A publication for friends and neighbors of Hospice of Queen Anne’s

Woman knows choosing HOSPICE means living on her own terms

Look InsIde thIs Issue

2 3 4From Heather’s Desk Volunteer Spotlight Grief Support

6 7Development Sponsors5 Upcoming Events

FALL 2013

Sharyn Buccalo, a career nurse of 42 years, has always known she would call on hospice to help her if and when her

illness began advancing. An organizer, planner and avid reader, Sharyn began researching her care options three years ago when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Most important to her was that she have control of her care and be able to be the primary decision-maker as her condition worsened. She was also “shopping” for a program that would support her husband Al. “As a nurse, I know caregivers are on duty 24/7 and I knew Al would need help with my care,” she said.

Not wanting to spend her last days in the hospital, Sharyn began searching for a hospice residence, thinking she would eventually need the round-the-clock care of medical profession-als. She was also certain she did not want to die at home which is why choosing the perfect hospice was so important.

“When I called and spoke with the staff at Hospice of Queen Anne’s, I knew I had finally found what I was looking for – a beautiful facil-ity with 24-hour nursing that would allow me to maintain my independence and with a team that would support my wishes,” said Sharyn.

Wanting to remain in the comfort of her Caroline County home for as long as possible, Sharyn elected to begin home hospice care. “Be-ing on hospice has not stopped me from doing

anything. I am not letting my condition or being a hospice patient hold me back,” she said.

With the support and advance planning from the Hospice of Queen Anne’s team, the Buc-calo’s continued to travel.

“I love the freedom I have while on hospice and with their ‘safety net’ I can get out as much as my energy allows me to. We even travelled to Hawaii,” said Sharyn who appreciates having the freedom to “run to Byler’s or the quilt shop.”

HQA’s patients are encouraged to get out as much as they feel they can with the support of the hospice team.

“For long-distance travel, we set up contracts with other hospices so that our patients are always just a phone call away from our care and management,” said Lori Collier, HQA’s clinical services director.

Upon her insistence that she see her children one last time, the Buccalo’s made one final trip to Ohio. Although their time with family was cut short as Sharyn weakened, they were able to return to the Hospice Center, the place where she chose to die, peacefully.

“Dream it. Believe it. Achieve it,” are the words Sharyn has lived by. “Being on hospice has really made me understand what living each day to the fullest means – I have achieved it.”

“Being on hospice has not stopped me from doing anything. They’ve made it possible for me to live.”

Sharyn persuaded Al to adopt two Siamese kittens to add to their pet family so he would have little ones to care for when she passed away.

Photos by Alison Payne

Sharyn created a journal book outlining her favorite places, important life milestones, and inspiring phrases.

FALL 2013From heather’s desk

One of the most important rights we have as Americans is choice. Being able to choose the type of care we want, how and where we want our care, and who we wish to advocate for us is as important as our right to vote. Perhaps the most important right is being able to choose hospice care and in so doing choosing care on our own terms.

Many have asked if hospice care will continue to be a choice under the Affordable Care Act. The answer is “yes,” however other provisions of the law and new federal regulations will make it increasingly challenging for Hospice of Queen Anne’s to continue to deliver the highest levels of care available on the Eastern Shore.

Under the Act, the Medicare hospice reimbursement formula has seen a major adjustment reducing annual hospice payments by nearly 12 percent over the next ten years. Addition-ally, sequestration reductions call for reductions of 2 percent per year in reimbursement payments for the next ten years which began on Oct. 1, 2013.

Coupled with the decreasing funding, more regulatory requirements are being implemented to better ensure hospice programs are serving only patients who are eligible for care and improving outcomes. While we support these requirements, complying with them will put a costly strain on our already stretched resources and staffing.

In response to these challenges, we are developing new business strategies to generate more revenue and finding creative ways to trim expenses. We remain steadfast in our commitment to continue to provide the highest quality of care you have come to expect from us.

Realistically, we need a continued commitment of support from you – our donors, friends, volunteers, staff, neighbors and businesses.

Building and retaining an experienced and dedicated team and delivering consistent, patient/family-centered care of the highest quality is our hallmark. We will not waiver from that mission.

As the winter holiday season fast approaches, won’t you please include Hospice of Queen Anne’s in your gift-giving this year? With your help we will continue to make an impact on the lives of our seriously ill and grieving in Queen Anne’s and surrounding counties.

