Learn What Hospice Care Really Means to Patients and their Families

What makes a good death? This is a question that many people prefer not to think about in their day-to-day lives. However, for patients facing an uncertain future, it is an extremely relevant reality. The answer can vary from person to person, depending on individual personalities, interests and desires. For most people, a good death is quite simple. It means being physically comfortable, at peace in your own home, surrounded by your loved ones doing the things you love to do up until the very end. These essential details are made possible by hospice care.

Hospice, by definition, is a team-oriented approach to providing specialized care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury. It includes expert medical care, pain management and emotional support for patients and their families. But more simply, hospice care supports living one’s life to the fullest with dignity regardless of how much time remains.

Seven in 10 Americans said they would prefer to die at home according to a Time/CNN Poll. Statistics show that only 25% actually do according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a recent national survey, the overwhelming majority of respondents agreed that expertise in keeping a terminally ill patient as comfortable and as pain-free as possible is the single most important service to consider when caring for a loved one and the end-of-life experience. This is the essence of hospice care.

One of the great myths of hospice, for many who have not experienced it, is that hospice patients are merely lying in a bed, barely conscious. This is not the case. When a patient is admitted at an appropriate time, hospice care can improve their quality of life. Research shows that health care providers feel responsible to discuss hospice with their patients when the time is right, as it provides a type of care that they are unable to give. Nearly three-fourths of family caregivers agree that hospice care is a better choice for a terminally ill patient. Of this group, 69% believe that involvement in hospice makes a better impact on the patient’s family as well.

Another hospice myth is that families lose control over what happens to their loved ones. The facts are that a family is generally able to choose their preferred hospice provider for a loved one, and can be trained to serve as a primary caregiver, with a specialist to provide support when needed. It is the unique nature of hospice that allows for the feeling of family and comfort to become embedded and vital in the patient’s care. This concept of more family interaction explains the overall goal of hospice – creating more moments of life before a life is over.

Hospice enables moments and memories that would otherwise not occur. It is the quality of these final moments, after all, that can define a “good death.”

It’s never too soon to explore your end-of-life options. For more information about hospice care, visit hospiceofcentralpa.org.

Hospice of Central PA Announces the Retirement of President Gil Brown, Effective December 31, 2024

After more than a decade of service at Hospice of Central PA, President Gil Brown will retire on December 31, 2024. Gil has been a driving force behind the organization’s growth, steering it through significant achievements and fostering strong relationships with healthcare partners and the community.

Gil, a native of Union Dale, Pennsylvania, has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare operations and management. Before joining Hospice of Central PA, Gil served for eight years as Chief Operating Officer of Hospice by the Sea, Inc., a Florida-based not-for-profit provider of hospice, home healthcare, and palliative care services. His extensive career also includes leadership positions with Aetna Health Plans, the Queens Health Network of the New York City Health and Hospital Corporation, and Continuum Health Partners in New York City.

Gil holds a Master of Science in Organizational Behavior from the University of Hartford’s Barney School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bloomsburg University. He also holds certifications as a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator (CHPCA) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

Since joining Hospice of Central PA, Gil has led the organization through numerous milestones, including earning Joint Commission accreditation and securing a 5-star status in the We Honor Veterans program offered by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Under his leadership, Hospice of Central PA expanded its palliative care services and became a trusted hospice provider, building key relationships with local hospitals and healthcare systems.

“Working with Gil has been a truly inspiring experience,” commented Hank Straub, HCP Board Member. “His unwavering commitment to compassionate care and his visionary leadership have not only shaped Hospice of Central PA but also set a high standard for excellence. Gil’s ability to lead with both heart and strategic focus has made a lasting impact, and it has been an honor to collaborate with him in serving our community.”

Reflecting on his time at Hospice of Central PA, Gil shared, “The best part of my job has been reading messages from grateful patient families, meeting with our dedicated staff, celebrating our positive quality scores, and serving as an ambassador for the organization in the community.”

Gil continues to be instrumental in the affiliation between Hospice of Central PA and Hospice & Community Care which became effective on January 1, 2024. “I am confident that the recent affiliation will strengthen our ability to adapt to changes in the healthcare environment, ensuring that both organizations remain community-based, non-profit providers of hospice and palliative care,” expressed Gil.

“Partnering with Hospice of Central PA and working alongside Gil has been an excellent opportunity for our organization,” shared Steve Knaub, CEO, Hospice & Community Care. “His leadership and commitment to providing exceptional care have consistently set a high standard. The collaboration between our teams has already proven to be a rewarding experience, and I am excited for the future we are forming together, building on the strong foundation that Gil and his team have established.”

