A Chance to Just Be: How Hospice Benefits Caregivers

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 can also 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 makes 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.

Start the new year with a new volunteer opportunity

As we turn the page and start a new year, many people are looking for ways to give back to their community – and volunteering can be a great way to do so.

“We all get very busy with the holidays, which makes January a good time to pause and think outside of our day-to-day concerns,” says Sara Lowe, CEO of Emmanuel Hospice. “It’s important to think about how we can improve ourselves, our loved ones and our community in different ways in the new year.

“We’re looking for volunteers who are willing to stand with people in a really difficult time. You may think you need all kinds of equipment and training to volunteer, but what you really need is a servant’s heart and the ability to stand with people in their pain.”

Emmanuel Hospice is an interfaith provider of compassionate, person-centered end-of-life care to more than 600 patients annually in eight West Michigan counties. For the nonprofit, hospice care is more about living and so begins with the question, “How do you want to live?” as the starting point for a dialogue that focuses on making every moment matter.

The organization then convenes an interdisciplinary care team focused holistically on caring for mind, body and spirit. The goal, Lowe says, is to enhance each patient’s life with a combination of expert medical care, spiritual counseling and a variety of complementary therapies to engage the senses and create unique, joyful memories.

Volunteers are central to Emmanuel’s success. Lowe lists a host of opportunities, from providing patient support at the bedside or caregiver support in the home to putting together educational binders or calling to check on those who are grieving.

“We have tasks for everyone who has an interest in supporting these important journeys,” Lowe explains. “Not everyone is called to serve at the bedside, which shouldn’t deter you from exploring the opportunity to volunteer.”

Volunteer Coordinator Holly Salas always has a need for volunteers willing to do pet visits, collect stories, make art projects, offer spiritual support, connect with veterans, help in the office and more. She works to match the talents, skills and interests of each volunteer with Emmanuel patients – and is often amazed by the results.

“Our volunteers tell us they get so much more out of the experience than they feel they are giving,” Salas notes. “Volunteering allows you to tap into your strengths and teaches new skills. It provides purpose and boosts your self-esteem. Not only does volunteering make you feel better, but it also connects you with others and reduces isolation.”

The process to volunteer starts with emailing the organization and completing an application. Volunteers go through orientation before being matched with tasks that suit their interests – and be supported every step of the way.

“I am always so inspired by people who have a giving spirit and really want to do the work,” Lowe says. “They have a true belief they can make a difference. – and they’re right. What if we all did just one thing to make our community 1% better? If you put all those together, we’d make a truly big impact.”

Those interested are encouraged to email EHvolunteer@EmmanuelHospice.org or call 616.719.0919 and ask for Holly. More information about volunteer opportunities can be found at EmmanuelHospice.org/volunteer.

Navigating Final Holidays with Loved Ones – and the First Without

If you’re wondering how you’ll get through the holiday season knowing it may be your last with a loved one – or your first without them – know that you’re not alone.

That’s the main message Emmanuel Hospice Bereavement Coordinator Katie Mayberry wants you to hear as the holidays approach. In addition to sharing resources for free one-on-one and group support, Mayberry has several suggestions for coping with grief around the holidays.

“We recognize this time of year can be especially difficult for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one or anticipating their loved one’s passing,” she says. “A lot of different emotions can come to the surface, which can be difficult to navigate on top of all the usual stressors that come with the holidays.

Grief can bring on a spectrum of emotions. Mayberry says it’s common to feel sorrowful, angry or empty, but there may also be relief, appreciation and gratitude. Guilt can also be associated with grief, especially when experiencing moments of happiness when your loved one is no longer with you.

“Allow yourself to experience moments of comfort and joy, alongside the lower moods,” Mayberry encourages. “If you find yourself laughing or smiling, or experiencing other positive emotions during the holidays, know they do not cancel out your sadness, nor does it mean you have forgotten your loved one.

“There is no right or wrong way to grieve, but what is important is to recognize everyone grieves differently. Allow yourself to feel emotions as they come up.”

Families who currently have a loved one in hospice care may want to focus on prioritizing quality time together and creating lasting memories during this holiday season. This will likely mean tailoring the celebration to the patient’s abilities and comfort level and your own capacity as a caregiver, even if it means scaling back on festivities.

