| The most important stories are those of our patients and their families. We've collected some of the most endearing to pass on you. Feel free to comment on any of these stories by clicking on its title.
Much Needed Respite Care for CaregiverWhen Mr. M was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (group of cancers of the blood and marrow), Mrs. M thought she would be able to care for him at home until he passed away. After many weeks of trying to care for him, Mrs. M was exhausted. The primary nurse suggested that Mrs. M take the opportunity to have respite care provided for him in our Hospice house. Mrs. M. got the rest she needed, and was able to bring Mr. M home where he passed away several weeks later. Without the rest, Mrs. M. would not have been able to honor his wishes to pass at home.-Hospice Nurse Posted on Wed, 7 Apr 2010 Peacefully at Home, not HospitalMrs. J was a 39-year-old with pancreatic cancer. She was married with three young daughters, 16, 13, and 11. Utilizing the services of crisis care, children’s counseling, and chaplain services, the RN and SW were able to manage Mrs. J’s pain and anxiety at home with IV pain medications and palliative sedation. She was able to pass away in her own home with her family at her side instead of in a hospital filled with strangers. -Hospice Nurse Posted on Wed, 7 Apr 2010 Patient was supported at homeMrs. E was an 81 year old lady with severe Alzheimer’s disease. She was bedbound and was cared for by her daughters. Because of the care of the HHA (nursing aide), nurse and social worker, we were able to support the family and have patient at home until she passed when she would have been placed in a nursing facility. -Linda, Hospice Nurse Posted on Wed, 7 Apr 2010 Salute to a Marine VeteranIn my position as a non-clinical staff member at Cornerstone Hospice, I do not often have the opportunity to interact with patients. It is always such an honor when I do. Recently, my experience was more than an honor; I was deeply touched and humbled. One of our physicians had visited a patient who had just arrived at the Tavares Hospice House. She realized that he had a very short time to live and overheard one of the other staff say that the patient was a veteran, a Marine like her father. Immediately she wanted to thank him for his military service to his country before he slipped away. She rushed to my office to get an American flag lapel pin and a veteran from our staff to pin it on her patient. We located a Marine from our finance department and a Navy man from the Chaplaincy; both were proud to be asked. At the House, the Marine leaned over the patient, pinned the flag to his shirt and simply said in a soft but strong voice, “From one Marine to another, Semper Fi.” The Navy man blessed the veteran, thanked him for all Americans for his courage and service to America, and then told him he could go in peace. Soon thereafter he did. I had just witnessed a very elegant, yet simple rite and was able to glimpse our entire staff’s dedication to patients and our mission. In my heart I will always carry that very special moment.-Julia Posted on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 Child Patient gets to go to Disney!A nurse on one of our interdisciplinary teams saw an opportunity to grant a wish for one of our youngest patients. The team pooled their resources to send the four-year old on a very memorable birthday trip. For two days he, his mother, and one of the team nurses enjoyed Mickey, Donald and Goofy at Walt Disney World. The staff also donated $200 cash for food and souvenirs. Our little patient was treated to a Buzz Lightyear toy, a Disney ball, a blanket, a pair of “Cars” pajamas, a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt with pouches for his hands, a Mickey Mouse T-shirt and socks. Sadly, our young patient passed away shortly thereafter. But our staff knows that for those two special days, he and his mom mostly escaped the reality of his illness and he was just another little boy in awe of all the magic at Disney!-Manny Posted on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 |
| Patient/Family Stories - Hospice Experiences |