Emmanuel Hospice Honored as One of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For

Emmanuel Hospice has again been named one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the National Association for Business Resources.

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employees. Organizations are assessed by an independent research firm based on categories such as communication, work-life blend, employee education and development, diversity, equity and inclusion, employee recognition, retention and more.

This is the third time Emmanuel Hospice has made the list of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. In 2020, the nonprofit provider of hospice care also received recognition on the national level.

“We are honored to again be recognized as one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For with the best human resources practices,” Emmanuel Hospice Executive Director Sara Lowe said. “This honor reaffirms our efforts to ensure our entire team feels valued and supported with the same level of compassionate, person-centered care we provide for our patients.”

Since inception, Emmanuel’s team has gone from one part-time employee serving its first patient in 2013 to more than 90 team members today who care for 170 patients daily in eight West Michigan counties. So far in 2022, the team has continued to grow with more than 20 new employees.

As part of the application process, the organization highlighted human resource practices such as targeting compensation in the 75th percentile for the geographic area and industry, encouraging vital behaviors for positive interactions internally and with patients and their families, the total amount the organization spends on benefits as a percentage of operating income and the in-depth hiring process used to select the right candidates.

Emmanuel Hospice also shared its ongoing training to create a culture of anti-racism, its Employee Relief Fund where staff could access additional financial assistance and other employee-focused benefits, such as one-on-one self-care coaching and a partnership with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services through an employee assistance program.

In 2021, Emmanuel Hospice expanded the use of its bereavement policy to allow for self-care days for staff, enabling employees to take a day off on short notice. These days are separate from paid time off, to focus on their personal well-being. Additionally, the organization conducted “stay interviews” with all team members to discover what they love about working at Emmanuel Hospice and how the nonprofit can better serve them in a changing workforce.

For employee enrichment efforts, Emmanuel Hospice shared the work of its “Fun Committee,” a group of staff from different disciplines who meet monthly to plan employee activities, such as the annual chili cook-off, celebration of quirky holidays (i.e. assorted pickles in the breakroom for National Pickle Day), and coordinate cards/gifts for staff milestones.

Emmanuel Hospice also utilizes an online employee engagement platform called Motivosity. Each employee gets $5 per month to give in the form of “kudos” to other employees. They can send a shout-out to another employee based on one of the nonprofit’s values and attach a dollar to their kudos. Employees then redeem the dollars they’ve received in the form of gift cards to many different restaurants and stores. Work anniversaries, new staff and upcoming activities are also celebrated on the platform, which functions like an internal social media platform for the organization.

“In the past year, we have continued our commitment to doing right by our staff, and we’re honored to earn this distinction once again,” said Matt Schipper, director of support services. “By providing new opportunities for our staff to engage in self-care, build community and offer feedback, we aim to cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive.

“We also know that in taking care of our staff, we empower them to provide the highest quality of care to our patients and families.”

About Emmanuel Hospice

Emmanuel Hospice is a faith-based nonprofit provider of compassionate, person-centered hospice care to patients and families in West Michigan. Serving the community since 2013, the organization is a collaborative effort of St. Ann’s, Clark, Porter Hills and Sunset designed to complete the continuum by providing end-of-life care to those inside – and outside – the walls of these organizations. For more information, visit www.emmanuelhospice.org.

 

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Knowing When to Call Hospice Can Be a Game-Changer

It’s sometimes easier to define what hospice is not rather than trying to absorb all the things it is – especially in assessing when one should reach out.

“A common misconception is that we’re available only at the eleventh hour, or just days or weeks before someone passes,” says Dana Shelton-Clark, an admissions social worker with Emmanuel Hospice. “But hospice care is really holistic support for anyone who’s been given a physician’s prognosis of six or fewer months to live. And that’s only a requirement for admission.

“There’s no ticking clock, no time limit for the amount of time the hospice benefit can be used as long as someone remains eligible.”

What Shelton-Clark and her colleagues too often hear from patients and their caregivers is this: We wish we would have called sooner.

Dealing with an approaching death can be understandably trying, to say the least. At Emmanuel Hospice, says Shelton-Clark, a team approach is instituted to rally around the loved one and care for them in mind, body and spirit. And there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, either. Instead, care and options are customized to consider each individual’s wants and needs.

“We often get comments such as ‘I didn’t know this is what hospice is’ and ‘I didn’t know hospice could provide this,’” she explains. “All it really takes is a phone call to set up a meeting that will provide a clear and accurate window into all the services hospice offers.”

Shelton-Clark notes some people put off calling hospice because they’re being counseled by medical personnel still fighting for a cure.

“We understand that,” she says, “because most doctors are trained in an approach to do all they can to ‘fix’ the problem. But cures are not always possible, and hospice is a treatment option that should be offered and considered.

“Our focus is to instead provide interventions that relieve symptoms and allow patients to focus on how they really want to live, so that they have as many good days and months as possible.”