Looking ahead to his retirement, Gil said, “I plan to declutter my home, play more tennis, and figure out what comes next as I search for a new purpose in this next chapter of my life.”

Gil resides in Susquehanna Township with his husband Pedro Lozada and their two dogs, Dan and Dora. He will be greatly missed by the Hospice of Central PA community, and his contributions will leave a lasting legacy.

17 Reasons to Update Your Will

You have a will, so you can rest easy, right? Not necessarily. If your will is outdated, it can cause more harm than good. Even though it can provide for some contingencies, an old will cannot cover every change that may have occurred since it was first drafted. Here are 17 reasons why it may be time for an update.

Account for What Is Different

Professionals advise that you review your will every few years and more often if situations such as the following have occurred since you last updated your will.

Family changes. Events such as marriage, divorce, death, birth or adoption may affect how your estate will be distributed, who should act as guardian for your dependents, and who should be named as executor or personal representative of your estate.
Relocating to a new state. Laws among the states vary. Moving to a new state or purchasing property in another state can affect estate plans and how property in that new state will be taxed or distributed.
Changes in your estate’s value. When you made your will, your assets may have been relatively modest. Now the value may be larger, and your will no longer reflects how you would like to divide your estate.
Tax law changes. Federal and state tax laws are constantly changing, so you will want to be aware of any updates that affect you. An outdated estate plan may fail to take advantage of strategies that will minimize taxes.

Support a favorite cause. If you have developed a relationship with an organization, such as Hospice of Central PA, you may want to benefit a particular charity with a gift in your estate. Contact us for sample language you can share with your attorney to include a gift to Hospice of Central PA in your will.

If you need to make or revise a will here are some things you can do with it.

Make gifts. You can give jewelry, art or other prized possessions to those who will appreciate them.
Create a trust for your loved ones. This is a good way to protect family and safeguard money. A professional trustee can manage your money wisely and make sure your beneficiaries receive enough income to maintain their standard of living.
Name your executor or personal representative. Before you choose an executor or personal representative, weigh the qualifications of your choice against the many critical duties required.
Name a guardian for a child or a dependent under your care. Choose someone who is willing and qualified to take the job and who shares your values and way of life.
Take care of your pets. You can identify potential caregivers for your pet or set up a trust for their care.
Pass on a closely held business. You can provide for the management and disposition of your interest in a closely held business to preserve its value and your family’s participation.

Do you want to help support Hospice of Central PA after your lifetime? If so, there are many ways you can do this in your will. Here are some suggestions.

Give Hospice of Central PA a share of what is left in your estate after other obligations are met.
Give Hospice of Central PA a specific amount of cash or securities.
Leave certain personal or real property to Hospice of Central PA and allow the organization to decide whether to keep it or sell it.
Make a contingent bequest. An organization will receive certain assets only if a named individual does not survive you. For example, you could provide for Hospice of Central PA to receive a gift only if your spouse does not survive you. Such a provision recognizes the need to provide first for family members or loved ones.
Create a charitable remainder trust to pay an income to your spouse or other loved one(s) for life and designate the remaining principal for Hospice of Central PA.
Create a charitable lead trust to pay income to Hospice of Central PA for several years, or another person’s lifetime, with the trust assets eventually being distributed to your family.

To ensure your will accomplishes all you intend, seek the help of an attorney who specializes in estate planning. If Hospice of Central PA fits into your plans, we can help you choose the method of giving that best satisfies your wishes and our needs. For more information, please contact Yvette Lynch, Director of Development, Hospice of Central PA at (717) 814-3412 or ylynch@hospiceofcentralpa.org.

Don’t Wait to Talk About Hospice

It’s an all-too-common situation. A family is at the bedside of a loved one who is seriously ill at the end of life and unable to voice their wishes. Each member of the family has a different idea about the care the patient would have wanted.

Far too many people wait until they are amid a health care crisis before thinking about what options are available.

Often, by waiting too long to learn about possible options, like hospice care, people end up spending difficult days in the hospital and opportunities to be with loved ones at home or in a familiar setting are lost.

When a family is coping with a serious illness and a cure is no longer possible, hospice provides the type of care most people say they want at the end of life: comfort and dignity. Considered to be the model for high-quality, compassionate care for people with a life-limiting illness, hospice care includes expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and family. Care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of professionals and trained volunteers. The wishes of the patient and family are always at the center of the care.

