Tag Archives: hospice care

Local hospice nurse case manager enhances quality of life for Emmanuel Hospice patients

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RN case manager in hospice Brittany Rickert talks with Emmanuel Hospice patient Barbara (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Throughout her career, Brittany Rickert has explored nursing jobs in various settings but keeps getting drawn back to hospice. For her, there is little else that offers such a unique and rewarding experience.

“There are landmarks throughout our lives, and death is one of them,” says Rickert, a nurse of 15 years. “It is very special to be allowed into that sacred space with patients and their loved ones, to support them through such a pivotal portion of their life.”

Rickert finds caring for the elderly to be extremely rewarding (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)

As a registered nurse case manager with Emmanuel Hospice, Rickert is in a diverse role that requires her to use both clinical and emotional support skills to walk alongside patients on their end-of-life journey.

She defines her position as the “coordinator of the patient experience altogether,” working alongside an interdisciplinary team to bring supportive services directly to patients, wherever they call home.

“My goal is to make sure each patient’s quality of life is at its best and that patients are getting everything they could possibly want from hospice care to live fully and comfortably,” Rickert says, noting she will involve social workers, spiritual caregivers, music therapists and more, depending on a patient’s goals and needs.

“I want each patient to feel completely cared for and for the family to know they’re in good hands.”

Empowering patients

As Rickert guides patients through their options, she empowers them to make informed decisions about their care. Patients select which services are important to them. Alongside traditional medical care options, Rickert likes to highlight the complementary therapies and services available, including massage therapy, pet visitors, essential oils and more.

“People are often surprised to learn about our additional therapies as not every hospice offers them,” Rickert says. “Patient wishes are another example that can be very meaningful and connect with our goal of making hospice more about living. Just this past month, I have been working on a wish to get a family out to an MSU basketball game for a huge Spartan fan in our care.”

“We’ve got you.”

Another key point Rickert emphasizes with families: The care team is available 24/7 to answer questions and dispatch care as needed.

“Just because I’m not scheduled to come back until next week for a regular visit does not mean I, or another member of the care team, can’t check in sooner,” she says. “I reassure families our light is always on. We’ve got you.”

Direct patient care

Rickert check the vitals of Barbara, an Emmanuel Hospice patient (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)

Rickert enjoys being “out in the field” regularly and providing direct patient care herself. Because hospice is a service, not a place, she is caring for patients wherever they are all throughout much of West Michigan.

That distinction is particularly relevant this time of year as Emmanuel Hospice celebrates National Care at Home Month and the role of hospice in the spectrum of in-home care.

During a typical patient visit, Rickert checks vitals and does a head-to-toe assessment, zeroing in on common symptoms that can occur as the end of life approaches. She manages medications and takes stock of supplies and other equipment to help patients remain comfortable in their home.

Providing emotional support is intertwined with the clinical side of Rickert’s role. As a main point of contact for patients and their loved ones, it is critical she helps them navigate unchartered waters with empathy and respect. Rickert aims to be a reassuring presence to everyone involved.

Learn more

To learn more, call 616-719-0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org.

What Hospice Isn’t: Common myths about end-of-life care

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After finding out what hospice is – and is not – families often wish they’d called sooner. (Photo Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice from iStock)

By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


Myths and misconceptions surrounding hospice have caused people to delay accessing supportive end-of-life care they’re entitled to – or skip it entirely. 

Melissa Wedberg, vice president of community relations at Emmanuel Hospice, is passionate about dispelling these myths and empowering individuals to take advantage of hospice services earlier on.

“If you have Medicare or private insurance, hospice is a benefit you have a right to when you’re medically eligible,” Wedberg said. “We are not hastening death; we are bringing support. Delaying hospice can lead to unnecessary pain, suffering and potentially even loss of time with loved ones. After finding out what hospice is – and is not – families wish they’d called sooner.” 

Hospice is not giving up.
According to Wedberg, this is the biggest mental and emotional barrier that exists not only for patients, but for families and even for some physicians, too.

“Hospice is not about resigning to the disease process or age; it’s about refocusing goals,” she explained. “When someone doesn’t have curative options left, we focus on enhancing quality of life. At Emmanuel, we start with the question, ‘How do you want to live?’ Hospice means gaining support during a difficult time rather than going through it alone.” 

Hospice is not just for your last days or hours.
Individuals can be on hospice for months or more, especially when enrolling sooner than later. There are many diagnoses that make you eligible.

