Catskill Area Hospice

Walk for Hospice Photos

2010-10-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

You can view Walk for Hospice Photos on Flickr!

Help others by sharing your story

2010-10-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

There are many ways your hospice experience can help others — We are actively seeking hospice families who are willing to help make a difference. To learn more, contact Bob Escher at 607-432-6773 or email bob.escher@cahpc.org

Remember someone special this holiday season

2010-10-05T13:35:00.001-07:00

Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 2:00 pm

This holiday season, honor and cherish the memory of your family member, dear friend or even your pet. Our trees, draped with names on heart-shaped ornaments offer a meaningful and special way to remember those near and dear to our hearts.

Tree locations are in Oneonta, Delhi and Cobleskill.

See ornament order card inside For additional information, call 607-432-6773. Ornaments are available all holiday season long.

Short Takes

2010-10-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Helping Hospice Families for Generations to Come

You can assure the future of hospice in our community by making a provision in your will. Your bequest will serve as a timeless legacy for you or your family and provide support to thousands of individuals and families for generations to come. For more information, call Huemac Garcia, Director of Development at 607-432-6773.

Hospice Wish List

There are many ways to support the hospice mission. One way is to donate or help to purchase “Wish List” items. The wish list is always changing and evolving as needs arise. If you would like to support Hospice in this meaningful way, please contact Pamela Finch at 607-432-6773.

Community Events

Many community groups or individuals have created fundraisers to support the efforts of our hospice program. Their efforts are meaningful and essential to the continuity of our services in Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie counties. If your event is not listed below, please let us know and we will publish it in our next issue. If your company or group is interested in fundraising for hospice, please contact Huemac Garcia, Director of Development at 607-432-6773.

We’d like to thank the following groups, their sponsors, volunteers and participants:

$100: Annual Richmondville Days
$116.25: Diana Friedell Psychic Readings
$200: 3rd Annual Antiquarian Books “Private Seller Book Sale”, Hatherleigh Press Ltd, Hobart
$107.58: Applebee’s July 27th Fundraiser
$800: Central Catskill Trail Association’s 2010 Poker Run
$1,000: Delhi Telephone Company’s 2010 Open House Fundraiser
$48.27: Charles S. Endress – proceeds from Farm and Field Seasonal Decorations Sale
$100: Gilboa Conseville Central School’s Dress Down Friday “Jeans Day”
$10,570: 15th Annual Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump
$525: Hudson Highlands Retreat Motorcycle Club’s 2010 Annual Poker Run
$1,010: Laurine Jennings – 5th Annual “Hotdogs for Hospice and Bake Sale” in memory of Ted Jennings and dear friend Ransom “Carver” Palmer Jr.
$2,379: MARK Project, Inc’s Catskill Mountain Ride N Bike Cycling Event
$120: Oneonta Country Club Women’s Golf Association “Beat the Pro Day” in memory of Freda Scavo and Carol Fuller and in honor Golf Director Mitch Milavec
$5,388: Summit Snow Riders 15th Annual Poker Run
$27.50: Walgreen’s Customer Appreciation Day

Eleventh Annual Epicurean Better than Ever!

2010-10-05T13:27:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone who contributed and attended. The Eleventh Annual Epicurean Festival, Food Tasting and Auction was another success this year. Total amount raised was more than $60,000 that will directly benefit local hospice families and children.

Held on April 18, at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown, this was made possible, in part, by our Lead Sponsors: A & D Taxi, A.O. Fox Hospital, Benson Agency Real Estate, Best Wine & Spirits, Clark Companies, Country Club Automotive Group, The Daily Star, Dr. & Mrs. Bryan S. Evanczyk, Gregory Plumbing and Heating, Information Systems Division, Inc. (ISD), Liquor Depot, Dr. & Mrs. James McChesney, MeadWestvaco, and The Shipping Room.

Everyone attending thoroughly enjoyed sampling the delicious food provided by more than 25 local restaurants, caterers and educational food programs, including Alex & Ika Restaurant, A Taste of Europe Restaurant, The American Hotel, Bassett Healthcare, Bella Michael’s, Doubleday Cafe, The Farmers Place, The Golden Guernsey, Good Cheap Food, Heidelberg Baking Company, hoffman lane bistro, It’s All Good, Magnolia’s Fudge, McCadam Cheese, Mt. Fuji Japanese Restaurant, The Otesaga Resort Hotel, Palatine Valley Dairy, Patty Cakes, Quarter Moon Café, Redneck Bar-B-Que/Jive Café, Sodexho Education and Stella Luna Ristorante, SUNY Delhi, which donated the ice sculpture, and Undercover Eggplant Company.