Gratefully,

Board of directors

officersEileen Nonemaker, Chair

Kathy Deoudes, Vice Chair

C. Irving Pinder, Jr., Treasurer

Teresa Baumann, Secretary

directorsMatthew Albers

Edward Allen

Livingston Banks

Nancie Cameron

Kathy Ciambruschini

Frank Divilio

Dot Eaton, Emeritus

Janice Feeley

George Foss

Richard Genato, MD

Tom Helfenbein

Diane Pappas

Doug Pierson

Gary Smith

Marsha Wilder

executive directorHeather Guerieri, RN, MSN, CHPN

newsletter editorMarilynn Grossman

2www.hospiceofqueenannes.org

Heather Guerieri, RN, MSN, CHPN ExECUTIvE DIRECTOR

Queen Anne’s kids is a family-centered program providing compassionate care to our youngest patients—infants through teens—who have a life-limiting illness. We offer specialized pediatric palliative care and support programs for children and families grieving a loss. With our support, children can remain at home, surrounded by family, friends and the things they love most. Call 443.262.4100 for more information.

P at Giles of Stevensville decided to reach out to Hospice of Queen Anne’s as a way of giving back to the organization that is

so caring and has helped her begin heal-ing from two significant losses.

After her 19-year-old grandson was killed in a car crash in 2011, and her mother passed away two months later, Pat knew she needed help dealing with her anger and grief.

On one particularly bad day, she decided to call HQA and spoke with Rhonda Knotts.

“She made herself available right away and helped me get through that day and many more. Then she called me back one month later just to check on me,” said Pat.

Knowing that someone at hospice cared about her so much to call her back really hit home with Pat. “I decided then that I’d like to do that for others who have lost loved ones,” she said.

The rest is history, as the saying goes. Pat completed volunteer training in March of

2012, followed by more training to become a bereavement volunteer. She loves patient care, and looks forward to her visits with patients, playing cards, and listening to their stories.

“When I’m assigned a new patient, I learn about their interests and hobbies and research them ahead of my visit,” she said.

“I love them all so much,” she said.

Even with two elderly horses to care for and five grandchildren, Pat always makes time for hospice. In addition to patient care, she volunteers for hospice fundrais-ing events, helps out in the office and the reception area, and she was a buddy at Camp New Dawn this past summer.

“It doesn’t matter how short of notice I give Pat or what I’m asking her to do, if she is free, she’s more than willing to help,” said Courtney Williams, manager of volunteer and professional services.

While she thinks about her grandson ev-ery day, Pat says “I have been able to begin healing. I know giving back to Hospice of Queen Anne’s as a volunteer continues to help me.”

Volunteer spotlightFALL 2013

Giving back to hospice helps volunteer heal

“I attended Camp New Dawn when I was five years old and it has made a big difference in my life. I like being a hospice volunteer because it allows me to give back to those who have helped and continue to help me.”

■ Mary Jane Warner ADMINISTRATIvE SUPPORT AND CAMP NEW DAWN vOLUNTEER

I “discovered” Estate Treasures as a cus-tomer and donor after moving to Queen Anne’s County in 2007. I felt an energy and dedication from the volunteer staff every time I visited the shop and thought it would be a good place to volunteer when I retired in 2011. My experience has more than lived up to my expectations. I get great satisfaction knowing that not only do the proceeds benefit Hospice of Queen Anne’s, the shop also provides great value to the community at large. I encourage oth-ers to volunteer, particularly other men!

■ Alan Hais ESTATE TREASURES vOLUNTEER

“My father received hospice services which helped him and my entire family get through a very difficult time. Now, it is my opportunity to give back. Hospice of Queen Anne’s is a truly remarkable organization. Patients cannot be in better, more caring hands.”

■ Janice Feeley BOARD MEMBER AND SPECIAL EvENTS vOLUNTEER

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Become a Hospice VolunteerThere are no idle hands at Hospice of Queen Anne’s; volunteers come in all shapes and sizes and help our organization in countless ways. Learning more about volunteer opportunities could not be easier than a click or phone call away! If you feel drawn to working with Hospice of Queen Anne’s or hearing more about volunteer opportunities, visit our website at hospiceofqueenannes.org or call Courtney Williams at 443-262-4112.

Pat and her 23-year old horse, Cadbury

“Everything I do for Hospice of Queen Anne’s I do out of love and because I care.”

