tournament committee did an outstanding job of bringing in the golfers and raffle prizes which translated into a new donation record-high to Hospice of Santa Cruz County – $7,000 was raised for Hospice’s many community programs by this powerhouse committee of women.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Cindy Baker, Carolyn Post, Wendy LaRocca, Brenda Holquin and Ginger Ramsey</td></tr>
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Over 75 golfers enjoyed the annual festivities which included a healthy dose of competitive golf, prizes for the closest to the hole and of course dozens of wonderful raffle gift baskets, wines and gift certificates that were donated by generous local businesses. </div>
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This tournament brings in local golfers as well as folks from out-of-state including residents from New York and Wendy LaRocca’s family from Arizona. Wendy’s grandchildren always look forward to visiting grandma to help with the preparations for the tournament, as well as distributing raffle prizes to the winners on the day of the event!<br />
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Thank you Seascape Women’s Golf Club and the awesome golf tournament committee. Your dedication and commitment year after year supports the many essential community programs that Hospice of Santa Cruz County provides to patients and families. Your exceptional team work and heartfelt generosity is much appreciated by us all at Hospice of Santa Cruz County.</div>
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For more information about Seascape Golf Club membership, contact General Manager, Gary Nelson at (831) 688-3213 or visit <a href="http://www.seascapegc.com/" target="_blank">www.seascapegc.com</a> or their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seascapegolf" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>.</div>
Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-15521822341478593712014-06-17T13:25:00.001-07:002014-06-17T13:25:24.195-07:00Étoiles de Confort (Stars of Comfort) Quilt<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Étoiles de Confort”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">“Stars of Comfort” Quilt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A fundraising raffle to help support Hospice of Santa
Cruz County’s <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We Honor Veterans Program <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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The Pajaro Valley Quilt
Association (PVQA) has generously donated to Hospice of Santa Cruz County an
exquisite quilt entitled Etoiles de Confort (Stars of Comfort). This priceless
quilt will be raffled to help raise needed funds to support our Hospice of
Santa Cruz County’s <i>We Honor Veterans</i>
program. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This custom queen sized
quilt, designed by Betty Whitman, features a stunning collection of cotton,
French provincial fabrics which profile 38 machined-pieced stars (each made by
a member of PVQA). The quilted stars, featuring
popular French-country colors of blue, red and yellow, are set on a delicate
off-white print which serves as the backdrop for the dramatic star medallion created
by Kristie Shulman.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The name of the quilt <b><i>Etoiles
de Confort</i></b> (Stars of Comfort) has three meanings:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Stars of Comfort honors our Veterans</b>. Men and women of the armed forces are true
shining stars. Without their service we would not have the comfort of home and
country that we love and enjoy! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Stars
of Comfort honors those who comfort the dying</b>. All family members, caregivers truly are the <b>Stars of Comfort</b> represented in the
quilt. Also, hospice care team of
nurses, physicians, hospice aids, chaplains, social workers and volunteers are <b>Stars of Comfort </b>to those living and
dying in our community every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Stars of Comfort honors the dedicated quilters
from the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association</b>. Their passion and love for our
community is represented by every piece of fabric carefully stitched into this
mosaic of beauty! This breathtaking quilt is a priceless treasure that will be
displayed at multiple Hospice of Santa Cruz County events from June 1<sup>st</sup>
through December 7<sup>th</sup>. The
winning ticket for the quilt will be drawn at Hospice of Santa Cruz County’s
annual Tree of Lights event on December 7, 2014. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A limit of 250
tickets will be raffled for this quilt. Tickets
are $20 each. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To purchase
tickets contact:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Adrienne Meier <o:p></o:p></div>
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Associate
Development Director<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hospice of
Santa Cruz County<o:p></o:p></div>
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831 430-3086<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="mailto:ameier@hospicesantacruz.org">ameier@hospicesantacruz.org</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-72210185051849582012014-06-16T13:34:00.001-07:002014-06-16T13:37:53.890-07:00Caroline Chambers, Clinical Practice Education Coordinator - 7 Year Anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Joanne Guzman<br />
Online Marketing Specialist<br />