The auction items, many and varied this year, were enthusiastically bid on and our raffle, won by three local residents giving winners
$500, $300, and $200 worth of groceries, helped us reach this year’s total. The musical entertainment was by Big Fish Combo and lovely table arrangements were provided by A Rose is a Rose of Cherry Valley. All our attending guests enjoyed a wonderful afternoon. We wish to also thank the Benefactors, Patrons, Supporters, advertisers, auction donators, everyone who attended and The Otesaga Hotel, for their participation. Support of this worthy cause is truly appreciated.

The Charity Event of the Summer!

2010-10-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Mark May and all of our celebrities, ESPN’s John Buccigross, SU’s “Voice of the Orange” Matt Park, our golf and party sponsors, party ticket buyers, auction item donors and winning bidders, Craig Gelbsman and all of our wonderful volunteers who made The Charity Event of the Summer a tremendous success!

Hospice Celebrity Party!

Presenting Sponsors

NBT Bank / Mang Insurance Agency

Corporate Sponsors

Venture Sales Group

Participating Sponsors

New York Central Mutual Insurance

Supporting Sponsors

Brewery Ommegang

Central New York Radio Group

College Association at Delhi

Hometown Oneonta

Meridian Group

Northern Eagle Beverages

PJ Green

Randy Mowers - Auctioneer

The Daily Star

Time Warner Cable Media Sales

Tyson

WKTV

Walter Rich Memorial Hospice Celebrity Golf Classic

Tournament Sponsors

Walter Rich Charitable Foundation

Jett Industries

Major Sponsors

Adirondack Combustion

Astrocom Electronics

John Bertuzzi

Energy East

Meridian Group

New York Central Mutual Insurance

Security Mutual Life Insurance Company

Walter Rich Charitable Foundation

Participating Sponsors

Bill Weldon

Catskill Eye Care Associates

Ferguson Enterprises

Lou Holtz

Karine, Stephanie & Derik Rich

Koester Associates

MAMCO

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Matthew J. Sohns

NBT Bank

New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway

Preferred Mutual Insurance Company

Awards Banquet Sponsors

In Honor of Barbara Ann Jaeger Woods

Lunch Sponsors

Eastman Associates

Golf Cart Sponsors

Weber Oil Company

Family Health Care Decisions Act

2010-10-05T13:25:00.002-07:00

June 1, 2010, marked the implementation date for the Family Health Care Decisions Act, a new law that allows family members and others who are closest to the patient to act as surrogates and make decisions regarding medical treatment for a loved one in certain limited situations. The law includes numerous safeguards to ensure sound medical treatment and that decisions are made consistent with the patient’s wishes and best interests. The current law applies only to patients in general hospitals or residents in nursing homes; it does not apply to people at home, in assisted living facilities, or in hospice care. There is, however, a separate section on out-of-hospital do not resuscitate (DNR) orders.

This act establishes a process for determining whether an adult patient without a health care proxy has decision-making capacity. If an attending physician and a consulting physician agree that the patient lacks the capacity to make health care decisions, the law establishes a priority list for choosing a person to be the surrogate decision maker. Anyone lower in the hierarchy (e.g., an adult child instead of a spouse) or in the same category (e.g., another sibling) can challenge the designation. The law also sets out a series of procedural requirements intended to protect vulnerable patients and make sure that the choice of surrogate and the surrogate’s decision are subject to review.

Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care is supporting the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State to ensure that this landmark legislation is expanded to include all patients in all settings. If you have any question on this issue, contact Lola Rathbone at 607-432-6773.

Message from President/CEO: “It:” Media Captures Americans with Palliative Care News

2010-10-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

We’ve known it. The study’s show it. Legislation affirms it. The media is sharing it. Every family can benefit from it.

The New York Times, NPR and local media across America have been reporting the study findings in the New England Journal of Medicine that “It,” “Palliative Care” not only helps people live better, it helps them live longer.

Why? People receiving palliative care feel better. Why do they feel better? Their pain is controlled, their symptoms are managed, their fears are addressed, and their burdens are relieved. This immensely eases the experience of living with an advanced illness (for the whole family) and actually promotes the desire to live and live more fully. Palliative care also fosters the opportunity to discuss and make plans for their own futures such as advanced directives and other important life planning decisions.

I offer you the following quote from a daughter of one of our patients, “We were stunned when hospice was presented as an option, but ultimately Mom made the decision herself saying, “We can give it a try. If I don’t like it, we don’t have to keep them.” The consistent monitoring and continuity of care provided by hospice extended her life, without a doubt.”

There has been extensive research on this phenomenon for the past 10-15 years. I wrote the article “Hospice Patients Live Longer – Live Better” for The Daily Star in 2004 quoting research that not only showed that the patients lived longer but also that their spouses lived longer!

This recent study looked at lung cancer patients who along with their cancer treatment received care from a palliative care team. These patients had significantly less depression, had better quality of life, were less likely to receive aggressive end-of-life care, involved Hospice earlier, were more likely to remain at home and lived nearly 3 months longer than those patients who did not receive palliative care.