Why are you a hospice volunteer?

First time buddy, Pat Giles with Cara, her 9-year-old camper.

HKim Crispino on right celebrating Lindsey’s 28th and final birthday on January 11, 2011.

Grief support

4www.hospiceofqueenannes.org Did you know?

FALL 2013

Finding a new path

Mother makes a choice to heal

April 27, 2011 began as any other day for Kim Crispino with one exception: Her 28-year old daughter

Lindsey, mother of 9-year-old and 14-month-old sons, never made it home that evening. After a restless, anxiety-ridden night, Kim learned the following morning that Lindsey had been killed, “a victim of homicide,” said the Sheriff’s officer.

“The pain was indescribable, I was in shock,” said Kim. “Life will never be the same, ever,” she said.

In the midst of her disbelief and incredible sadness, Kim considered her options to try to alleviate her pain, none of them realistic, feasible or safe.

“The only choice I had was to get help for my family and for me,” she said.

That summer, Kim heard about Camp New Dawn, HQA’s grief camp for children and was encouraged to enroll her oldest grandson. “I was still a mess, but being able to get help for Niko was the best thing I could do for him, and it helped me, too,” she said.

Six months later, still numb and incredibly sad, Kim reached out to find some help for herself to begin the healing process. She attended a faith-based support group called Grief Share.

“I didn’t speak up very much at first, but I listened to others who were dealing with different kinds of losses. I could tell they cared about me,” she said.

Then nearly a year after Lindsey’s death, Kim began attending HQA’s Bereaved Parent Support Group led by Grief Counselor Rhonda Knotts. “I immediately felt in spirit with this group of parents all of whom had lost a child. It seemed easier to share in this group.”

Group members learn about the stages of grief and share helpful tools and resources such as Alan Wolfelt’s book, “Understanding Your Grief.” But primarily they share.

Kim recalls one of the group discussions involving a large poster-sized graphic wheel showing the feelings and emotions experienced during grief, such as confusion, anguish and feeling “crazy.”

“I was all over that wheel and I still am; I had experienced every emotion seemingly all at the same time! But Rhonda said, ‘That’s okay Kim, that’s where you are now.’ ” I felt so much better especially after hearing that others in the group experienced similar feelings,” said Kim.

According to Knotts, “It’s not time that heals, it’s what you choose to do with the time. Kim is filling her time with healing activities enabling her to begin reconciling her grief and finding ways to live with it,” she said.

While grief, support groups have helped Kim deal with some of the intensity of losing her daughter, the extreme pain is something she continues to struggle with every day.

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5More than 30% of HQA’s budget is dependent upon fundraising and community support?Did you know?

Grief supportFALL 2013

november 23, 2013: hope for the holidays Workshop

saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the hospice Center, 255 Comet drive, Centreville. Suggestions and guidelines for helping you live through the holidays; creative opportunities to remember your loved one. $10 registration fee includes breakfast, beverages and all workshop materials. Supervised care for children ages 4-10 will be available, however space is limited.

november 24, 2013: Candlelight Remembrance service

sunday, 5 p.m. at the kent Island Yacht Club in Chester. A special time to reflect on the loved ones who have passed away in the past year. Light dessert reception to follow.

To preregister for these events or for additional information, contact Rhonda Knotts, Grief Services and Counseling Coordinator rknotts@hospiceofqueenannes.org or 443-262-4109

January 2014: Adult Grief support, afternoon and evening sessions

April 2014: Bereaved Parent support group, evening session

Watch for dates, times and preregistration information on the website, www.hospiceofqueenannes.org

upcoming Grief support Groups and Activities 2013/14

Support Hospice of Queen Anne’s while doing your holiday shopping!

Cards designed by grieving children who attended Camp New Dawn

Handcrafted, porcelain remembrance ornament

$20 each

Package of 10 notecards with 5 unique designs

$15 each

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Contact Carol Haynes for ordering information, 443-262-4100 or chaynes@hospiceofqueenannes.org.

~ Eileen Nonemaker, Chair, HQA Board of Directors

“Dedicated and caring individuals, businesses and volunteers have been steadfast and constant in their support of Hospice of Queen Anne’s since we were founded in 1985. Every day we strive to continue to provide the highest quality hospice care and grief support to residents of the Eastern Shore. We would not be able to do this without your continued contributions and support. Thank you!”