Most hospice care is provided in the home – where most Americans have said they would want to be at this time. Care is also provided in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice centers.

Care is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans and HMOs.

Hospice providers can provide information about care options and help to make choices that ensure you live as fully as possible at the end of life. They will make sure your loved ones receive support as well.

One of the best ways to make sure you and your loved ones benefit fully from hospice is to talk and learn about it before a crisis occurs.

For more information, contact Hospice of Central PA toll-free at 1-866-779-7374 or on our website through our secure contact form.

Celebrating Hospice Volunteers in our Community

April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week, and organizations across the country are celebrating their service — the gifts of time, attention, and understanding — that volunteers give to support their communities. This commitment is especially impactful in hospice care, where volunteers are a fundamental and longstanding part of the delivery of care and support services.

At Hospice of Central PA, 138 trained volunteers help to fulfill our mission to provide the highest quality of emotional, physical and spiritual support with compassion and respect. Many of our volunteers help those living with a life-limiting illness live as fully as possible and on their own terms. Volunteers help meet the needs of patients and their loved ones by providing emotional support and companionship, sending hand-written letters and cards and supporting bereavement programming. Our community is stronger and more unified because of their service.

During National Volunteer Week, we honor and celebrate these caring individuals that do so much for so many — particularly hospice volunteers that accompany people during life’s final journey. Volunteers have been a part of the hospice movement since its founding and continue to be a special part of hospice care that brings compassion and dignity to patients and their families.

You can learn more about hospice care by contacting Hospice of Central PA at 717-732-1000 or by visiting our volunteers page. During National Volunteer Week, take time to explore the volunteer opportunities at HCP and support those who need it most.

Volunteer Testimonials

“In my family, I have seen the blessing that comes when a medical team’s focus turns from tests and treatment to quality of life. HCP’s reputation as a caring nonprofit encouraged me to sign up to be a volunteer, and I have been so grateful for the opportunity to support people through hospice. Everyone has a story, and hospice gives me a chance to meet people where they are, to listen to their stories, laugh with their jokes, grieve for their losses and think deeply about where we’re all going.”
– Beth Mader, patient care and 11th hour volunteer

“One Sunday morning a friend and I were looking at the bulletin board at our church when we spotted a flyer from HCP recruiting volunteers. Being newly retired and looking for some meaningful volunteer opportunities, the timing was perfect. That was seven years ago. During these seven years, I have performed a variety of duties in the medical records office, made patient phone calls and helped with special events. I am proud to be a volunteer for HCP. I love being a part of an organization that is committed to providing the highest quality of care for its patients.”
– Susan Wesley, administrative volunteer

Apply to be a Volunteer Today

Grief During the Holidays: Some Tips

The winter holidays are generally perceived as “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for those who are facing grief after the death of a loved one, the holidays may instead be a time filled with pain and sadness.

Even those for whom grief is not as fresh, the holidays may serve as an annual reminder of the loss—not only of that person, but of tradition and celebration. We often hear from people who say that anticipating the holiday can be harder than the actual day itself.

Bereavement professionals working in hospice and palliative care understand how difficult this season can be. They support families coping with loss all year long. Bereavement counselors stress the importance of having a plan and making decisions that feel right to the grieving person as well as giving oneself permission to make new or different choices at the holidays.

Experts in Grief offer some tips:

Be Willing to Change Traditions.
Holidays often center on certain traditions and rituals. For some, continuing these traditions without a loved one may be an important way to continue sharing their memory. For others, it may be more comforting to develop new rituals to help lessen the pain and immediacy of the loss.

Help Reduce Stress.
While the holidays can be filled with meaning, they can also be filled with pressure and stress because of additional tasks such as shopping, baking, and decorating. Grieving people should be encouraged to prioritize what needs to be done, and focus on those projects that may bring them pleasure. Perhaps the gift list can be pared down, cards need not be sent out, or another family member can cook the family dinner this year. It’s also important to build in some self-care time. Simple things like taking a nap or going for a walk can help a grieving person get through the holiday stress.

Remember those Who Have Died.
The holidays can bring opportunities to remember the person who has died in a way that is personally meaningful. Some families choose to participate in holiday events at a local hospice. Others may choose to share special family stories over a meal. Some may find that making a donation to a special charity or volunteering time to help others in need may be a comforting way to honor their loved one.