For the past 10 years we have been providing various levels of palliative/hospice services to thousands of families seeking quality of life.

Recently we have formed a partnership with At Home Care to provide a Palliative Care Pathway which our Certified Palliative Care Nurse, Nurse Practitioner or Social Worker will visit their patients for a palliative care consultation/symptom management assistance. We have also collaborated with the Bassett Healthcare Network to establish an inpatient palliative care team to be launched in the near future.

More and more people are choosing palliative/hospice services. Nearly half of our patients live longer than their six month prognosis in robust fashion. Why? They began receiving palliative/hospice services much earlier in their illness. We have always believed that patients should not be asked to give up anything when they seek palliative/hospice services. Palliative/hospice care is about the abundant services you are getting, not about what you are giving up.

Next time you hear that a friend, neighbor or family member has a serious, progressive illness, do them the good deed of mentioning “It” to them.

“Just Be Happy”

2010-10-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

The secret to surviving a plane crash, a flood
and living to be 107 years old
by Ellen Marcantano

Twenty five years ago at the age of 82, Helen Weeden decided to go to an art exhibit in Washington D.C. with a teacher friend of hers from Sidney. They boarded the plane in Binghamton never expecting that upon take off the plane would crash. Helen’s friend was among several people killed in the crash. After being rescued, she spent three months in a local hospital recovering from extensive injuries.

Then at the age of 102, she survived the flood in 2006 that devastated the village of Sidney. She had to flee from her beautiful historical home to get to safety. After the flood, it took time but she was able to return to her restored home in its original splendor after suffering extensive damage.

February of this year proved to be very special. It was the month that Hospice received a lovely gift. Helen became our patient. She was a composite of wisdom, wit and old fashioned charm. She was forthright, amusing and had a wonderful sense of humor.

Helen attained professional goals at a time in history when most women did not pursue a college education. She was born on a farm in New York.

Her mother was a teacher. It did not take her long to decide that she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps. She was educated at Potsdam Teachers College. Her first teaching assignment was in a one room schoolhouse in Gouverneur, New York. Mrs. Weeden accepted a second teaching assignment in Sidney shortly after her position in Gouverneur. She remained in Sidney and taught 3rd grade for many, many years.

She was a pioneer in managing the concept of a woman “Having it All”- career, home and family. She met her husband shortly after arriving in Sidney. She was married to her husband for 40 years before being widowed. Her daughter Esther lives in California and son Edward passed away on her 90th birthday. She was also a grandmother of two grandchildren and a great grandmother of three. A multi talented woman, her many gifts included writing poetry and painting.

When I first met Helen, she was sitting in her favorite chair reading Ogden Nash in Latin. She shared with a smile that although Nash was interesting, her favorite book of all time was “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. Helen proved to be just as interesting on a personal level as was her reading material. I was curious to know whether or not she had some secret to being able to attain the wonderful age of 107. I was expecting a revelation about some magical herbs or special foods. She freely disclosed her recipe for life with a huge grin on her face, “Just be happy.” She added that it is important to do all things in moderation.

Beloved by her family and as a friend to many, Helen would use her very special writing talents to honor an individual with a poem carefully written just for them. There is an old fashioned guest book that is carefully placed on an antique podium in her parlor. The yellowed pages reflect the many people who were guests in her home and who had left their names and messages over the years. The grace of this simple practice from days gone by defines the elegance and charm of this very special woman.

The New York State Retired Teachers Association awarded her the honor of being the oldest living retired school teacher in New York State. She also received recognition from the New York State Assembly for her 107th birthday.

Helen was cared for by her beloved caregiver M&M. She had been with Mrs. Weeden for more than 25 years. They had a loving rapport that was carefully nurtured and a mutual respect that was truly enviable. Mrs. Weeden described Hospice as “Being right for me.” Her daughter Esther felt that the presence of Hospice was “reassuring.” She and M&M both agreed that it is a comfort to be able to count on Hospice whenever a problem arose.

Esther stated that she appreciated the fact that Hospice helped educate her family to ensure a working knowledge of situations that her family may find stressful. She most appreciated how Hospice supported her family by letting them know what a wonderful job they were doing as her caregivers -she knew that when doubts and fears would surface, their spirits would need a boost.

All who met Helen were captured by her elegance will truly miss her gentle spirit. For those who only know her by reading this article, may each of you embody her 107 year old secret: “Just be happy.”

Ellen Marcantano, MSW is a Social Worker for Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care. Helen Weeden passed away on June 12th.

Palliative Care Segment on National Public Radio (NPR) Tomorrow - 8.24.10

2010-08-23T13:15:00.001-07:00

The Diane Rehm Show will feature a segment on palliative care in the wake of The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) study (Story Here) and the recent article by Atul Gawande, MD (Story Here) featured in The New Yorker.

