Whispers from Pines of Peace Comfort Care Home Volume 14 – Fall 2012

1. Whispers from Pines of Peace Comfort Care Home Volume 14 – Fall 2012 Director’s Note by Sherry Verstraete Fall is a time of reflection for many. Do you remember raking leaves, jumping in the pile and later the smell of those leaves as they burned? How about getting new clothes and underwear to start school or planning the perfect Halloween costume (NOT store bought)? Maybe I’ve dated myself but this seems to have been a simpler time. I also remember this as a time when we took care of family members that needed assistance. We promised to take care of them at home. This was manageable because fewer women worked outside the home and taking care of someone that was ill or dying was they did. The hospice movement brought a whole new concept for families. Dying with dignity, not in pain and with family members being able to be there without the entire burden of care resting on their shoulders. Comfort Care Homes are the epitome of “the best of both worlds”. Care in a homelike setting with assistance, advise and input from family. As I reflect on the loss of our parents and my in-laws, I realize how blessed I am to be part of something where what we do really does matter. I hope you enjoy my favorite season and upcoming Holidays with love, laughter and peace. Upcoming Events Craft Shows Good time to stock up on soup, brownie mix and cookbooks before the Holidays!  October 11th Remembrance Service  November is National Hospice Month  November 4th Volunteer Recognition Tea What does the Pines of Peace mean to others? Families tell us in various ways. Some send a card of thanks “My Mother’s passing was a gentle and peaceful one because of all of you”, “I cannot express my gratitude to you and the staff @ the Pines! Mom even said several times that she couldn’t have gotten better care”, or “Again, thank you for being so kind to my Dad and our family”. A granddaughter wrote “Although I’m deeply saddened by her passing, I am still comforted by knowing she was given such wonderful care and compassion. My grandmother taught me many things, one of them being to always see the good in others – and I thank you for both seeing the good in her and showing the goodness of yourselves to her and my family”. Our home thrives on the love, kindness and caring brought by everyone that comes through the doors. . . .and for this we are truly grateful.

2. Board of Directors Note by John Cook Most of us, unless we’ve had an experience with a terminally ill loved one, have little understanding or appreciation for what a hospice does. That was my situation until my Mom became terminally ill with cancer and was confined to home. The local hospice was contacted and their team, both professionals and volunteers, were helpful, caring and comforting as we moved through this difficult period. When Pines of Peace contacted me and asked if I’d like to serve on the Board of Directors, I was excited by the opportunity and immediately accepted. As I have participated on the Board I am deeply impressed with the commitment of both the Board and Staff. Our staff, led by our Director Sherry Verstraete and supplemented by many volunteers, does an amazing job caring for and helping families through this trying time in their lives. In addition to their primary mission of providing round-the-clock care for two residents simultaneously, they organize and work at our various fundraisers, providing this not-for-profit organization with much of its income. My hat goes off to the Board, Staff, Donors, Eleanor Cuvelier and Cheryl Haak for their vision and Mrs. Cuvelier for providing the financial means to establish this wonderful facility. Board of Directors Chris Callahan, President Joan Miller, Vice President Mark Wyse, Treasurer Sherry Verstraete, Secretary / Executive Director James Wood, Medical Director William Benedict, John Cook, Richard Doyle, Cheryl Gravelle, Gail Heimberger, Brian Smith Did you know? What is the criteria for admission to the Pines? Referrals come from physicians, social workers, health care agencies and individuals. Our two-bed home is open to all based on the criteria of need and a physician’s belief that an individual is within the last three months of life. All persons are considered regardless of Illness, Infection, Weight, Age, Gender, Religion, Ethnicity, Sexual Preference or Economic Background. “ You matter because you’re you. You matter to the last moment of your life; we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but also live until you die.” Cicely Sanders Founder of the Modern Hospice Movement

3. Staff Member’s note….Jan Bigler Working at Pines of Peace as a nurse has been the most rewarding experience of my life. When I tell people that I work at a Hospice, they often say, "How can you do that?" My answer is always, "How can I not?" Most people are very uncomfortable dealing with dying, but it is something we all must do someday. It takes on a whole different picture when a family is dealing with dying because of an illness. Illness can strike any age and it can be a long process. I certainly wasn't thinking of this kind of work back in 1982 when my son Michael was dying from Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. As a young mother I had to draw my strength from the people around us who dealt with dying every day. Their compassion and kind words helped us with Michael's transition. I wish though knowing what I know now, that we had had a place like Pines of Peace, instead of a hospital room. Why do I say rewarding you may ask? I have learned so much about living from the patients and their families. The different dynamics and personalities. The love between spouses and children, young and old, endurance and acceptance. As I leave my shift with a hug goodnight, and say "I'll see you again," although I know sometimes they may not be there when I return. I go home carrying the thoughts of my work in my heart and my head, hoping that I have given them everything they have needed in the time I was there. What they have given me is the most rewarding experience of my life. Staff Member’s note….Vicki LaRocque I started working at Pines of Peace in May of 2011. I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable. Sherry and the rest of the staff and volunteers are very supportive. The house itself is beautiful. The volunteers, seen and unseen, do a very nice job and the gardens, porch and deck are not only gorgeous but peaceful and relaxing for families and residents. When residents first come, Sherry makes it a priority that they and their families know that the Pines is their home. A place to cook, sleep, watch TV, laugh and cry. As staff we all work together to make sure our resident’s time is mentally and physically as pain free and comfortable as possible. Each person is at a different stage in their illness and every family offers different dynamics and challenges. Each one of us has different strengths and we really work together well as a team to use those strengths to help our resident on their final journey. Yes, I get sad but mostly I’m grateful that I can help. I truly love my job. Each person is unique. Listening, caring or just holding a hand are very important parts of my “job” which is not like “work” at all. I have never had a day where I didn’t want to come in for my shift. People often say they could never imagine working in a hospice situation. I cannot imagine working anywhere else. At the house we have a book called “Final Gifts” by Callahan & Kelley. This is a quote from its pages, “A dying person offers enlightening information and comfort and in return those close at hand can help bring that person peace and recognition of life’s meaning.” I am very grateful that I am one of those “close at hand.” I hope Pines of Peace is part of the community for many more years to come.

4. Wish List Decaf Coffee Pudding – single serving containers Tissues Disinfectant Wipes – NON bleach Toilet Paper – 1 ply only (safe for septic system) Laundry Detergent High Efficiency Unscented Fabric Softener Sheets Unscented Baby Wipes Body Wash Stamps $$ for utilities The world is a warmer place when we’re there for each other! For the Pines of Peace Volunteer - It doesn't seem to matter if it's  a simple household task, gardening, lawn maintenance, working in the office, baking, working on a committee, helping a family when they arrive with their loved one, or assisting the nurses with patient care – They know they make a difference. If you’d like to become a volunteer at Pines of Peace please call the office at (315) 524-2388 and an application will be mailed to you. Visit us on our website at: www.pinesofpeace.org Email us at: directorpop@rochester.rr.com Friend us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PinesofPeace Contact us at: (315) 524-2388 Fax us at: (315) 524-4377 Thank you to Dynalec Corporation for underwriting the distribution costs for the Capital Campaign / Newsletter. A cup of Chicken Soup . . . Mrs. B. was a pillar of the community and maintained input on municipal goings on, cemetery supervision and family life