A WORD FROM OUR CEO

In honor of National Home Health and Hospice Month I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the dedicated professionals who provide services to patients and families in their home and provide education and clinics to the communities they serve. The staff that provide care to patients in their home must be able to think on their feet, work independently, and have excellent assessment skills. They provide quality and compassionate care to Home Care patients after a recent hospitalization or with managing their chronic illnesses. Services you could receive consist of Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and Licensed Nursing Assistants. Coordination of care between the team, patient, and physicians help to put together a treatment plan that is patient centered. One of the greatest satisfactions is seeing a patient you have worked with meet their goals and be discharged from services.

Hospice care in the home provides holistic care of the patient, caregivers, and family. It provides the support needed for someone to stay at home and peacefully pass with the support of the Hospice team and Medical Director. The hospice team consists of Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Licensed Nursing Assistants, Spiritual Care, Homemakers, Volunteers, and Rehab. Visits focus on symptom management and encompass the mind, body, and spirit. Hospice care is a journey like no other, it takes a very special person to walk the journey with a hospice patient and their family. We cry when you cry and hold your hand when you feel anxious. Providing comfort and peace.

The behind-the-scenes unsung heroes of Home Health and Hospice Month are the administrative/office staff. They are the ones who ensure required documentation is received and in place to proceed with services. They confirm insurance and obtain authorizations for clients to receive care. They perform quality audits, maintain the day-to-day function of the agency, schedule visits, and triage calls that come into the agency. They are the key to educational programs and clinics and assisting with the needs of the community. This and so much more allow the field staff to do what they do…which is taking extraordinary care of the patients.

So, I ask you as you go through the month of November, please take a moment and thank your local Health Care Professionals, if you’ve ever had Home Care or Hospice services for yourself or for a loved one, please take a moment to thank them. As a nurse in the Home Care and Hospice field for over 20 years there is nothing more rewarding.

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Germ of the Month

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that will cause symptoms in the upper respiratory system. This virus typically peaks during December and January, however with cooler weather conditions and people spending more time indoors in close quarters the risk increases during the fall and winter months.

RSV is particularly dangerous for older adults and children under the age of 1. In severe cases, individuals require hospitalization for treatment of inflammation of their airways and pneumonia like infections caused by RSV.



RSV spreads through coughing, sneezing, direct contact with someone who actively has the virus, or by touching a contaminated surface. Prevention includes practicing proper hand hygiene, covering your cough and sneezes, keeping surfaces clean. In addition, stay home if you aren’t feeling well. Vaccination for RSV is recommended for high risk patients including adults over the age of 60, children under the age of 1, and those who are immunocompromised. 

What's Happening in November?

Veterans Day



Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military- living and dead- whether in wartime or peace. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who serve have sacrificed and done their duty.

While Veterans Days is often confused for Memorial Day, the two observances serve different purposes and have different histories. Memorial Day which has its roots in the post-Civil War to “memorialize” all those who died in wars and conflicts who gave their lives in service to the country. To ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten.

Veterans Day, however, was first known as Armistice Day as a celebration of the resolution of World War I, a peace recognized historically on the date and time of that event, November, 11^th, 1918, at 11:00 a.m. and salutes surviving service members as well as those who have passed away since their service.

Americans Honor the Veterans on Veterans Day in so many different ways such as: getting children involved in school coloring and sending cards, donating to reputable veterans’ charities, participating in the National Two-Minutes of silence, organizing a Care-Package Party, to name just a few.

60 Veterans Day Quotes and Inspiring Messages for 2024

https://department.va.gov

Current and Upcoming Fundraisers

Your copy

With a donation of $50 you receive a custom brick in the memory of a lost loved one. The brick will be honored in the Teuscher-Wilson Hospice Garden, which is pictured at the top left. Bricks are on sale all year round and dedicated in a ceremony once a year.

 Other opportunities are open for larger donations as Diamond, Opal, and Amethyst sponsors. Please click on the link below for more information.

BP Clinics, Events, and Trainings

Our Drop-In Grief Support Group

no registration needed

Anniversaries Hiring and

Announcing

New Volunteers