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As we celebrate Caroline’s 7 years with Hospice of Santa Cruz County, I sat down with her to ask a few questions about her experience with hospice care and nursing.<br />
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<b><i>What brought you into nursing? </i></b><br />
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I was studying studio art and ended up in the hospital. Like many people, I received a range of quality of care. It made such a difference when I received good care- it helped me to heal faster! I remember one night when a nurse came in to take my vital signs. The room was dark and quiet. I can still remember what her hands looked like and how she cared for me. I had a realization that I wanted to be her! <br />
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<b><i>How did you land at HSCC?</i></b><br />
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There are many challenges in healthcare related to the patient experience. I wanted to find a nursing job that felt like right livelihood. As a massage therapist, I am trained in an approach to care called the Client Centered Philosophy. This philosophy holds that the client, not the clinician, is the healer and that the clinician is a facilitator of that healing process. This dovetails perfectly with the patient and family centered philosophy at hospice. <br />
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When I walked into our hospice and ran into two familiar faces - Radha, who I knew from Mount Madonna Center, and Judy, who I knew from Twin Lakes College of the Healing Arts, I knew it was the right place to be.<br />
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Now that I work in Clinical Education, people often ask if I miss the patient contact. My reply is that I love working with the staff here at hospice. Working with people who are so good at what they do and care so much about excellence elevates us all. I’ve learned so much from the people I work with- how to do my job and how to be a good human being.<br />
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<b><i>What gives you the greatest satisfaction in your work? </i></b><br />
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We have a huge impact on people, because we meet them in a crucial time in their lives. When working out in the field, my role was to normalize the dying experience and help people to be present with what was happening- the beauty and the pain. In my current role, I enjoy the problem solving and facilitating growth. Sometimes I get to support new staff as transition from a feelings of overwhelm to a place of “I’ve got it!” I like to collaborate. That’s what is so great about the hospice model- we are actually mandated to work as a team! <br />
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<b><i>What is unique about your job? </i></b><br />
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I see myself as a bridge between field clinicians and leadership. I’ve been in the field and can understand the challenges there. Working with leadership, I get insight into why we have to do some of the things we are being asked to do. I feel I have a responsibility to support understanding and collaboration. Yes, we have regulations we have to follow, and we have people we need to care for...let's problem solve.<br />
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<b><i>What does hospice care mean to you? </i></b><br />
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For me, it is about recognizing that dying is part of a continuum. We walk side by side with people as they transition. We help people get through it. Ram Dass does a teaching about people and their roles in life. He describes how, when someone is dying, the roles fall away and we just become beings sharing an experience together. This inspires my hospice work. <br />
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Normalizing the duality of feelings people may experience, such as “I don’t want Mom to die” and “I wish it was over” is important. Validating what they feel and their unconscious competence as caregivers is a gift. It is an honor to serve in this way.<br />
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<b><i>Final thoughts?</i></b><br />
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A good death is possible. Thank you for letting me serve.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01025243154814818969noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-11236478818954538042014-05-22T15:39:00.000-07:002014-05-22T15:39:14.672-07:00Cooking Through Grief<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The kitchen has always been a symbol of comfort and community. It is a true gathering place for families and friends. A place to share, refresh, be fed and nurtured. This culinary culture of support and community was abundantly apparent at Hospice of Santa Cruz County’s first Cooking through Grief group. This unique cooking experience took place on April 24th and May 8th in the kitchen of Resurrection Church’s Markey Hall in Aptos. <br />
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This intimate cooking and grief support group of 6 enjoyed the company of each other while picking up new cooking tips and creating new recipes. They also enjoyed the delicious fruits of their labor around a beautifully set table. Heartfelt sharing on the challenges of eating and cooking alone after a partner dies was truly understood by compassionate and understanding ears. Authentic smiles and laughter were shared between the participants, as well as a few tears, reminding us that grief has a place in our everyday lives, even at the kitchen table around good food, compassionate friends and a supportive hospice community (HSCC facilitators included Shirley Sapena and Cheri Bianchini. Cooking instruction by Adrienne Meier).<br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-76209666836132673372014-05-21T11:44:00.000-07:002014-05-21T11:47:12.436-07:00Fairways for Kids 2014<br />
