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 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.

 
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.

Hospice & Community Care, Lancaster, and Hospice of Central PA, Harrisburg, in an effort to strengthen their ability to provide the highest quality care for patients and families, have announced plans to explore an affiliation. A partnering of the two leading hospice providers in central Pennsylvania would create a combined footprint to include Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill and York counties, and parts of Berks, Chester, and Franklin counties and position them as the largest hospice and palliative care provider in the state.

“Affiliating our two organizations is a step forward in achieving a shared ambition of sustainable palliative and end-of-life care, and bereavement services, for patients and families in the communities that we serve,” said Steve Knaub, President and CEO, Hospice & Community Care. “Over the next several months, our organizations’ leadership will be working on a plan with the goal of a formal relationship on January 1, 2024.”

Along with expanding care and reaching a growing aging population, a goal of the affiliation would be to improve care innovation while also improving quality of care and family experiences of care.

“Hospice & Community Care and Hospice of Central PA have the opportunity to dramatically strengthen our combined not-for-profit missions,” said Gil Brown, President and CEO, Hospice of Central PA. “Together we have the ability to provide the best possible outcomes for patients, families and our dedicated team members.”

The number of not-for-profit hospice affiliations has increased nationwide in an effort to preserve the mission of providing high quality end-of-life care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Affiliation would further help the two central Pennsylvania hospice providers to realize cost savings regarding purchased services such as pharmacy, medical supplies, durable medical equipment and employee benefits. It would also provide the ability to work with more private insurances and Medicare Advantage plans, and increase access to talent in hiring.

Hospice of Central PA and Hospice & Community Care, two of only a few nonprofit hospices in the region, would each retain their names and locations. Hospice of Central PA has administrative offices in Harrisburg and Pottsville as well as a six-bed hospice house, Carolyn’s House, located on Linglestown Road in Harrisburg. Hospice & Community Care maintains administrative offices in Lancaster and York. The Bob Fryer & Family Inpatient Center, its 24-bed inpatient and residential center, and its Pathways Center for Grief & Loss, are located on Old Harrisburg Pike near Mount Joy.

The two hospice providers would further benefit from strong, long-standing relationships with the major health systems in the region including Lehigh Valley Network, Penn Medicine/Lancaster General Health, Penn State Health, UPMC and WellSpan Health.

“We remain committed to the meaningful relationships that we have developed with all health care providers and long-term care communities and will continue to work collaboratively to best serve patients throughout southcentral Pennsylvania, said Gil Brown.”

Hospice & Community Care and Hospice of Central PA have each been serving their communities for more than 40 years and have mutually benefited from a shared philosophy of care. Each program will maintain its brand and community relationships to raise funds which are used to support patients and families in the communities they serve, ensuring that local resources directly benefit local programs.

“Our vision is that every person living in our community will receive the care and compassion they need while coping with serious illness, facing end-of-life, or experiencing the loss of a loved one,” said Steve Knaub. “Providing care and support for people in the communities that we serve is our highest priority and we are committed to ensuring seamless care for our patients and their families.”

For more information, click here. If you have any further questions, please reach out to us by calling 717-732-1000.

Planning ahead for a medical crisis or end-of-life is something most of us are reluctant to think about, let alone act on. Have you ever considered what would happen if the unexpected happened? Would your loved ones know your wishes? While advance care planning can be a difficult topic to consider, it’s necessary in order to ensure your wishes are clear. Maybe more importantly, it can give you and your loved ones peace of mind.

Advance care planning is not just for seniors. At any age, a medical event could occur which could render you incapable of making medical decisions for yourself. When you plan ahead for these possibilities, you get to decide what types of treatments you do or don’t want. There are many things to consider and multiple ways to make your wishes known.

First, it’s important to learn about the types of decisions that need to be made in advance. Talk to your doctor, attorney, and your family about your questions, concerns, and options. You’ll need to consider whether you would want certain healthcare interventions such as CPR, ventilator use, artificial nutrition and hydration, or end-of-life comfort care (hospice).

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to put your wishes in writing. An advance directive, such as a living will, is a legal document that goes into effect only if you are incapacitated and unable to make health care decisions for yourself. For example, you may decide now that you would want a ventilator to help you breathe as a result of an accident or illness. As we age, however, our wishes for curative care can change. An advance directive is not set in stone and should be reviewed and updated if your wishes change over time.

Another necessary document is the health care durable power of attorney (POA). This is a legal document that assigns a health care proxy who is able to make medical decisions for you when you are unable to speak for yourself. This person should be aware of your wishes and be willing to make treatment decisions based on your advance directive. Your POA should be someone you know and trust who is comfortable making decisions in a difficult situation.

There are many other decisions that can be made in advance. Examples include:

• A DNR (do not resuscitate) order tells medical staff in a hospital or nursing home that you do not wish to have CPR or other life support measures. Without a DNR, medical staff will make every effort to restore your breathing and heart rhythm.
• A DNI (do not intubate) order tells medical staff that you do not want to be placed on a breathing machine.
• An organ and tissue donation designation stipulates whether healthy organs are to be donated to people who need them. The most common organs that are transplanted are the heart, lungs, pancreas, kidneys, corneas, liver, and skin.

Finally, once your decisions are made and your documents are in place, it’s imperative that you tell your loved ones about your wishes. Give copies of your advance directive to your POA, your doctor, and be sure to make extra copies in case of an emergency. Remember, the advance directive, or any other advance planning document, can be changed over time.