“It might surprise people to learn that someone on hospice is not necessarily someone who looks like they’re dying,” Wedberg said. “You may have seen a hospice patient and not even known it because they were out at a grocery store or attending a ball game. Hospice care is helping that individual live how they want to live for the time they have left.” 

Hospice does not hasten death.
“Hospice care is a way for people to live more comfortably for longer,” Wedberg said. “In fact, we believe hospice is more about living than dying. We work tirelessly to provide life-giving opportunities that make every moment matter.”

Studies have found hospice patients may actually live longer due to better quality of life and symptom management than those with similar illnesses who are not receiving end-of-life care.

Hospice will not make you change doctors.
“You can keep your primary care provider, or you can choose to have your care overseen by the hospice medical director,” Wedberg said. “What’s important for patients and families to know is they remain in control when they sign on. We offer support and solutions; you can decide if or how you want to accept them.”

Hospice will not take away your medications.
A hospice nurse will work with a patient’s doctor to determine which medications are necessary to maintain comfort, but “if a patient wants to continue a medication they’re taking, they’re generally able to do so,” Wedberg said.

Hospice is not a refusal of all medical treatment.
While choosing hospice means a focus on quality of life over curative measures, that doesn’t mean all medical treatments stop. 

“With the exception of cancer treatment or dialysis, it’s rare patients have to give up treatment, especially when it’s for symptom management,” Wedberg said. 

Hospice will not administer pain medication regardless of need.
Some believe hospice will immediately use heavy pain management, such as morphine or opioids, no matter the situation. There is also the myth that these medications will hasten death. Both are not true. 

“We only treat pain if pain exists,” Wedberg said. “And we’re going to treat it at the appropriate level for each individual only to relieve discomfort and improve their quality of life.”

Additionally, patients are empowered to use other therapies and services, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, essential oils and more, alongside or instead of medication to manage their symptoms,  depending on their wishes and goals. 

Hospice is not a place.
Hospice is rarely an actual location that people go to, but rather a service that comes to you wherever you call home. 

Hospice is not a one-time decision.
“If for any reason you don’t want hospice anymore, you can stop at any time and there’s no penalty,” Wedberg said. “You can leave and come back. You can switch providers. If a miracle treatment or clinical trial becomes available, you could take it. But in the meantime, if you’re eligible for hospice, why not get that support in place?”

For more information, call 616-719-0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org.

A chance to just be: How hospice benefits caregivers

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Hospice can often take some caregiving and financial stress off of the family members who are caring for a loved one who is ill, in addition to providing grief support and other resources. (Photo Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)



By Emmanuel Hospice

greer@wktv.org

Grief support, respite and reduced costs: In Valerie Willock’s experience, too few people understand the ways hospice services extend beyond patients to their caregivers.


It’s something she’s trying to change in her role as a community relations specialist with Emmanuel Hospice. One of her main goals is to break the stigma of hospice and get more people to take advantage of the many benefits sooner.


“There are so many different programs that help those caring for a seriously ill loved one,” she says. “One of my favorites is the respite program, which allows caregivers to rest and recover while their loved one receives care for up to five days at a skilled nursing facility at no additional cost.


“We will safely transport their loved one there, ensuring their medication and key belongings come with them. We’ll also ensure patients are well taken care of while their caregiver takes a much-needed break.”


Hospice social workers can also help caregivers make arrangements for when their loved one passes, working to ensure there are no surprises when it comes to funeral costs.


“Our social workers are great for identifying external resources to meet any need,” Willock explains. “We won’t choose for you, but we’ll give you the information and connections to help you navigate the situation.”


Hospice also can provide emotional support to caregivers who may be experiencing a range of feelings.

“With our bereavement team, we provide support through the entire process,” Willock adds. “Our care does not end when a loved one has passed. At Emmanuel Hospice, we continue to support the family for at least 13 months following their loss.”


Perhaps one of the most powerful benefits of hospice for caregivers, Willock says, is that it allows them to step out of that caregiving role, if even for a short time, so they can just be with their loved one and make positive memories during the time they have left together.


“We want to enable that daughter who is taking care of her dad the chance to just be a daughter,” Willock says. “Our goal is to do something special for every patient and their family – something that brings a little extra joy during a difficult time.”


By granting patient wishes and offering complementary services alongside expert medical care, Emmanuel helps make hospice more about living than dying.