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Our Friends of Hospice did it again with another amazing golf tournament which benefits Hospice of Santa Cruz County’s grief support programs for children and teens. The tournament also supports our first inaugural Camp Erin©. Camp Erin is a free, weekend long grief support camp that is designed to help children and teenagers who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Through traditional, fun camp activities, grief support activities, and interactions with other children and adults, campers learn that they are not alone in their grief.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfZrYA6wSqiSL7LPn8OpaI723qrGKoQpzBQNkxMkjco8PAHpDSMTwUI74I16ypEWZAFZtb4qfiwEroqa1ZkGhXqRjRCGm5jSObo3ZYR2kMfPp8nGuXxO1z68awLWhe5pJc9jJsj0KhME/s1600/IMG_1536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfZrYA6wSqiSL7LPn8OpaI723qrGKoQpzBQNkxMkjco8PAHpDSMTwUI74I16ypEWZAFZtb4qfiwEroqa1ZkGhXqRjRCGm5jSObo3ZYR2kMfPp8nGuXxO1z68awLWhe5pJc9jJsj0KhME/s1600/IMG_1536.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a>Besides Fairways for Kids being a fantastic fundraiser, golfing event and dinner, the Friends of Hospice also put together one of the best silent and live auctions in town! An extensive selection of restaurant gift certificates, culinary baskets and sports tickets were just a sampling of the wide variety of items for auction.<br />
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We owe the Friends of Hospice a great deal of gratitude for their long dedicated hours of planning, toting, transporting, decorating, arrainging and hosting one of the most popular and enjoyable fundraisers in the county.<br />
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Hats off to Ginny Clark and Kitty Steffen as the chair and co-chair of this not-to-miss event. <br />
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<br />Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-23491565290674580652014-05-20T14:57:00.002-07:002014-05-22T13:24:04.769-07:00Why I Became a Pet Companion Dog for HospiceBy Finley<br />
(as told to Linda Donovan)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finley with owner Sue Murphy</td></tr>
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Woof. I’m Finley and I’d like to discuss what some people might refer to as a “pet project.” That’s right. I’m a pet companion for Hospice of Santa Cruz County and I visit with hospice patients and help to comfort them. If they are tired, I’ll sit quietly next to them and gently offer support. I try to bring a smile to their faces and make a real effort to wag my tail to show appreciation. I’d like to share with you some of the reasons why I chose this occupation. First, let me tell you a little about my history.<br />
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Before I became a pet companion for Hospice of Santa Cruz County, my life was so routine. I slept about 16 hours a day, took a short walk here and there, watched TV, and ate whenever food was placed in my bowl. And I made sure to bark to announce the arrival of visitors to my house. But I wanted much more than that. I wanted the excitement and challenge of making a doggone difference in this world. My owner Sue, is a hospice volunteer visitor and she signed me up to be a hospice pet companion. I had to undergo a lot of training – and believe me, this took time, and a lot of work before I got certified. But, hey, it was worth the effort.<br />
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I could bark on forever about what this job means to me, but it’s more important to focus on what I bring to hospice patients and their families. They look forward to my visits. After all, I’m cute and really friendly. Of course, not all hospice patients are dog people. But for those who are, I really enjoy visiting and accepting hugs and petting. If I can bring a smile to a patient’s face, my work is successful!<br />
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If you’d like to learn more about the pet companion program, or if you’d like to be a pet companion, contact Radha or Judy in our volunteer department at (831) 430-3000 and they can share details about becoming a certified pet companion. <br />
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And, on behalf of all pets everywhere I encourage you to hug your pet today…it makes everyone feel good!<br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-87847803303461065312014-05-15T13:45:00.002-07:002014-05-15T13:50:33.634-07:00American Red Cross Santa Cruz County Medical Heroes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Wednesday, May 14th the American Red Cross hosted their annual community heroes breakfast. Dr. Vanessa Little, Emmi Schambeck, R.N. and Tree Dunbar, R.N. were chosen to be honored as the medical heroes of Santa Cruz County.<br />
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<b>Dr. Vanessa Little</b><br />
As Chief Medical Director at Hospice of Santa Cruz County, Dr. Vanessa Little is overseeing the medical care of 191 patients and their families today. She leads a team that helps her to perform this important task – a cadre of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides and volunteers work together in an interdisciplinary team approach to ensure that individuals facing their final months, days and hours can live in comfort and with dignity. What makes Dr. Little a genuine hero is her fierce commitment to truth, for it is in having difficult conversations with patients and families that Dr. Little often witnesses profound healing.<br />