“Acknowledge that things will be different this year, and remind yourself it’s OK to modify your normal routine,” Mayberry says. “If possible, have open communication with your loved one about their wishes. Invite them into the conversation about the holidays and ask how they want to participate.

“If a conversation isn’t possible, think of creature comforts your loved one has enjoyed in the past and incorporate them into your get-together.”

For families going into the holiday season after the loss of their loved one, activities of remembrance and reflection can be helpful. Mayberry says there are many ways to honor your loved one that can also be therapeutic for you:

· Create mementos such as an ornament or wreath with elements that represent your loved one.

· Light a candle during your holiday activities in honor of them.

· Cook a dish they loved and talk about it during the meal.

· Donate or volunteer to support a cause they cared about.

· Do an act of kindness in their memory.

“Doing things that make you feel connected to that person can be really comforting,” Mayberry adds. “And while these activities can be meaningful for some people, others may not be in a place to do any of them this holiday season, and that’s OK, too.”

Sometimes you just need someone to talk to, and that’s where professional grief support can help. Emmanuel Hospice’s grief support services are open to anyone in the community on a grief journey regardless of whether they have a prior connection with the nonprofit organization or hospice care. More information about upcoming support groups is available at EmmanuelHospice.org/grief-support.

If anyone is looking for additional resources on how to cope, they can reach out directly to Emmanuel’s grief support team by emailing EHbereavement@EmmanuelHospice.org or calling 616.719.0919.

Emmanuel Hospice and Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Partner to Offer Community Memorial Service Nov. 13

Grand Rapids, Michigan, Nov. 1, 2024 – Emmanuel Hospice and Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids have partnered to offer a free memorial service on Wednesday, Nov. 13 for community members who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

The Community Memorial Service will be held from 6-7:15 p.m. at Gilda’s Club, 1806 Bridge St. NW. Guests are also welcome to attend a free community dinner at Gilda’s beforehand, including pizza and a salad bar served at 5:15 p.m.

The all-ages event will provide the opportunity to process grief and remember loved ones with live music and activities for both individual reflection and group support in a shared and comforting space. The event is free and open to anyone in the community experiencing grief.

“Offering free emotional health support for anyone on a grief journey of any kind is central to our mission at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids,” Gilda’s Club Vice President of Program Clare Portinga said. “This time of year can be especially difficult in anticipation of the holidays and seasonal changes that can be triggering for those experiencing a loss.

“We are honored to partner with Emmanuel Hospice to offer this opportunity for any one seeking reflection, connection and support as we come together to celebrate the lives of our loved ones and their legacies.”

The hour-long service will include speakers and readings from both Gilda’s Club and Emmanuel Hospice, as well as individual community members who will share their experiences.

Live music will be provided by Emmanuel Hospice Music Therapist Miranda Eden and the Grand Rapids Threshold Choir, a singing group that brings comfort through song to the bedsides of those on the thresholds of life and death.

Additionally, there will be a candle lighting and a brief writing exercise for self reflection. Guests are encouraged to bring a photo of their loved one to be displayed at the remembrance table for the evening.

“This memorial service promises to be a heartfelt gathering where we come together as a community to honor and remember those we have lost,” Emmanuel Hospice Bereavement Coordinator Katie Mayberry said. “This special event is designed to support and uplift those navigating their grief journey, offering a space for reflection, connection and shared remembrance.

“Whether you are introspective or extroverted, we’ve organized this event so everyone can participate in whatever way they are comfortable within a shared space.”

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP online by Nov. 6.

Emmanuel Hospice and Gilda’s Club partner year-round to serve as mutual community resources for grief support. The organizations collaborate on other grief support events and regularly refer individuals for each other’s services.

About Emmanuel Hospice

Emmanuel Hospice is an interfaith provider of compassionate, person-centered hospice care to patients and their loved ones in West Michigan. Serving the community since 2013, the nonprofit draws on a team approach that focuses holistically on mind, body and spirit, working to enhance each patient’s life with a combination of expert medical care, spiritual counseling and complementary therapies and services – because hospice is more about living than dying. Emmanuel Hospice has expanded to serve all of Kent and Ottawa counties and portions of Allegan, Barry, Newaygo, Ionia, Montcalm and Muskegon counties. For more information, visit EmmanuelHospice.org.

About Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids

Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids provides free emotional healthcare to children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death of someone in their life due to any cause. Its comprehensive program, delivered by licensed mental health professionals, meets individuals where they are, when they need it, with a variety of social and emotional support options to choose from, including support groups, educational opportunities as well as healthy lifestyle and social activities.

Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids runs entirely on charitable donations and currently provides in-person, virtual and hybrid support options through its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., and community programs in various schools and community centers. An affiliate of the Cancer Support Community – the largest professionally led nonprofit network of cancer support worldwide, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is independently owned and locally operated. At Gilda’s we help ensure no one has to navigate cancer or grief on their own. For more information, visit gildasclubgr.org.

Hospice for Parkinson’s Enhances Quality of Life Amid Changing Symptoms

Beyond the telltale tremors, stiffness and slow or involuntary movements, Parkinson’s disease can cause a slew of symptoms that impact quality of life.

While it can vary for every person, this neurodegenerative disorder can cause everything from dementia, depression and anxiety to insomnia, hallucinations and blood pressure changes.

“It can be an ugly disease that feels so unfair to the patient and their loved ones,” says Julie Chambers, a nurse case manager with Emmanuel Hospice. “It can affect a lot of things in our daily lives that we take for granted like walking, feeding ourselves and recognizing our loved ones. We also often see social isolation and feelings of embarrassment or frustration take root as these symptoms develop.”

While medications are available to lessen symptoms, there is no cure or therapy to stop or slow the progression. Swallowing difficulties that can cause aspiration and pneumonia, as well as the risk of falling become of particular concern in the advanced stages.

With November being National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, Chambers wants to educate the community on how hospice can help with this and other life-limiting diseases. Hospice services can enhance quality of life, support caregivers and help keep patients at home.

Working in collaboration with the patient’s neurologist, Chambers says hospice can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms and provide additional support to give more peace of mind to everyone involved.

“We work closely with the neurologists sharing the goal of keeping patients comfortable,” she says. “We agree, ‘it’s not my patient, it’s our patient.’ We keep each other updated while navigating changes in the patient’s needs.”

Beyond medication management, Chambers says hospice can bring in practical items that help people with Parkinson’s be more independent and safer in their own home while receiving end-of-life care. This may include specialized walkers, Hoyer lifts, weighted utensils, bed and chair alarms, bedside commodes, fall mats and adjustable hospital beds.

Another benefit of hospice for Parkinson’s patients includes in-home support with the help of aides who can assist with activities of daily living that can become difficult like bathing, dressing, eating and using the bathroom.

People with Parkinson’s may become restless in the middle of the night or otherwise have difficulty sleeping. This can result in a potential fall and other concerns at any hour. While not all hospices offer 24-hour support, Emmanuel Hospice has a full-time extended care team of nurses who work around the clock to help answer questions over the phone and can see patients for any urgent medical needs on nights and weekends.

The nonprofit also offers complementary therapies and services that can help lessen pain and loosen muscles, such as massage therapy, acupressure and acupuncture. Pet visitors, volunteers and art activities are also used to bring emotional support, joy and companionship to patients who may have withdrawn from social functions as symptoms worsened. Essential oils can be used to bring peace with calming scents and a relaxing rotation of lights.

Supporting family members who often overlook their own health and wellbeing while taking care of a seriously ill loved one is just as important to the hospice care team, Chambers says.

“We can bring in additional emotional support through our grief support team, understanding that feelings of loss start long before the patient passes away,” she says. “This helps loves ones process everything they’re going through and learn about stress reduction and self-care.”

Parkinson’s can bring on sudden and drastic health changes and sometimes severe psychosis in patients that can be distressing to the family, Chambers adds.

“In these times, I like to assure families there’s little our team hasn’t seen before. We come in calm and ready to help with any situation” she says. “Our services are designed to support the mind, body and spirit through all the changes that can come from this disease through the end of life.”

For more information, call 616.719.0919, or visit EmmanuelHospice.org.