Hospice and palliative care professionals know of the importance of providing emotional and spiritual support to those who are grieving. Most importantly, they remind us that a person grieving should do what’s most comfortable for them during this time of year.

Hospice of Central PA provides bereavement services at no cost to anyone in the community through The Journey Program. You do not need to have received HCP hospice services to participate. The Journey Program offers a variety of services that include informational mailings, individual and group support, a youth bereavement camp, memorial services, and social groups with others who have had a similar experience. Please call 717-732-1000 for more information about our educational and support programs.

In addition to The Journey Program, HCP’s annual Tree of Light program provides a welcome opportunity to pause and remember loved ones during the busy holiday season. The illuminated trees, located throughout our service area, will brighten the season with special memories of our loved ones. With a donation, your loved one’s name can be included in our keepsake program book. To make a donation, or for more information on events and locations, please visit: https://hospiceofcentralpa.org/events/.

It’s Never too Late to Thank a Veteran, Even at the End of Life

Americans across the country celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, a special day to salute those who have bravely served our country in the military.

These fellow Americans have made profound sacrifices in defense of freedom and they deserve our heartfelt thanks and appreciation. Honoring our nation’s Veterans includes supporting them throughout their entire lives, especially at the end.

Veterans playing chess in a park

As our nation marks Veterans Day, Hospice of Central PA deepens our commitment to increase Veterans’ access to compassionate, high quality end-of-life care. One of the ways we’re making this happen is through our active involvement with We Honor Veterans, an innovative program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization that was created in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Hospice of Central PA is a Level 5 partner of the We Honor Veterans program, the highest attainable level.

There is something else that’s important for every American to do – and that is to say, “thank you” to our country’s Veterans. Not just on November 11, but all year long.

Ask your friends, neighbors, coworkers and others in your community whether they have served in the military (you may be surprised how many have)—and thank those who have served for their sacrifice.

It surprises many Americans to learn that 1,800 Veterans die each day. That’s more than 680,000 Veterans every year – or 25 percent of all the people who die in this country annually.

If you know a Veteran who is in need of the special care hospice brings to people facing serious and life-limiting illness, please reach out and help them learn more about care options by visiting hospiceofcentralpa.org/ or calling 717-732-1000.

To all our nation’s Veterans, thank you.

Hospice and Palliative Care: Making a Difference

A hospice nurse was recently asked, “How can you work in hospice? It must be so sad!”

She answered, “I love providing compassionate care because I know I make a huge difference in the quality of a person’s life. I love that I can use my training as a nurse to bring comfort and dignity to my patients, and seeing the relief on their faces and on the faces of those who care for them. I love that I can offer practical solutions to patients and families and help them find more meaningful moments at the end of life.”

Hospice isn’t about dying, but is about living as fully as possible despite a life-limiting illness.

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to draw attention and raise awareness of this special kind of care.

Hospice and Palliative Care
Senior Couple Enjoying Walk Together

What is Hospice Care

Hospice care provides pain management, symptom control, emotional support, and spiritual care to patients and their families when a cure is not possible. The nation’s hospices serve more than 1.5 million people every year – and their family and caregivers, too.

Hospice care is fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans and HMOs.

Many people only consider hospice care in the final days of life, but hospice is ideally suited to care for patients and their caregivers during the last months of life.

What is Palliative Care

Palliative care is offered earlier in the course of a serious illness. It can also be provided along with curative treatments patients may still be receiving from their doctor.

Hospices are the largest providers of palliative care services and can help answer questions about what might be most appropriate for a person. Many hospitals also have palliative care teams available to provide services.

Hospice and palliative care are available to people of all ages with any serious or life-limiting illness.

Hospice and palliative care combine the highest level of quality medical care with the emotional and spiritual support for patients, their family and caregivers. Hospice and palliative care can make a profound difference and help to maximize patients’ quality of life.

To learn more about hospice and palliative care, contact Hospice of Central PA at 717-732-1000 or visit hospiceofcentralpa.org.

Hospice of Central PA Named 2023 Hospice Honors Recipient

For the second consecutive year, Hospice of Central PA has been named a 2023 Hospice CAHPS Honors Award recipient by HEALTHCAREfirst, a Medicare-approved vendor for administering the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) hospice survey.