Talking about advance care planning and end-of-life is often a hard topic, but it’s necessary. If you are interested in learning more about how to start this process, or how to have the conversation with your loved ones, you are welcome to join Hospice of Central PA’s upcoming Inspiring Community Conversations: Advance Care Planning event on April 26, 2023, at Londonderry Village. For more information visit hospiceofcentralpa.org/events or call 717-732-1000.

After former President Carter’s announcement, many have questions about hospice care

Ninety-eight-year-old former President Jimmy Carter announced recently that he was entering into hospice care. Even though many families have had a loved one who has opted for hospice, there are others who may not know what hospice is, what services it provides, or may have heard some of the myths surrounding hospice.

Appearing on The Spark Wednesday, Susan Resavy, Director of Family Services, and Dr. Maria Olender, Medical Director with Hospice of Central PA.

To listen to the entire interview click here.

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Hospice of Central PA (HCP) is celebrating this along with two achievements which demonstrate the agency’s leadership in quality end-of-life care: a successful Joint Commission re-accreditation survey and a 4-star rating on Medicare’s quality care index.

“HCP prides itself in our continued ability to provide excellent care while maintaining a high level of focus on safety and compliance,” says Melissa Ross, Director of Quality and Compliance.

The Joint Commission survey assesses hospice organizations on compliance with industry standards which help to determine the level of performance excellence and areas for improvement. Key focus areas include infection control, delivery of quality care, medication management, and safety.

HCP also achieved a 4-star rating on Medicare’s quality care index. The information used to determine the star rating comes from their family caregiver satisfaction surveys. The survey includes questions about their hospice care experience and care delivery.

“We are honored to receive these important distinctions which recognize the provision of quality and safe care,” says Gil Brown, President and CEO. “When families and caregivers choose Hospice of Central PA, they can feel confident in knowing they chose high-quality care for their loved one.

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 on Hospice of Central PA, please visit hospiceofcentralpa.org. To view hospice agency quality ratings in your area, visit hospicecompare.org.

Becky Jo Hopkins wasn’t always a hospice nurse, but when her brother was diagnosed with leukemia 22 years ago she found hospice nursing as a career path. During that difficult time, she was inspired by a hospice nurse who cared for her brother and supported Becky Jo and their family.

“After he passed, I knew I wanted to go to nursing school because if I could just do for one day what that nurse did for me and my brother, I knew it would be a worthy calling,” says Becky Jo.

Even after completing nursing school, Becky Jo didn’t start out as a hospice nurse. She wanted to gain experience in different clinical settings, so she worked as a hospital nurse and then in a private practice. All the while, keeping her calling in mind, she eventually found her way to Hospice of Central PA (HCP).

“HCP is the only hospice I’ve worked for and I love the relationships I get to build,” says Becky Jo. “I chose to work at HCP, not only because they are the first hospice in the area with the most experience, but because I heard good feedback about them in the community.”

Melissa “Missy” Kosheba also works for HCP as a Case Manager. Her nursing career took a bit of a different path than Becky Jo’s, but ultimately landed her at HCP.

“Before HCP, I worked in a long-term care facility for 17 years before working as a medical surgical ICU nurse at Harrisburg Hospital,” says Missy. “In all my years, I never felt so appreciated and valued than when working for HCP.”

It’s evident that no day is the same working as a hospice nurse. But, one thing that is definite is the satisfaction that comes with caring for patients and their families.

“It’s a good feeling to know you were there for them – it’s good to know they appreciate you,” says Missy. “It’s hard not to be motivated to get up every morning to do my job.”

As case managers at Hospice of Central PA, Missy and Becky Jo make sure their patients have all of the medical equipment and medications they need. They update the plan of care after assessing the patient and collaborating with HCP’s physicians and other disciplines to address each patient’s physical, psycho-social and spiritual care needs. Coordinating care means communicating with other nurses, doctors, social workers, chaplains, and home health aides on behalf of the patient.

“Lots of conversation is needed to put patients and families at ease,” says Missy. “The bulk of my first few visits are educating the patient and family on the disease process, helping them understand symptoms and preparing them for what could happen next.”

Patients are not the only ones who need support – their families do too. Missy and Becky Jo work with HCP social workers and chaplains to make sure family members have the proper support and resources.

“I help make families feel more comfortable caring for their loved ones by getting them in touch with different resources and the educational information they need,” says Missy. “My job is being there and helping them through the difficult times.”

Every work experience is unique and working at HCP is no exception. Becky Jo and Missy agree – the support from their colleagues and the leadership team is abundant. Continuing education is valued and encouraged by offering reimbursement for discipline specific hospice certification.

“At HCP, our voices are heard. They have put forth a strong effort to help us, and it doesn’t go unnoticed,” says Missy. “We work together and our team leaders help us ease workloads; from aides to admins, everyone helps each other out.”

Becky says, “You have flexibility in creating your schedule. I like the autonomy I have at HCP and yet there is still a team approach – you never feel like you’re just flying out there without support. I always feel like my team supports me and my boss values my work-life balance.”

The good work being done by every employee at Hospice of Central PA is noticed and appreciated. It is because of staff like Becky Jo and Missy that allows HCP to continue to be an integral part of the community. Providing high quality end-of-life care takes dedication, compassion, and teamwork – all qualities for which HCP is known and respected.

“For the first time in my life, ever, as a nurse,” says Missy, “I can look back at the week I just had and can feel complete satisfaction knowing my patients were well cared for – it’s the biggest reward.”

If you are interested in a career at HCP, please visit hospiceofcentralpa.org/career or call 717-943-1047.