“Our patient wish program is phenomenal,” Willock says. “Wishes have ranged from simple activities, such as setting up a meal for a couple to inviting family and friends to enjoy an afternoon fishing or an evening concert.


“We also offer programs that create a unique piece of legacy for families involving their loved one’s finger prints, hand molds and heartbeat recordings.”


One of the keys to personalizing patient experiences is to be able to get to know patients and their loved ones over time, which can be possible when inquiring about hospice sooner than later. People who have been given a physician prognosis of six months or less to live are eligible for hospice care, and there is usually no direct cost to patients and their loved ones.


“Generally, Medicare covers hospice 100% – no copays, no out-of-pocket costs,” Willock emphasizes. “That covers all visits from our team members, including those who are on-call 24/7, as well as any durable medical equipment and a lot of medications. All supplies get ordered and delivered for you. You can stay wherever you call home and focus on living life to the fullest extent possible.”


For more information, call 616-719-0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org.

Honoring those who served: Wyoming veteran provides comfort for hospice veterans

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Ryan Gadberry (pictured) is no longer on active duty, yet continues to serve (Courtesy, Hospice of Michigan)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

Gadberry works to ensure veterans are recognized for their service (Courtesy, Hospice of Michigan)

Wyoming resident Ryan Gadberry served four years (2013-2017) in the U.S. Marines. While no longer on active-duty, the local veteran continues serving by bringing comfort and recognition to hospice veterans during their end-of-life journey.

Already serving as Property Manager for Hospice of Michigan, Gadberry stepped in to help when he heard Hospice of Michigan needed veteran volunteers.

For the past eight months, Gadberry has used his military experiences to make a meaningful impact.

“I am more than happy to give back,” said Gadberry. “It’s very heartwarming; it makes you feel like you’re doing something really important.”

Camaraderie and compassion

Hospice of Michigan strives to deliver the holistic, loving care veterans deserve. Veteran volunteers make a difference in the lives of others by sitting and visiting with fellow veteran patients.

Gadberry said there is a specific connection between veterans due to shared military training and history.

Wyoming veterans gather at an annual local breakfast (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)

“You can meet a total stranger and, once you find out they are a fellow service person, there is an immediate connection,” said Gadberry. “You’re no longer a stranger.”

That connection has been frequently proven, but one instance made a lasting impact on Hospice of Michigan Volunteer Program Manager, Lauren Becker-Barkman.

A lifelong Marine within hours of the end of his life journey was restless, repeatedly reaching and calling out.

“There was no peace in this man’s world at this time,” said Becker-Barkman. “He’s uncomfortable, he’s restless.”

Veterans can make a difference in each other’s lives (Courtesy photo)

The hospice team asked a veteran volunteer to sit with the veteran in hopes of making a difference in his end-of-life journey.

“By the time [the volunteer] left,” said Becker-Barkman, “he was comfortable, he was at peace. He wasn’t calling out, he wasn’t reaching out.”

The veteran passed within a few hours – and what was said during that time together remains unknown.

“We don’t know what was said or what passed between these two veterans, but whatever it was allowed this man to find peace and to be able to go on peacefully,” said Becker-Barkman. “That’s the kind of connection you can’t make up. The impact is immeasurable.”

Gadberry personally cultivates that special connection with hospice veterans through empathy and understanding.

A desire to serve

Gadberry is thankful for his time in the Marines (Courtesy, Hospice of Michigan)

A first-generation serviceman in his family, Gadberry always knew he wanted to be a Marine.

“Even when I was a kid, that was the plan. Finish high school, join the Marines. That’s what I did.”

Gadberry served as an intelligence analyst, working with several overseas ops – and has no regrets.

“I love that I did it; it definitely turned me into the man I am today.”

And that man gets a visible bounce in his step when meeting fellow veterans.

An unexpected impact

“He gets a little pep in his step knowing that he’s going to meet a veteran,” said Becker-Barkman, adding that Gadberry is also asked to read poems or talk about the impact of veteran connections often. “He’s incredibly humble about being a veteran himself…so to know that he’s also getting some recognition and that he’s continuing to make an impact, it’s really cool.”

A local woman raises her voice in song at a vet pinning ceremony (Courtesy, Hospice of Michigan)

Gadberry said that volunteering has impacted him in ways he didn’t expect – especially the pinning ceremonies.

“What surprised me was the impact it has on the families,” said Gadberry. “It’s overwhelming to see. It’s important to make that veteran feel remembered and seen, but they’re on their end-of-life journey, they’re going to be gone soon. But that ceremony, and those memories, are going to be passed on and kept with the family members for many years to come.”