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Many physicians decide to go into hospice and end-of-life medicine later in her careers, but Dr. Little had a feel for what hospice care could be like at an early age. “Growing up in my home was pretty interesting,” shares Dr. Little. “My father was a physician so we grew up hearing conversations about medical situations. My mother rehabilitated animals so it wasn’t uncommon to have wildlife hospice care happening right in our kitchen. My mother taught me about the importance of allowing a peaceful and dignified death to happen.”<br />
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It was during Dr. Little’s residency at Brown University that she realized her desire to study and practice hospice and palliative care medicine. She recalls a particular patient who was actively dying and remembers the moment that she spoke with his family. “The easiest thing to do was to not tell them what I knew from a medical standpoint,” she shares. But she mustered the courage and told the patient’s family that she thought he would die that night. And, the patient did die that night. “I was scared – scared of being wrong, scared of making people sad, but I realized the importance of facing those fears,” she describes. “The truth is too important and you don’t want a patient and family to miss the opportunity to be with that truth and to say goodbye”.<br />
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When asked what she loves about working in hospice, Dr. Little mentions the interdisciplinary team that cares for the patients and their family. “I am one spoke on the wheel of this team,” she shares. Each day, Dr. Little collaborates with the Hospice of Santa Cruz County physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides and community medical partners who are caring for the hospice patients and their families. “A lot of my ideas are around medications and how to make our patients comfortable,” she explains. And while Dr. Little recognizes that physical comfort is an important piece, she also acknowledges the importance of finding emotional and spiritual reassurance. The hospice team works together to address these issues that patients and their families are facing.<br />
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Dr. Little reflects on the unexpected gift that serious illness can be. “Illness and death can bring out the best in people,” she shares. “It demands authenticity. For me, that authenticity, that truth feeds me. It’s an honor to be part of people’s lives during this once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Dr. Little also thrives on finding the right solution for a patient and family so they can live in comfort and with dignity. “It is not a recipe,” she explains. “We are constantly asking ‘what does this patient, at this time, in this environment, with these caregivers, and with this disease process need?’ People are unique and we do our best to make sure their unique needs are met throughout their time in hospice care”.<br />
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We recognize Dr. Little’s medical expertise and the gift of presence, mindfulness and compassion that she brings to hospice staff, physician colleagues, community partners, and the patients and families we serve. Dr. Vanessa Little is truly a hero and gift to our community.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Vanessa Little, from left, and nurses Tree Dunbar and Emmi Shambeck. (Kevin Johnson -- Santa Cruz Sentinel)</td></tr>
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<b>Tree Dunbar, R.N. </b><b>and </b><b>Emmi Schambeck, R.N.</b><br />
Between the two of them, Hospice of Santa Cruz County nurses Tree Dunbar and Emmi Schambeck have 57 years of experience in caring for the seriously ill and dying in our community. When asked about what inspires her the most, Emmi answers simply, “Every day inspires me.” Tree is inspired by the universality of the experience. Working with people who are dying, knowing that we will all someday experience death, could seem depressing. These two heroes embrace the challenge and handle the most complex medical and emotional cases because they believe that every one of us is entitled to live, and die, with dignity. <br />
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Emmi Schambeck and Tree Dunbar are team leaders at Hospice of Santa Cruz County. In their role, they each oversee the care of about 60 patients. They support teams of nurses, social workers, chaplains and aides who provide day-to-day, direct care to patients and their families. Trust plays an important role in their daily work. “There is no other situation in which people are so trusting,” Emmi shares. “Often this is a first time experience for a family and they want guidance”. Hospice care is provided in residential homes, nursing homes and facilities, and Emmi reflects on both the privilege and responsibility of accompanying a patient and their family on this final journey. “I offer my expertise and experience and know that the patient and family will choose the tools and support they need. Each patient and family is different so we first find out what is important to them and then offer our expertise and support.”<br />