Shelton-Clark emphasizes hospice will come to wherever it is the loved one calls home – their own house, or a relative’s, or an assisted living facility or memory care unit. During a first discussion, there’s never any obligation to sign on or take next steps. That’s up to the individual and their caregivers. But sometimes, just that initial meeting is enough to help people understand their options going forward.

Some people actually improve during hospice care, in some cases enough to no longer require services. But they’re free to return if they decline to a point where they again meet eligibility standards; there are never any deadlines imposed.

Shelton-Clark acknowledges that the role of Emmanuel Hospice is as much to provide education as it is to provide care – doing all it can to acquaint people with what hospice is and why it’s better to reach out earlier than later.

“There are so many ways for us to assist,” she says, “especially for that person who’s been in and out of the hospital and is ready for that revolving door to finally stop. That’s the time to give us a call and learn more.

“Our compassionate and experienced team is ready to answer any questions you may have.”

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

Emmanuel Hospice Reaccredited by CHAP

Grand Rapids, Michigan, Aug. 2, 2022– Emmanuel Hospice has earned reaccreditation from the Community Health Accreditation Program, Inc., a nationally approved accrediting body for home and community-based health care organizations, for upholding industry best practices and providing quality patient care.

The CHAP accreditation renewal demonstrates that Emmanuel Hospice meets the highest nationally recognized regulations and standards for the health care industry. Emmanuel Hospice was awarded the renewal due to its focus on structure and function, quality of services and products, human and financial resources and long-term viability.

“We often meet people at some of the most difficult times in their lives, and our goal is to support patients and their loved ones by providing exceptional care,” said Emmanuel Hospice Executive Director Sara Lowe. “This independent, third-party validation from CHAP confirms our commitment to meeting the highest standards for hospice care.”

Emmanuel Hospice received CHAP accreditation in 2014 after its first year of operation and has been reaccredited every year since. Its new accreditation is valid through September 2025. CHAP certification also certifies Emmanuel Hospice as a Medicare provider.

“By achieving CHAP accreditation, Emmanuel Hospice has shown a commitment to excellence,” said CHAP President and CEO Nathan DeGodt. “This is the third time Emmanuel Hospice has achieved CHAP accreditation, and we are excited to continue our partnership by offering support in its commitment to providing quality care and continuous improvement.”

CHAP is the oldest national, independent accrediting body for home and community health care organizations that determines if hospice agencies meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation and CMS Quality Standards.

In 2021, Emmanuel Hospice cared for more than 650 patients and served 1,600-plus individuals through its grief support team. The organization also had 90 patients participate in We Honor Veterans programs, where Emmanuel Hospice is now a level three partner, and provided 20 Art Legacy sessions, allowing patients to create and leave behind meaningful artwork for their loved ones.

 

About Emmanuel Hospice

Emmanuel Hospice is a faith-based nonprofit provider of compassionate, person-centered hospice care to patients and families in West Michigan. Serving the community since 2013, the organization is a collaborative effort of St. Ann’s, Clark, Porter Hills and Sunset designed to complete the continuum by providing end-of-life care to those inside – and outside – the walls of these organizations. For more information, visit EmmanuelHospice.org.

Cardiac Program Provides Better Quality of Life, Control Over Care

Despite frequent doctor, ER and hospital visits for those with end-stage heart disease, many eligible patients don’t receive palliative or hospice care to improve their quality of life – but Emmanuel Hospice wants to change that.

Hospice professionals like Melissa Schmidt are working to help more patients with advanced congestive heart failure access the enhanced care they deserve.

“Even though heart disease is the nation’s top cause of death, hundreds of thousands of patients with heart failure die alone in hospitals, never utilizing end-of-life care and support,” says Schmidt, who serves as Emmanuel Hospice’s director of clinical services. “Hospice care can help manage or even prevent symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease and keep patients out of the hospital.

“This not only puts patients and families in better control over their care, it also saves money and reduces the stress of repeated hospitalizations.”

At Emmanuel, care is provided to patients wherever they call home. With the nonprofit’s Heart & Soul Advanced Cardiac Care Program, patients have access to a robust care team – nurses, physicians, spiritual caregivers and complementary therapists, all of whom are specially trained in heart failure and in collaborating with outside care providers.

Made possible through the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, or NPHI, Heart & Soul relies on care guidelines developed by the American Heart Association for individuals living with end-stage heart disease.

“Our advanced cardiac care program enables patients to be cared for in a way that works alongside their diagnosis,” Schmidt explains. “We’re able to look at innovative ways to care for patients in collaboration with their cardiologists or other physicians to support the whole person – mind, body and soul.”

Among the unique ways Emmanuel Hospice can support people living with advanced cardiac disease are its complementary services, which can be used alongside pharmaceutical approaches or as alternatives for holistic end-of-life care. In particular, music and massage therapy have proven to be successful in the management of symptoms for Heart & Soul patients.