Though many veterans are recognized for their service through their communities, American Legion or VFW, there are just as many who never see recognition of any kind. Gadberry said giving that recognition to veterans during the last steps of their end-of-life journey is memorable for all involved.

“Every ceremony, every event is completely different,” said Gadberry. “Every time I do it, I take away something different and I learn a little bit more.”

Becker-Barkman said her time with Hospice of Michigan has also been life-changing.

“I’ve learned so much about end-of-life care and what that entails for us as human beings,” said Becker-Barkman. “I get to be surrounded by so many brilliant, loving, giving people that it’s changed my entire outlook on everything.

“It’s magical to be surrounded by people who are so willing to show up for people they don’t know at what can be the hardest time in their life; it’s rejuvenating.”

The value of serving in new ways

Hospice of Michigan is continually in need of compassionate veteran volunteers to provide that much needed support and camaraderie to hospice veterans. Regardless of how they served, the bond between veterans opens a door of trust and communication through mutual understanding.

“Veterans share a unique bond,” said Kathy Lietaert, Hospice of Michigan Statewide Volunteer Program Manager, in supplied material. “Through our veterans hospice program, every act of service by volunteer veterans brings comfort, connection and compassion to hospice veterans who need it most at the end of life.”

Volunteers can make a life-changing impact with a minimal time commitment (Courtesy photo)


Becker-Barkman said they are always looking for more volunteer support, in Grand Rapids and throughout the state – and their volunteering schedule is flexible.

“You could [visit] one patient a month, visit once a week, or whatever fits your schedule,” said Becker-Barkman. “We don’t have any rigid guidelines. We want volunteers to be able to fit this into their lives in a way that’s meaningful and not overwhelming for them.”

Volunteer orientations are hosted on an as-needed basis so prospective volunteers can learn in their own time. Training or previous volunteer experience is not needed. All veterans willing to donate their time and companionship to hospice care patients are welcome.

Gadberry believes that veterans will step in to help once they are aware of the need.

“I was more than happy to help out,” said Gadberry. “I think that will be the case for other veterans out there. If they hear that another veteran needs some form of help, they will always step up.”

Learn more!

Prospective volunteers can contact Lauren Becker-Barkman at 616-250-9110 or lbecker-barkman@hom.org.

Learn more about Hospice of Michigan and submit an online volunteer application here.

Hospice Patient/Family Support Volunteer provides comfort, peace

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Volunteers help bring moments of comfort, joy and dignity to patients in hospice care.  (Photo Courtesy, Adobe Stock)



By Emmanuel Hospice

greer@wktv.org



For retired nurse Amy Lyons, being a volunteer for Emmanuel Hospice continues her lifelong pursuit of caring for others.

As a patient/family support volunteer, she’s at the bedside of a hospice patient providing comfort and peaceful companionship through the end of their life. Sometimes she talks with patients or reads to them, other times she’s more of a calming presence while she holds their hand or crochets a lap blanket.

“I was always taught the Holy Spirit will tell you what you need to do,” she says. “I can’t necessarily provide physical care as a volunteer, and as a former nurse, it’s hard not to help, but you find other ways to support. I’ll play music, hold their hand – whatever makes them comfortable.”

As she leaves a session with a patient, which normally lasts an hour to 90 minutes, she likes to ask if there’s anything she can bring them next time – something that brings them joy.

“One lady said sunflowers,” Lyons recalls. “Well, it was too early for real sunflowers, so I brought artificial ones. I explained this to her, and she said, ‘why yes, it is too early’ and then proceeded to tell me all about growth of sunflowers.

“I believe every patient always has something to teach you. If nothing else, it’s how to die with grace – all of them have been at peace in the end and that makes me happy.”

Lyons has been with several patients in their final moments in what’s known as “sitting vigil” – being at the bedside during someone’s last days or hours as they’re actively dying.

“I find it so rewarding,” she says. “People often ask how can you do that? And I can’t tell them enough what an honor it is to go and be selected to be with a person until their final breath.”

While most vigils last a few hours, the first patient she sat vigil with lasted nine days. She chose to be there with him for three to four hours a night, and when he passed, “It was a relief for both of us.”