“We began our Annual Hospice Honors Award program more than ten years ago as a way to highlight those agencies that are truly leading the way in providing and demonstrating quality patient care,” said Ronda Howard, Vice President of Revenue Cycle and CAHPS at HEALTHCAREfirst. “We congratulate Hospice of Central PA on their success and are so proud and honored that they have chosen to partner with us in helping drive success for their agency.”

This prestigious annual review recognizes hospices that continuously provide the highest level of quality care as measured from the caregiver’s point of view. The awards are an exclusive recognition for hospices that have selected HEALTHCAREfirst as their hospice survey partner.

“This recognition tells us that our patients and families experience reflects our team’s commitment to providing high-quality care,” said Gil Brown, HCP’s President and CEO. “We all take pride in this achievement.”

Hospice Honors acknowledges high performing agencies by analyzing the performance of the CAHPS hospice quality measures.

“The ratings are based on results from family caregiver experience surveys which ask about quality in areas such as communication with family, help for pain and symptoms, and emotional and spiritual support,” said Brown. “We are pleased that HCP maintains ratings that meet or exceed the state and national averages.

Founded in 1979, Hospice of Central PA (HCP) is the first hospice organization in our region to care for patients at the end of life. HCP’s mission is to provide the highest quality of emotional, physical and spiritual support with compassion and respect. For more information about Hospice of Central PA, visit hospiceofcentralpa.org. To learn more about the HEALTHCAREfirst Hospice Honors program, visit healthcarefirst.com.

The Significance of Spiritual Care

The Significance of the Hospice Chaplain

It is a common misconception that hospice care only addresses the physical symptoms of a dying person; pain, shortness of breath, or agitation to name a few. Pain, however, isn’t always physical. For many hospice patients, pain is also spiritual. Some patients may struggle with what is unknown after death, or they may question the meaning of their life.

“What purpose did my life serve?”
“Did my time on earth make a difference?”
“How will I be remembered?”
“What is my legacy?”

Spiritual care is an important part of the services hospice can provide. Hospice of Central PA’s chaplains Alan Echard, Audrey Finkbiner, and Meg Shoeman support patients in many ways as they navigate spiritual challenges at the end of life.

Why is spiritual care important at the end of life?

Much like a physician or a nurse is trained to treat physical symptoms, a hospice chaplain is specially trained to provide spiritual and emotional support for the patient and their family. They provide a listening presence to validate the patient’s feelings and help them to discover new meaning and purpose.

“Disease, decline, and even death do not invalidate all that has been meaningful, beautiful, and strong in a person’s life,” says HCP chaplain, Meg Shoeman. “Our role is to affirm and support patients as they make new meaning out of the things that have given their life purpose.”

While listening is a big part of the chaplain’s role, they can also support patients in many other ways. HCP chaplain, Audrey Finkbiner, says she teaches families about the spiritual aspects of the dying process, reads devotional materials or scripture, and assists with legacy projects that help to validate patients’ accomplishments.

Is spiritual care always religious?

Spirituality is expressed differently for everyone. Each person’s spirituality is unique to them. For some, their spirituality is expressed religiously. Others find meaning and purpose, joy and hope apart from religion. Spirituality can be expressed through meditation, enjoying moments with family and friends, spending time in nature, or creating art.

“Meaning and purpose go far beyond religion. All of us, no matter our belief system, look to find meaning and purpose in our lives and what we are going through,” says HCP chaplain, Alan Echard. “We support patients according to their beliefs; whatever they are or whatever they are not.”

The hospice chaplain’s goal is not to impose a specific belief system or religion, but rather to meet the patient where they are and support them in addressing their own human experience in whatever form that is.

What if I have my own clergy?

Chaplains are an important part of the interdisciplinary team and they collaborate with physicians, nurses, aides, and social workers to provide holistic care to patients and families. Chaplains also work very closely with community clergy. Often times, patients are members of a congregation and have strong relationships with their faith leaders. Hospice chaplains do not replace a patient’s clergyperson. Instead, they work together to provide the best spiritual and emotional care at the end of life.

“If someone already has clergy, we are not there to replace them, but to provide additional support,” says Meg Shoeman. “We collaborate with the patient’s clergy and support them according to their faith.”

The role of the hospice chaplain extends far beyond the physical needs of patients. They help to address the invisible pain and discomfort people often experience at the end of life. Chaplains are compassionate and empathetic. They do not judge or impose beliefs. Instead, they listen and learn. They guide and support. They ease fears and help people find meaning and peace in their final months. With the support of a hospice chaplain, we are able to embrace the special moments that happen at the end of life just as we do in the beginning of life.

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