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The daily activities that these two clinicians perform are diverse and become more complex based on the patient’s needs. Tree and Emmi are skillful multi-taskers. When they are serving a younger patient, they are busy ordering medications and supplies like a hospital bed for the home while ensuring that the patient’s children have the emotional support they need though the process. When supporting a homeless patient, they can spend hours negotiating with community partners to find appropriate shelter and caregivers so that the patient will be comfortable and safe. Recently a patient shared that he wanted to marry his longtime partner before he died. Tree worked with the team to arrange this wish and the team’s chaplain married the couple just days before he died. <br />
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Amidst the daily work of management and logistics, Tree and Emmi are deeply drawn to the mystery. While they feel a sense of accomplishment in treating the physical pain and the emotional and spiritual concerns of their patients, they realize that they are not fully in control of the situation. “As much as we medicalize it, there is still a mystery to how it unfolds,” Tree shares. “We try to reassure our patients and families, ease their fears, and help them prepare and understand what to expect. And then we accompany them through the mystery – it’s an incredible privilege.”<br />
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In their respective 30 and 27 years of hospice work, Tree and Emmi have helped thousands of patients and families live, and die, in comfort and with dignity. They have mentored scores of young nurses, helping them to become seasoned end-of-life care professionals. Their heroism comes in their openness to show up every day knowing that each patient and family situation they will encounter is unique. We recognize the profound commitment and dedication these two professionals make to Hospice of Santa Cruz County and to our community. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUlU6bdCiD7KA2P5ZHJ7rOQgN6H728LUsEI4US98YdHE_WhIhkaGSX28RYH2J3jNePoV9QAN9kKQtjd5eZ-LlaZSAyX_qY19bx00sRHHlGwJ_HfBo6FKIzi2BEV_Tncn8_Y3WD9h_6fA/s1600/20140505__STC-L-ALHOSPICE-0504~p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUlU6bdCiD7KA2P5ZHJ7rOQgN6H728LUsEI4US98YdHE_WhIhkaGSX28RYH2J3jNePoV9QAN9kKQtjd5eZ-LlaZSAyX_qY19bx00sRHHlGwJ_HfBo6FKIzi2BEV_Tncn8_Y3WD9h_6fA/s1600/20140505__STC-L-ALHOSPICE-0504~p2.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Vanessa Little, from left, and nurses Tree Dunbar and Emmi Shambeck. (Kevin Johnson -- Santa Cruz Sentinel)</td></tr>
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-589937447797782972014-04-17T13:25:00.000-07:002014-04-17T13:33:57.286-07:00Birthday Parties, Hospice, and You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>By Linda Donavan</i></div>
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<i>Grief Support Volunteer</i></div>
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<i>Hospice of Santa Cruz County</i></div>
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So many of us like to have birthday parties and celebrate the occasion with friends and family. However, at some point in our lives we may even no longer want, need, – or have room for – gifts. After all, how many pairs of slippers can anyone wear at one time? So, when my late husband’s mother, Elinor, was getting ready to turn 90, she made a great decision. She knew how much Hospice of Santa Cruz County helped her son, Paul, and our family with compassionate care and support during his illness. That’s why she asked people to donate to Hospice of Santa Cruz in his memory instead of giving her presents at her birthday party.<br />
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The party was a wonderful occasion, where family and friends got together to share how much we love and appreciate Elinor and how grateful we are to have her in our lives. Her idea of having people contribute to hospice in Paul’s memory made the celebration even better because we knew that the money was going to such a great cause. Donations to hospice help pay for grief support services, transitional care for seriously ill people not ready for hospice, end-of-life and caregiver education, and many other programs and services that support our community. Just knowing that people at the party were helping hospice gave us another chance to honor Paul and feel like he was still there with us in spirit at this wonderful event.<br />
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So, the next time you’re planning a birthday party, think about how you can make a difference. If you’d like your guests to make donation in the memory of a loved one instead of receiving gifts, just add this information to the invitation:<br />
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Please make a contribution to Hospice of Santa Cruz County in the memory of (add the person’s name) in lieu of gifts. You can make the contribution online at <a href="http://www.hospicesantacruz.org/donate">www.hospicesantacruz.org/donate</a> . Or, mail a check to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066. In the note section of the check be sure to write “in memory of (add the person’s name).<br />
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You probably know that old expression “you can’t have your cake and eat it, too,” which means you can’t have the best of both worlds. I think you can. You can have a party, eat the cake, and make a difference by having your guests donate to hospice.<br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-55317219188375731112014-04-02T14:04:00.004-07:002014-04-02T14:05:58.720-07:00Five Excuses for Not Doing an Advance Healthcare Directive: Attend a Free Session to Help You Make Your Wishes Known!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Completing an Advance Healthcare Directive doesn’t take much effort but many people have excuses for not completing or updating theirs. Do any of these reasons sound familiar?<br />