For example, Emmanuel Hospice’s music therapists aid in anxiety relief for patients living with heart disease through music-assisted relaxation to influence heart rate, enhance breathing and support management of stress.

The use of massage therapy can help reduce painful swelling of feet, ankles and legs that comes with end-stage heart disease. For one of Schmidt’s patients, this service helped avoid an increase in medication, enabling him to remain comfortably at home until his death.

The additional support and education hospice can provide is ideal for patients who wish to avoid repeated trips to the emergency room. According to NPHI, advanced cardiac care programs like Emmanuel’s have already helped lower hospitalization rates in the last year by 23% for patients during their last 30 days of life. Patients who are a part of these programs visit the ER nearly half as much as those not receiving hospice care.

“The decrease in emergency rates is remarkable because patients with heart failure are known to need frequent visits to the doctor’s office, emergency room and hospital due to breathing difficulties, fatigue and other worsening symptoms,” Schmidt says. “Reducing inpatient and emergency services reduces stress, which can improve both mental and physical health outcomes.”

Avoiding trips to the ER or hospital also helps save patients money. The average cost of care in NPHI advanced cardiac care programs is 20-35% lower for patients than those who aren’t in hospice care.

While this is promising data, Schmidt says there’s more work to be done in overcoming myths about hospice care and encouraging families and caregivers to reach out sooner to seek this invaluable service.

“Many people think that hospice is just for your last couple of days or weeks or that calling hospice means giving up,” she says. “Hospice is holistic care and support for people who have been given a physician prognosis of six months or less to live and want to maximize that time.

“We want to help these individuals and families know it is absolutely OK to utilize hospice to supplement other medical care that’s already being provided. Our entire team is trained and ready to walk alongside you with individualized care for your end-of-life journey.”

To learn more about Heart & Soul, individuals can visit EmmanuelHospice.org/cardiac-program or

call 616.719.0919.

Navigating Grief Around Father’s Day with Planning, Support and Connection

People Attending Self Help Therapy Group Meeting In Community Center

In our commercial world, we’re subjected to displays of gifts, candy and cards for weeks ahead of a holiday. With technology today, there are even targeted ads on our phones and social media platforms that show us memories from past celebrations.

For someone struggling with grief, these aren’t always friendly cues to prepare for the holiday. They can be triggering reminders of how a loved one isn’t here anymore.

“We know significant dates like anniversaries, birthdays and holidays can be a challenge for those grieving the loss of an important person in their life,” says Merrin Bethel, a bereavement coordinator with Emmanuel Hospice. “Holidays like Father’s Day and Mother’s Day can be especially difficult after the loss of a parent.”

Parents are often the first to love and care for all of us. It can be painful mourning that unique relationship with someone who has known you since you came into the world. Around days dedicated to honoring parents, there can be multiple, conflicting emotions.

“You may be angry at the world for celebrating a day that highlights just how much the person you love is missing from the picture, all while wanting to be a part of the laughter and joy around you,” Ashley Huisman, another Emmanuel Hospice bereavement coordinator, explains. “Remember it is OK to feel more than one thing at once and none of these feelings are wrong. Give yourself the space to ride the roller coaster of emotions the day may bring.”

Quite often the anticipation of the day can be worse than the day itself. To help prevent anxiety, Huisman recommends making a plan A, B and C – or as many as you need – to find a sense of peace that whatever happens, you’ll be ready.

“Take a good inventory of yourself, your emotions and what you need out of the day,” Huisman says. “Maybe plan A is to be with friends and family, sharing memories and participating in planned activities. Maybe plan B is leaving the gathering early or skipping a part of the day all together because being with others may be a bit overwhelming.”

Acknowledging the day with a remembrance activity is another healthy way to cope.

“It’s common for people to wonder if the holiday should even be celebrated or observed after the loss of a loved one and what that should look like,” Bethel adds. “We invite people to do whatever feels best for their family.

“It’s great if you want to get birthday cake on your dad’s birthday or go out to dad’s favorite restaurant on Father’s Day. It’s healthy to continue finding ways to stay connected with a person we’ve lost.”

After the loss of a loved one, it’s also important to find support in family, friends and sometimes even the help of a professional to navigate what you’re experiencing.
“If possible, find a friend or other supportive person you can talk to honestly about the day,” Huisman says. “Let them know when you are having a hard moment or when you want to share a memory. Remember, you are not alone.”
For more information on coping with grief, Emmanuel Hospice is hosting topical three-session workshops through end of August. Held at 401 Hall St. SW in Grand Rapids, the in-person grief support events are free and open to anyone in the community regardless of whether they have a prior connection with the nonprofit or hospice care.

The organization also provides individual support to anyone who has suffered a loss. For more information or to RSVP for a workshop or group, email EHBereavement@EmmanuelHospice.org or call 616.719.0919.