The segment will include interviews with a panel of experts including: Diane E. Meier, MD, director of the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC); Atul Gawande, MD, staff writer for The New Yorker, surgeon and associate professor at Harvard Medical School; Jennifer Temel, MD, lead author of the NEJM study; and Christina Tate, a palliative care nurse practitioner at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University.

This segment is scheduled to air on National Public Radio: The Diane Rehm Show, Tuesday, August 24, from 10-11 am ET.

For further information contact Lola Rathbone, President & CEO, Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care at 607.432.6773

The Finest Culinary Talent

2010-04-06T06:22:00.000-07:00

"Kicking it Up a Notch"... all for you... all for hospice. Visit www.cahpc.org for more info.

Fifth Anniversary of Terri Schiavo’s Death Reminds Community of the Importance of Advanced Care Planning

2010-03-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Five years ago on March 31st, national attention was riveted as the husband and parents of Terri Schiavo waged a very public legal battle regarding who had authority to determine if she would have wanted artificial means to prolong her life. While many Americans learned about the importance of planning for critical healthcare decisions before a crisis, two-thirds of the public have not completed an advance directive.

Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care is reminding family members and friends of the ultimate magnitude of benefits by having conversations about advanced care planning. “Everyone has their wishes,” said Lola Rathbone, CEO/President of Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care. “Wishes are very simple to document, in fact we have the perfect forms for people to use. We encourage them to share with their physician and other family members.”

“Ideally these discussions begin around the kitchen table and are perhaps the most difficult conversations of our lifetimes. The emotionality associated with talking about these issues is very real and as a result, makes it easy to put off or avoid altogether. It takes a certain amount of bravery and compassion to even broach the subject with loved ones.”

“Our goal is to help make these conversations easier for families ahead of time, which brings them great comfort on every level.”

Advance Care Planning materials are free and are available at Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative, 542 Main St. in Oneonta. For more information, contact 607-432-5525.

Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care to Receive Alzheimer’s Association Community Advocate Award

2009-12-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care is the recipient of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York’s Community Advocate Award for 2009. Over the last four years Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care and the Alzheimer’s Association have partnered in many different ways including the creation of the educational DVD “Making Life Easier….Together” for those newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

The partnership has also developed educational programs for both families and professionals, and has streamlined services by making joint home visits. “This award symbolizes the difference hospice makes in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s disease and their families,” said Ann Marie Thayer, Alzheimer’s Association Program Manager.

The award will be formally presented at the Alzheimer’s Association Annual Winter Awards Reception on December 3rd in Albany.

Community Conversation Opens Dialogue

2009-12-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care CEO/President Lola Rathbone enjoys a moment with Virginia Morris

“Changing the Face of Hope”, was the theme of a community conversation on September 17th in Oneonta presented by Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care. The event featured a panel of local experts and nationally renowned author Virginia Morris, author of “Talking About Death Won’t Kill You” and the award winning book “How to Care for Aging Parents,” featured on Oprah, CNN, Good Morning America and The Today Show.

To an overwhelming turnout, Ms. Morris offered her personal experience and insights from years of research on end-of-life care in a compassionate yet candid and thought provoking manner. “Our goal was to offer our community an opportunity to get real information and ask real questions that will inspire families and friends to have “these” conversations that can help improve their lives in a positive and lasting way,” said Landa Palmer, Vice President for Patient Access of Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care.

Lola Rathbone, CEO/President of Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care added, “It’s all about people making their own decisions. It is so much easier for everybody when wishes/decisions have been discussed ahead of time and it’s actually easier to have these conversations before the situation occurs.”

The audience asked an array of personal and philosophical questions to the panel that consisted of Ann Eldred, MD - Nephrologist / Medical Director of Dialysis, Bassett Healthcare; Jennifer Rule, MD - Family Medicine, A. O. Fox Hospital, Susquehanna Family Practice; Charles Howarth, MD - Assistant Chief, Hospitalist Division, Bassett Healthcare; Mary Bergen, MS Counseling – Hospice Social Worker, Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care; Rev. Teressa Sivers, Pastor First United Methodist Church; Carol Kirkey - Family Member.

To view video excerpts of Virginia Morris’ talk and the audience/panel interactive dialogue, go to www.cahpc.org.

Short Takes

2009-12-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

Wish List
There are many ways to support the mission of hospice. One way is to donate or help to purchase one of the items on our wish list. The list is always changing and evolving, if you would like to support hospice in this meaningful way, contact Pamela Finch at 607-432-6773.

Helping Hospice Families for Generations to Come
You can assure the future of hospice in our community by making a provision in your will. Your bequest will serve as a timeless legacy for you or your family and provide support to thousands of individuals and families for generations to come. For more information, call Huemac Garcia at 607-432-6773.

