Harmony Life Hospice

1. Harmony Life Hospice Every Moment of Every Life Matters Harmony Life Hospice 2529 East 70th Street, Suite 306 Shreveport LA 71105 318-798-5775 www.harmonylifehospice.com Powerpoint by The Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Schmitt, Volunteer Coordinator & Chaplain

2. What is Hospice? • Hospice is specialized medical care for people who have a prognosis of six months or less to live if the terminal condition runs its course. • It is not a place, but rather a concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to cure-oriented treatment. • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

3. What is Hospice? • Hospice services include providing related medications, medical supplies and equipment to manage patients’ symptoms and promote comfort. • With our outpatient hospice services we come to you, whether it is at your home or a nursing facility. • We address all symptoms of a disease, with a special emphasis on controlling a patient’s pain and discomfort. • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

4. What is Hospice? • We also deal with the emotional, social and spiritual impact of the disease. • We offer a variety of counseling and bereavement services to families before and after a patient’s death. • Although many hospice patients are cancer patients, hospices accept anyone regardless of age or type of illness who has been diagnosed as terminal. • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

5. Harmony Life: Our Mission • To provide the highest level of care possible to our patients. • with commitment, vision, and leadership • by dedicated community volunteers • and compassionate professionals. • We are committed to treating each patient as a unique individual with his or her own special needs. • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

6. Harmony Life: We Believe • Choosing hospice care is not about giving up • Hospice is about giving care when its needed the most. • Hospice empowers patients and their families to live each moment to the fullest. • We are dedicated to the celebration of life in the presence of a life limiting illness. • Choosing hospice affirms the value of life. • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

7. Harmony Life: Our Focus • Celebrating the life of every patient • Helping each one live the rest of their lives withPhysical, Emotional, Spiritual, and Harmony. • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

8. Harmony Life: Physical • Dying is a part of life • As natural as being born • Dying is a natural process • Our medical team will help you understand • Comfort (Palliative) Care eases the process • Hospice is not about dying faster • Hospice care is about helping your body let go when it is ready • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

9. Harmony Life: Emotional • Dying is an emotional process with common emotional experiences • Denial : shock and isolation • Anger even rage “Why me?” • Bargaining “If I do this or that can I live.” • Acceptance and peace “It’s Okay to die.” • Detachment – letting go of things and people • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

10. Harmony Life: Spiritual Harmony Life Hospice does not promote any one religion or spirituality. We care for each patient and respect their individual beliefs. However, for us Spiritual Harmony means: • We are not physical beings with spiritual lives. • We are spiritual beings with physical lives. • Dying is not the end of life. • Dying is a transition to a new life. • Our goal is to help patients and their families live in spiritual harmony as they experience the end of life. • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

11. Harmony Life: Bereavement Caring for those who care Helping family and friends grieve • We are available to help with • Anticipatory Grief • At the time of death • As needed for a year following • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

12. What is Grief? • The normal and natural reaction to significant emotional loss of any kind. • The conflicting feelings caused by the end of, or change in, a familiar pattern of behavior. • The feeling of reaching out for someone who has always been there, only to find they are no longer there. • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

13. Harmony Life: Volunteer! • Direct Patient/Caregiver Assistance • Office and Support Services Assistance • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

14. Harmony Life: Volunteer! • Direct Patient/Caregiver Assistance • Home visit • Bereavement visit • Phone Contact • IDT Meeting • Activities might include • Running errands • Providing Respite Companionship • Light housework • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

15. Harmony Life: Volunteer! • Office and Support Services • Filing • Mailing • Transporting documents • Delivering supplies • Arts and crafts • Public relations • Activities related to your skills and licensures • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

16. Harmony Life: Why Volunteer? There is a need. “Most people live lives of quiet desperation” Henry David Thoreau • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

17. Harmony Life: Why Volunteer? Volunteers are the heart of Hospice “90% of life is showing up!” Woody Allen The Staff is paid to be good. Patients know you care because you show up for free!. • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

18. Harmony Life: Why Volunteer? “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Jesus • Every Moment of Every Life Matters

19. Harmony Life: VolunteerWhen and How ? • Volunteer Coordinator Geoffrey Schmitt • geoffreys@harmonylifehospice.com • Call me and make an appointment: 318- 798- 5775 • Every Moment of Every Life Matters