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1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My pen ran out of ink<br />
2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I plan to live a long time<br />
3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My relatives will figure it all out<br />
4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’m too busy<br />
5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I don’t like talking about this subject or even thinking about it<br />
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If you haven’t completed a directive, you’re not alone. According to a study conducted in late 2011 by the California Healthcare Foundation, while 82% of Californians say it’s important to have end of life care wishes in writing, only 23% say they have done so. <b>An Advance Healthcare Directive is a very simple form that can be completed quickly and it gives you a chance to make your wishes known</b>. This way your loved ones don’t have guess about how to handle tough decisions related to your health. You get the peace of mind that they are following your guidance and they don’t have to worry whether they’ve made the right decisions.<br />
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We think this is so important that <b>we’re offering free, 30-minute Advance Healthcare Planning Sessions throughout the county in honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16)</b>. We will assist you in updating or completing your Advance Healthcare Directive.<br />
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<b>Santa Cruz</b><br />
Monday, April 14, 2 - 4 p.m. – Dominican Oaks, Oaks Room, 4300 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz<br />
Tuesday, April 15, 1 - 3 p.m. – Garfield Park Village, Scott Hall, 721 Bay Street, Santa Cruz<br />
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<b>Watsonville</b><br />
Wednesday, April 16, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Senior Circle Room, Watsonville Community Hospital<br />
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<b>Scotts Valley</b><br />
Friday, April 18, 1 - 3 p.m. – Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Road, Scotts Valley<br />
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<b>Aptos </b><br />
Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos<br />
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<b>Call ahead to reserve your spot: 831.430.3078.</b></div>
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848030591307282039.post-49476013992694398782014-03-06T10:45:00.001-08:002014-03-06T10:45:22.144-08:00Little Hands with a Big Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Good things certainly do come in small packages and that is true of little Nitzana Cohen.<br />
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Nitzana (calls herself Neeblet), is a four year old Santa Cruz resident that has the heart and compassion of someone ten times her age. Recently Nitzana came to Hospice of Santa Cruz County’s Mary and Richard Solari Center for Compassionate Care in Scotts Valley with a personal donation of $13.10 to help comfort hospice patients. Her donation was accompanied by a small selection of toiletries that she personally purchased for a patient in need of comfort and love.<br />
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Nitzana’s “giving passion” was instilled in her and her siblings by parents Myriam and Mike Cohen. Mike Cohen told us that during the year, his three daughters Hadassah, Nitzana and Ziva contribute money that is earned, found or gifted to them as a way to give back to the community. Mom, Myriam tells us that the discussion of who the recipients will be at the end of the year is a very serious and involved process. The girls are educated about the different non-profit organizations that offer services that better the community such as feeding the hungry, caring for the dying, and housing stray animals. <br />
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The Cohens believe that pre-school children have much time to learn the art of giving back to the community and they have found that it is difficult to find activities that pre-school children can participate in to encourage the principle of giving. The Cohens have created opportunities for the girls to experience the joy of giving by reaching out to neighbors in need and offering time to Alzheimer patients that enjoy a conversation with a loving child. Family field trips are also encouraged to the local animal shelter where the girls bring clean blankets for the animals.<br />
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Little Nitzana was probably expecting to meet a patient when she visited our administrative offices not realizing we care for patients in their homes and residential facilities. When the Hospice receptionist witnessed Nitzana’s giving heart, she and her family were invited to view a memorial table that honors patients who have passed. As the family looked at the newspaper clippings and memorial candles honoring loved ones, Nitzana’s older sister, Hadassah, recognized a member of the community who had died and then it all became real and personal to the girls. In that moment little Nitzana’s special donation became a very meaningful and satisfying experience for a child with a big heart.<br />
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Thank you Cohen family for reminding us of the importance and joy of giving back! And thank you Nitzana for a very big life lesson taught by a very little girl! <br />
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Hospice of Santa Cruz Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712785890041173253noreply@blogger.com0