Community Events
Many community groups or individuals have created fundraisers to support the efforts of our hospice program. Their efforts are meaningful and essential to the continuity of our services in Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie Counties. If your event is not listed below, please let us know and we will publish it in our next issue. If your company or group is interested in fundraising for hospice, please contact Huemac Garcia at 607-432-6773.

We’d like to thank the following groups, their sponsors, volunteers and participants:

$1,014
2009 Leatherstocking R/C Buzzards Giantscale Fly-In Airshow

$200
Oneonta Country Club Women’s Golf Association “Beat the Pro Day” in memory of Frank “Gus” Grygiel and in honor of PGA Professional Paul Jaycox

$420
Gail Bunting / Corey James Art Calendar proceeds

$100
Oneonta Walgreen’s Customer Appreciation Day

$300
Hudson Highlands Retreads Motorcycle Club Poker Run

$800
Laurine and Gregory Jennings 4th Annual Hotdogs for Hospice and Bake Sale in memory of Edward “Ted” Jennings Jr., Deborah Bauer and Marion Starr

$211
Walton Motors Delaware County Fair raffle proceeds

$400
Antiquarian Books “Private Seller Book Sale”, Hatherleigh Press Ltd, Hobart NY

$110
Bobby and Carolee Riddell’s “Arnold Lake Golf Shootout”

Hospice Celebrity Party

2009-12-10T09:46:00.000-08:00

Presenting Sponsors
SEFCU

Corporate Sponsors
MVP Health Care
Venture Sales Group
NBT Bank

Participating Sponsors
Brewery Ommegang
Central New York Radio Group
College Association at Delhi
Craig Gelbsman
Hometown Oneonta
Lettis Auction Service
Mexican Original
New York Central Mutual
Northern Eagle Beverages
The Daily Star
Time Warner Cable Media Sales
Tyson
U.S. Foodservice
WKTV

For 2010 Golf and Party information and Sponsorship Opportunities, contact Huemac Garcia at 607-432-6773.

Walter Rich Memorial Hospice Celebrity Golf Classic

2009-12-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

Tournament Sponsors
Energy East Foundation
Jett Industries

Major Sponsors
Adirondack Combustion
John Bertuzzi
Security Mutual Life Insurance Company
Walter Rich Charitable Foundation

Participating Sponsors
Andrew M. Blum
Astrocom Electronics
Bassett Healthcare
Bill Weldon
Boston Private Bank and Trust
CAD Designs
Catskill Eye Care Associates
Citi Smith Barney – Matthew J. Sohns
Eastman Associates
ESPN
Ferguson Enterprises
Michael and Beth Ann Hutcherson
James Sprungle III
Karine, Stephanie & Derik Rich
Key Bank
Keystone Associates
Koester Associates
Lou Holtz
Mang Insurance Agency
Medical Coaches, Inc.
NBT Bank
New York Business Development Corporation
New York Central Mutual
New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway
Preferred Mutual Insurance Company
Schlather and Birch

Hospice Welcomes Full-time Medical Director

2009-12-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

Catskill Area & Palliative Care is pleased to announce that on July 22, 2009, Dr. Patrick Dwyer was appointed as our first full-time Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Dwyer will be responsible for overseeing the medical aspects of our patient’s care and will serve as liaison with members of our local medical community.

Dr. Dwyer has been affiliated with Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care since 1989 when he became an Associate Medical Director and volunteered to attend interdisciplinary team meetings and perform patient consultations as needed. Dr. Dwyer cited that the people at hospice attracted him to joining our team. He stated, “We have a unique combination--a talented group of people that not only offer a great service but that have a lot of love and a lot of heart.”

Dr. Dwyer is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, and his medical degree from Washington University (St. Louis). Dr. Dwyer completed his medical residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Dwyer also trained as a Clinical Associate at the National Institutes of Health in the National Cancer Institute. He completed his medical oncology training and hematology fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. After his training, Dr. Dwyer also served with distinction as a hematologist-oncologist for 25 years at Bassett Healthcare.

Both of Dr. Dwyer’s parents were served by hospice and he has had a long commitment to the philosophy and mission of hospice. He feels that he has an obligation to our patients, families, staff members, referring physicians and other referral sources to ensure that the care we provide is excellent and accessible.

Dr. Patrick Dwyer

Regardless of Political Debate… We All Have the Freedom of Choice

2009-12-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

I usually shy away from political debate but the recent controversies involving end of life counseling beg my attention. Certainly the concept of informed choice is not a partisan principle. All Americans would agree that they want to have the freedom to make their own decisions regarding their health care, especially at the end of their lives.

The problem with the present system is that often information about end of life options is withheld, for a variety of reasons, until the person is literally days from drawing their final breath. At that moment the person usually is not able to make his/her own decisions and desperate grieving family members are forced to decide what to do.

