Literature Review

Hospice of the Valley and CLS bridge the generation gap Arcadia News, Phoenix, AZ; by Cliff Summerhill; 12/1/24 Hospice of the Valley (HOV) and Christ Lutheran School (CLS) are entering the second year of a partnership that connects students with individuals at the Dementia Care and Education Campus. As part of HOV’s Adult Day Club, fifth-grade students visit individuals living with dementia to bridge intergenerational divides and spread enrichment, support, and joy that lasts long after the day’s activities have ended. ... Students partake in various meaningful activities with club members, including painting, coloring, gardening, and activities like cornhole, catch, and shuffleboard. The most important activity, however, is conversation. “Even though there is an age gap, both the Adult Day Club members and the students have the opportunity to learn from each other as they share stories and various interests,” CLS Service Learning Coordinator Mandi Schnepf said.

How to start the most difficult conversation in the world this holiday season EIN Presswire, Philadelphia, PA; by Cremstar; 11/25/24 According to a Caring.com Survey only 32% of Americans have a will. This Thanksgiving take advantage of this year’s holiday gatherings to plan for the inevitable. ... “There isn’t one right way to approach this topic. It really depends on the person you’re talking with,” says J.G. Sandom, CEO of Cremstar, a leading online cremation service. For example, if you know your person doesn’t like to be taken by surprise, give them a heads up, says Kate DeBartolo of the Conversation Project, an initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Planning a visit with your parent(s)? Let them know beforehand that this topic is on your mind and that you’d like to talk about it with them. This gives them the opportunity to think about what they want, if they haven’t already. Here are Four Tips to ensure a successful dialogue:

HomeCare & Hospice receives Renodin Grant Olean Times Herald, Allegany, NY; 11/14/24 HomeCare & Hospice announces it has received a generous grant from the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation to support its comfort care basket initiative for hospice patients. This funding will enable HomeCare & Hospice to provide comfort care baskets filled with thoughtfully selected items that promote relaxation, comfort and dignity for those facing end-of-life care. Each basket is designed to offer a bit of respite, bringing a sense of warmth and care to patients during a vulnerable time. The Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation, affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, is committed to supporting projects that uplift individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, food insecurity and other vulnerabilities. “We are deeply grateful to the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation for their support,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of HomeCare & Hospice. “This grant will allow us to provide meaningful and comforting items to our hospice patients, helping to ease their journey and providing support that reflects the compassion and respect at the heart of our mission.”

99-year-old World War II veteran in Sioux City attends Hospice of Siouxland Veterans Luncheon KTIV 4, Sioux City, IA; by Taylor Deckert; 11/12/24 Siouxland veterans were busy on Nov. 11 as many businesses and organizations celebrated their service to our country. Hospice of Siouxland hosted their luncheon the following day on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Each year, they host it around Veterans Day so these veterans can enjoy all the other events in the area. Veterans and their families were celebrated with a pinning ceremony by Veteran Volunteers with Hospice of Siouxland. “I enjoy them. I’ve been going to these for many years. ...” said WWII Veteran, Robert Irwin of Sioux City who got pinned on Tuesday. He continued, “There are only one or two of us left. I got drafted in 1943, sent me to Europe as a machine gunner. We got shot down, but, were able to make it back to England. We made the rest of our tour. From that, I came back and helped start the Air National Guard,” said Irwin. “I had my windshield shot out.” He also served in Korea as a pilot. “I spent 24 years in,” said Irwin.

We invite you to listen to our latest podcast: Imagine Heaven, with John Burke TCN Talks (Teleios Collaborative Network); podcast by Chris Comeaux; 10/30/24 In this inspiring episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux sits down with John Burke, New York Times bestselling author of Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven, for a soul-stirring conversation on near-death experiences (NDEs) and their profound implications. John shares the overwhelming evidence of the commonalities of near-death experiences (NDEs) and the evidence that supports their validity from across the world and from across many different cultures.  Chris begins by recounting his own transformative experience reading Imagine Heaven over his summer sabbatical, describing it as a refreshing oasis for the parched soul. John delves into the fascinating and consistent patterns found in NDEs worldwide, revealing how people from vastly different backgrounds describe similar encounters of leaving their bodies, seeing with a spiritual clarity—even those blind from birth—and entering realms filled with light, love, and peace. 

Serenity House Garden receives colorful makeover in honor of patients and families The Oskaloosa Herald, Oskaloosa, IA; 10/23/24 Mahaska Health announced recent enhancements to the Serenity House Garden, made possible by the generosity of Bob and Roxanne Denner. The updated garden now features a vibrant array of new plants and a beautifully revitalized rock landscape, offering a serene and uplifting environment for patients and their families. Roxanne Denner, a member of the Serenity Hospice Auxiliary Board, has been involved in supporting the Serenity House mission for several years. As an avid gardener, she saw this opportunity to enhance the garden as a way to contribute to the well-being of guests and their families. Editor's note: We celebrate the countless hospice and palliative care volunteers who give their time and talents to create more meaningful, compassionate environments and experiences for patients and families. Whom might you thank and recognize?

Hospice Sabbath Progressive Journal; by Hospice of Chesterfield County Foundation; 10/14/24 As you attend your place of worship the weekend of November 1-3, 2024, you may see a single white carnation displayed in a prominent location. Hospice of Chesterfield County Foundation has chosen the white carnation as a symbol for the observance of Hospice Sabbath. Churches are being asked to participate by displaying a white carnation in memory of all who have received Hospice services. ... These individuals were significant to their families and to our community. They were our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends, and our loved ones. ... In its simple elegance, the white carnation symbolizes the hope and dignity which Hospice helped to ensure for these individuals and for their families. In its fragile beauty, the carnation reminds us of the sacredness of life and the mystery of death. Hospice recognizes that endings are inevitable; yet, life is affirmed as persons are encouraged to live each moment to its greatest capacity.