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Consider giving a lasting gift of hope by purchasing a brick in honor of a family member, special friend, teacher or employee. Or, remember a loved one who has died by purchasing a brick in their memory. For meaningful gifts and secure online donations, visit www.hospiceofqueenannes.org and click on “Ways to Give, or call 443-262-4106.

Community sponsored events help fill in the gaps where there is little or no reimbursement—such as all of our grief services and support group programs or unfunded room and board expenses incurred in the hospice Center. Additionally, while we receive reimbursement from Medicare and many private health insurance plans, it is not sufficient to cover per patient / per day expenses. Community support is essential to making it possible for all who need hospice care may receive it, regardless of their financial situation. thank you to our community!

1. Employees of Harry and David located in Queenstown raise funds for HQA by holding several in-store events and donating in-kind items for our fundraising events.

2. McKinsey Brown, a 3rd grader at Kennard Elementary requested money for her 9th birthday party on Oct. 31 in lieu of gifts. The money is for the children being cared for by HQA’s Queen Anne’s Kids program. Why Hospice of Queen Anne’s? “Because it is local in Centreville and they help all people!”

3. During football season, Ravens Nest 20 of Queen Anne’s County hosts an annual Longaberger Basket Bingo benefiting HQA, one of the group’s long-standing charities.

4. Maryland Primary Care Physicians-Queenstown sponsors a fun and creative annual “Dress Up to Donate” event benefiting HQA.

1. 2. 3.

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development

6www.hospiceofqueenannes.org

FALL 2013

Keep it local Giving to Hospice of Queen Anne’s means that 100% of your donation stays right here in the community directly helping your family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

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Thank You Caring Source Newsletter Sponsors!

• Companion Care • Light Housekeeping• Personal Care • In-Home Safety Solutions

(410) 822-4414

C o m f o r t K e e p e r s . C o m

Most offices independently owned and operated. ©2013 CK Franchising, Inc.

I n - H o m e C a r e s e r v I C e sCare — Beyond Compare!

If you are interested in learning more about giving opportunities or becoming a newsletter sponsor, contact kenda Leager at 443-262-4106 or kleager@hospiceofqueenannes.org.

Bay Porches, Inc.410-643-2288

Small and Large JobsSunrooms • Enclose Existing Porches • Garage Screens

Replacement Windows • Additions

Showroom – Exit 45A Hess Road, GrasonvilleLots of References MHIC 47796

Introduces:Survivor Needs, The Next Steps....

Your personal Funeral Concierge will assist you through all your post service needs. Insurance Claims • Grief support • Funeral trusts

Chestertown 410-778-0055 • Millington 410-928-5311 • Centreville 410-758-1151 Chester 410-643-2226 • Easton 410-822-3131

www.fhnfuneralhome.com

An upscale resale shop benefiting Hospice of Queen Anne’s

Stop by and see our new look!

Mon-Fri: 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. • Thurs open until 7 p.m. • Sat: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.Located on Kent Island at Kent Towne Market • 410-643-7360

c l o t h i n g • a c c e s s o r i e s • j e w e l r y • h o m e f u r n i s h i n g s

Estate Treasures

Annie’s Paramount Steak & Seafood House 500 Kent Narrows Way, North Grasonville, MD

Honoring: Irene “Yia Yia” Magafan

Spend a night in the Greek Islands

Hospice of Queen Anne’s Gala

11th Annual

For more information or to become a sponsor contact: Kenda Leager, 443-262-4106 or kleager@hospiceofqueenannes.org

Friday, March 7, 2014 • 6:30 – 10:30 pm

SAV

E T

HE

DA

TE!

Biana ArentzTeresa BaumannKathy CiambruschiniKathy ComegysKathy DeoudesSharon DobsonJanice FeeleyRose Greytak Heather GuerieriJoan Hozik

Kimberly KratovilKenda LeagerSandy MitchellDiane PappasAlison PayneAlexis ThomasPaula WarnerCourtney Williams

Bi A t

Gala Committee

p• $175 per person• Filet and lobster seated dinner• Music by Retrospect• Black Tie Optional

8 To receive the latest news and event information, subscribe to HQA’s enews. Go to www.hospiceofqueenannes.org and click on “Subscribe to enews.”

non-profit U.S. postage

P A I D Easton, MD

permit no. 94255 Comet Drive

Centreville, MD 21617

FALL 2013

TO OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS AT POSTAL CUSTOMER