Hospice is based on the philosophy and belief that people with a serious life threatening illness deserve an informed choice regarding treatment options as their illness progresses.

In my past 18 years of Hospice work I have had literally thousands of letters and satisfaction surveys from hospice family members stating, “We wish we had known about Hospice sooner.” I am pleased to report that this has improved as more and more, people are becoming better educated about the benefits of hospice and as a result, are more comfortable and confident as they reach out to us earlier.

We are finding that the truth about end of life care is that when people are educated about the benefits of hospice before they actually need it, and if they are referred to hospice early enough to enjoy the many services offered, they often live longer, fuller lives than those not receiving hospice.

Sadly, those not receiving hospice services spend much of their last precious year of life between doctor’s office visits, trips to the ER, and hospitalizations where they not only expend their waning energies but may also be exposed to infectious diseases that target the frail and weak.

The truth is that advance care planning puts you in charge of what happens to you in case you become ill. Advanced care planning gives us this “Freedom of choice” opportunity that we all have, regardless of political debate. Our job at hospice is to make this easier for you and your families.

Lola Rathbone, CEO/President

This “Bucket List” Item Brings True Happiness

2009-12-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

By Eileen Lishansky

A true “bucket list” item, this story comes from our entire family, especially my Dad, who was very happy that our hospice story would be shared with so many of you.

In April 2008, our family was told that my dad, Tom O’Brien, had two to three days to live. For five years he had been on oxygen. He had COPD and heart problems. The doctor informed us that his vital organs were shutting down, so as a family we gathered in the IC Unit of Fox Hospital and said our teary goodbyes. But Dad was not ready to die. After ten days in the hospital, he was not better, but stable. There really wasn’t anything more that could be done for him except keep him as comfortable as possible. Over the years, my dad confided in my mother and best friend of 57 years, that if possible he would prefer not to go to a nursing home. Yet, his biggest concern was how much of a burden his day to day care would be to my mom.

Before being discharged from the hospital, someone from hospice came to speak to us. She explained the type of services that Hospice could offer my father and our family. We left the hospital with peace of mind and a plan of action. My dad would be able to stay at home, watch TV and read his papers in his own chair. At night he could sleep in his own bed. The Hospice staff and nurses were incredible. They made regularly scheduled visits to my parent’s home. These visits were crucial to my dad’s physical and mental well being and equally important to my mom, his primary caretaker. It allowed her time to run an errand without worrying about dad. She knew there was someone who would be able to give her a break when needed; someone who understood not only what my dad was going through but the anxiety, fear, weariness and even the occasional guilt mom would feel. There were days when my father became irritable. This was hard on my mother. The Hospice staff would reassure her that this was normal. It helped my parents to talk to someone outside of the immediate family.

These (Hospice) people have an uncanny insight that the average person does not. Without interfering during such emotional times, they were able to be present in the way that we needed them to be. My father said he appreciated their candor. No one ever sugar coated the truth. He understood that he would not get better, but would be kept safe and as comfortable as possible. Their honesty and objectivity prepared him for this journey in a way that the family could not.

My mom was forever asking, “What would we do without Hospice?” My dad would reply, “That we would probably be making many scary trips to the emergency room in the middle of the night. With hospice, we can call and speak to someone with expertise who knows my condition.” The hospice phone number was taped strategically throughout the home. We didn’t hesitate to call. The comfort of knowing that someone with expertise and sensitivity was always available to us made a world of difference.

Dad was continually amazed by the computer system that the workers used and he trusted that whoever spoke to him was looking at his records and knew about what was going on with his personal situation. He found this coordinated effort on his behalf priceless. The medication management service Hospice provides is phenomenal, especially for the elderly. Our family task of ordering, renewing and picking up prescriptions, equipment and supplies was eliminated. Hospice did all of that for us, allowing us to focus on spending quality time together as a family.

Hospice eliminated what would have been major obstacles in my parent’s daily lives. My Mom would have been terrified if she had to transport Dad to doctor visits or labs for the bi-weekly blood work. With hospice, Dad’s care was handled in the comfort of their own living room. Most of all, Dad would remind us that he probably would have had to be placed in a nursing home if not for Hospice.

One of the nurses told me something that will forever echo in my thoughts. We would often ask, “How do you do this?” She said, “When I get to a door, there is no way of knowing what I am walking into, so, I look up to heaven and say, I’m not doing this alone, you’re coming in with me.” She said she always tells people, “I cannot spare you the inevitable, just make you all feel safer as it comes.”