“I thought, ‘he’s comfortable now,’ ” she remembers. “That is all I ever want to see, that you’re comfortable with where you’re heading. I tell patients, ‘no matter what you think or what you’ve done or haven’t done, it’s OK. You don’t have to be afraid.’ And for some, it seems that’s all they needed to hear – that it’s all going to be OK.”

Lyons also is a spiritual director trained by the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, so she brings a spiritual side to her hospice volunteer work.

Lyons and her husband, who also is a spiritual director, have curated a library full of spiritual texts to better understand other belief systems and to offer readings that will resonate best with each individual patient.

“Figuring out what faith care they would like, and how to honor that is important to me,” she says.

One of her favorite tools for helping patients feel more comfortable and to open up about their life story is a book that contains a series of questions a father would typically answer for his own kids.

“I’ll look in the book and ask something like, ‘What’s your fondest memory of your grandkids?’ or ‘What do you remember about your grandma?’ and that usually gets people talking,” she says. “I’ll share about my life, too. I explain that being a nurse is very physical work, but I can sit and I can talk to them and hold their hand. I can’t care for them the way I used to, but now I can care for their spirits.

“I would never hesitate to volunteer again. If I knew how rewarding it would be, I would have become a hospice volunteer sooner in my life.”

Emmanuel Hospice is always looking for volunteers in the greater Grand Rapids area to provide companionship and support to patients. The nonprofit matches the unique skills and interests of prospective volunteers with the right opportunity, ensuring each volunteer receives a tailored area of assignment. More information can be found at EmmanuelHospice.org/volunteer.

Education is critical to understanding hospice options

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Emmanuel Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapist Miranda Eden leads a session on the benefits of music therapy at a recent conference on aging in Grand Rapids. (Supplied)

By Emmanuel Hospice

A wise philosopher once said, “Education is the ability to meet life’s situations.”

That’s especially applicable to understanding all the options offered by a hospice organization, according to Jennifer Radaz, education manager at Emmanuel Hospice.

“As we make contacts, we’re constantly assessing a person’s educational needs when it comes to hospice,” she says. “One of our main goals is to inform, and help patients and caregivers understand the scope of our services and how we operate.”

Radaz says that often means countering misconceptions about hospice care, including the mistaken notion that you must necessarily be within your last hours or days to receive services.

 

“As a result, we see a lot of late referrals, where people have been ill for some time and were unaware they could have had all of our services a long time beforehand,” Radaz notes. “The longer hospice is able to develop a relationship with a patient and their family, the better we can care and prepare them both for what lies ahead.”

Radaz points to critically ill cardiac patients in particular, noting that heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, and yet those suffering from heart disease typically wait too long to summon hospice for assistance. They sometimes receive only a few days’ care when, in reality, they qualified for hospice and could have taken advantage of hospice services for weeks or even months prior to their deaths.

Another misconception that Emmanuel seeks to address is that a hospice takes over with a plan of their own.

 

“We do not come in with an agenda,” Radaz explains. “Rather, we’re there to work with family and other caregivers, eager to know what matters to them, and how we can best address their needs. We don’t offer a one-size-fits-all.”

 

Emmanuel also strives to educate people that their brand of hospice care is funded by Medicare and private donations to support programs, like complementary therapies. This enables Emmanuel to provide core nursing, pain management, grief support and related services, as well as complementary therapies that bring music, massage, art and much more to the bedside.

Participants at a recent aging conference in Grand Rapids participate in a music therapy program. (Supplied)

“We want to approach people on multiple levels for their pain and management,” Radaz says, “and part of that is providing those soothing human touches that aren’t addressed by conventional medicine.”

Educating the public doesn’t stop at patients and caregivers, she emphasizes. Emmanuel, for instance, is constantly seeking ways to make connections with communities of caregivers that includes doctors, nurses and social workers. In fact, much of what they offer in a formal setting will count toward continuing education hours for health professionals.

Additionally, Emmanuel often delivers presentations at businesses, organizations, colleges and universities and professional conferences to promote better understanding of hospice and its benefits. The nonprofit also reaches out to retirement communities and medical facilities, continually exploring new ways to share its mission, philosophy and array of services with those who need it most.

“We believe that information is key,” Radaz explains, “and that it’s wonderful to be informed. We’re happy to provide that information in whatever setting is comfortable for that person. And there’s never any obligation. Sometimes, people aren’t ready to sign on for hospice; they just want to understand their options going forward.

“We’re happy to simply establish a relationship. As changes occur, we can step in, but only when that door is open to us. In the meantime, we’re happy to have those conversations.”