We will be forever grateful for the experience of being right by Dad’s side in his own living room when we convinced him it was OK to go. We let him know that we were all safe and would take care of one another. On that morning my Dad took his last breath in his own home, in his favorite chair, surrounded by family. The plan Hospice laid out for us in that hospital room in April 2008 had brought us all through safely and together to September 20, 2009, Dad’s last day home. I have no doubts that Dad is smiling and that he will now check this (our story) off his probably still active “bucket list.”

Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care Receives Alzheimer’s Association Community Advocate Award

2009-12-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

On December 3rd, Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care was presented the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York's Community Advocate Award for 2009. The award was presented at the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York’s First Annual “Champions for the Cause” Winter Awards Reception at the Italian American Center in Albany.

Over the last four years Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care and the Alzheimer's Association have partnered in many different ways including the creation of the educational DVD “Making Life Easier….Together” for those newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

The partnership has also developed educational programs for both families and professionals, and has streamlined services by making joint home visits. “This award symbolizes the difference hospice makes in the lives of those with Alzheimer's disease and their families,” said Ann Marie Thayer, Alzheimer’s Association Program Manager.

Ann Marie Thayer, Alzheimer’s Association Program Manager (center) is pictured with Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care CEO/President, Lola Rathbone(left) and Vice President of Patient Access, Landa Palmer (right).

Summer and Fall Camps Now Forming

2009-07-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

Making Life Easier for Children, Teens, and Parents

Camp Forget-Me-Not provides caring support in a safe place where children can share their experiences as they move through their healing process. Camp Forget-Me-Not is not just for hospice families. Camps are open to any school-aged child or teen in Otsego, Delaware or Schoharie counties who has suffered a personal loss. Even a friend who has lost a friend is welcome. We recognize that loss outside the “family” can be just as profound as a loss within the family.

In any family system, if one benefits, all benefit. Parenting today is already challenging. When a loss occurs, parents are now confronted with the challenge of effectively parenting their grieving children. Many parents aren’t prepared for this and haven’t gained the knowledge to confidently deal with this significant issue.

It’s comforting to know that their children are in the care of grief specialists and in most cases, relieves them of some of the pressure. If a child/teen is better able to deal with their loss, so will the parents and family members. During camp, education for parents or guardians about child/teen grief is provided to better equip them to face the challenges ahead. “Healing Circles” are each run by a professional with training and experience in child and adolescent grief.

Summer camp will take place on June 23-24 in Oneonta with the fall camp on October 3-4 in Delhi. There is no cost for the camp or for anything provided during the camp. To learn more, contact Rod Roberts at 607-432-5525.

Tenth Annual Epicurean Better than Ever!

2009-07-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who contributed and attended, the Tenth Annual Epicurean Festival, Food Tasting and Auction was another huge success this year. Total amount raised after expenses was $63,000 to directly benefit local hospice families and children.

Held on March 22, at the Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown, this was made possible, in part, by our Lead Sponsors: A & D Taxi, A.O. Fox Hospital, Benson Agency Real Estate, Broome Oncology, Country Club Automotive Group, Eastman Associates, Inc., Dr. & Mrs. Bryan S. Evanczyk, Fox Medical Anesthesia Associates, Gregory Plumbing and Heating, Information Systems Division, Inc. (ISD), Jerry & Elisabeth Webster of Alfresco’s Italian Bistro, Liquor Depot, Dr. & Mrs. James McChesney, MeadWestvaco, and The Shipping Room.

Everyone attending thoroughly enjoyed sampling the delicious food provided by over 25 local restaurants, caterers and educational food programs, including A. O. Fox Hospital, Alex & Ika Restaurant, A Taste of Europe Restaurant, Bassett Healthcare, Bella Michael’s, Bull’s Head Inn, Cooperstown Itz A Hit, Doubleday Cafe, Elena’s, The Farmers Place, Fred’s, Gemini Cafe, The Golden Guernsey, Good Cheap Food, hoffman lane bistro, Italian Kitchen, Laura’s Chocolates, McCadam Cheese, O’Hanlans Steakhouse, Oneonta Job Corps, the Otesaga Hotel, Palatine Valley Dairy, Portabello’s, Sodexho Education and Stella Luna Ristorante.

The auction items, many and varied this year, were enthusiastically bid on and our raffle, won by three local residents giving winners $500, $300, and $200 worth of groceries, helped us reach this grand total. The musical entertainment was by Big Fish Combo and lovely table arrangements were provided by A Rose is a Rose of Cherry Valley. A wonderful afternoon was enjoyed by our 300 guests. We wish to also thank the Benefactors, Patrons, Supporters, advertisers, everyone who attended and The Otesaga Hotel, for their participation. Support of this worthy cause is truly appreciated.

Still Building Bridges: The Touching Story of “Rigger” Nichols

2009-07-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

by Kaima Nelson-Bowne

If you want to know how something works, “Rigger” is the one to ask. Why aren’t the birds singing this morning? How do I build a house? What is that bright light in the evening sky? How do I build a bridge so that it stays up? The ways of the physical world, the natural and built environment make sense to him. If he doesn’t know the answer to your question he will figure it out.

Richard Nichols, better known as Rigger, even has a hunch as to why he developed ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. For the last five years, Rigger has been dealing with the symptoms of ALS.

His entire life has been one of seeing and doing with his hands; applying innovative solutions in a design-and-do-it-yourself way. He collects and loves tools. His body has been his major tool and his appropriate nickname attests to that.

Now he cannot use his arms and hands. Lifting his head is difficult and the prospects are not optimistic. Mentally he is quick and bright. His home is filled with innovative devices that he has designed, enabling him to live as normally as possible: pulleys, supports, levers, lifts, high and low stools, chairs that turn into couches and installations for massage. Even though he can no longer assemble them himself, he designs and supervises the work performed by one of his many handy neighbors.

Working since he was 14 years old, Rigger, now 75, would still be working if he had the physical capacity to do so. During his 60-year-long career he has been a farmer, house and silo builder, rigger, welder, electrician, real estate agent, fisherman, organizer of outreach services to homeless people, lover of nature and people.

Rigger lives at home and is supported by Shirley Grandsbury, his live-in caregiver. Rigger has been receiving hospice care since February 2008 by a team of caregivers and volunteers, who just love him to pieces. And he loves
them! Hospice support services have made a significant difference in the quality of his life.

Rigger doesn’t respond to conventional medications very well and takes as little as possible. Therefore, hospice looked for solutions that would enhance his comfort. Touch therapy has proven to be one that he finds very beneficial in reducing the pain, cramping and stiffness that are his constant companions.

When Rigger first began to receive massage therapy he could not lift his head. His jaw was so tight that he could not chew food. He drank his meals. Following a few massage sessions he could lean his head back. He could open his mouth wide enough to receive food, chew and swallow. Once again he was able to go to summer picnics and share a meal of beans, potato salad and hot dogs with his friends. Beats Ensure!

For some hospice patients, movement can be difficult and minimal. With effective touch, the blood circulation is enhanced, muscles relax and warm, joints become more flexible, movement is eased and comfortable, anxiety and stress diminish. In order to expand hospice’s capacity to bring touch therapies to their patients, a special program had to be developed.

It has been my privilege to develop our “Palliative Touch Program” which gives massage therapy to hospice patients. This program will also provide training to hospice Home Health Aides and LPNs so they can incorporate this welcomed service with their patients on a needed basis. We were very fortunate to have received a $10,000 grant from The Community Foundation for South Central New York to help fund this valuable program.

You may be wondering about Rigger’s hunch as to why he got ALS. He was hit by lightning and jolted 15 feet to the ground off a pyling rig. There is some evidence, although not definitive, linking ALS with lightning. In the meantime, hospice will continue to care for and love Rigger. Every possible form of support that helps him maintain his quality of life and vital spirit will be provided.

Kaima Nelson-Bowne, BA, LMT is a Massage Therapist for Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care.

Message from the New CEO / President - Lola Rathbone: Sustaining and Expanding Excellence

2009-07-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

What a joy it is to read the thank you notes from our families that often accompany their donations.

For 17 years I have been privileged to work for an organization whose employees are committed to this kind of care. Their every touch, word, and action is focused on providing comfort and support to their patients and families. This kind of excellence reflects the tremendous growth in the number of hospice families we serve on a daily and annual basis.

Last year, in caring for 819 hospice patients, 52,000 staff visits were provided, plus an additional 3,000 visits by our volunteers. We have become the most successful hospice organization in New York State by serving 40% of the patients who are eligible for hospice services in our service area, far outreaching the average NYS hospice at 22%.

We also have the most successful Nursing Home Hospice Program in the state. Working as a partner with 5 area nursing homes, an average of 55 nursing home residents per day receive the very best care and compassionate one-on-one attention.
Over the past 25 years, we have grown from a small volunteer agency (the Love Committee) to the 11th largest employer in our area. Stepping into my new role as President/CEO I am challenged to sustain this culture of excellence.

What will it take to sustain this excellence through this time of transition and economic downturn? I believe that sticking with these essential core values that have helped us succeed thus far:

Our commitment to honoring the goals of the patient and family — basing all decisions on what is best for them.

Our commitment to open access – caring for all patients with serious illness, bar none.

Our commitment to making Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care a great place to work.

There will be challenges and changes along the way, but the core values established by the “Love Committee” 25 years ago will be the same.

Our vision has expanded over the years to include nursing home residents, adult home residents, children’s bereavement camps, palliative care, complementary therapies, and someday a hospice residence and inpatient facility. We will continue to expand until all needs of seriously ill people and their families in this area are met.

I am confident that with your support we will sustain our culture of excellence and expand our vision.