JourneyTheSep

t. - Oct.

2012

Tips onHealthy Aging October is

Breast CancerAwareness

Month

Medicare is Cracking Down on Rehospitalizations:

Hospice Care can help

September is Healthy Aging

Month:Tips on pain relief

CC image courtesy of Lucia Sanchez on Flickr

Sept./Oct. 2012 The Journey1

CONTENTS

Sept. Oct.September is healthy aging month.............................................3-4

Pain Relief Tips..........................................5-6

Brain Puzzle....................................................7

Passages Pooches.......................................8

Volunteer Department.......................9-10

Medicare is cracking down on rehospitalization.................................11-12

Doing good on a budget.................13-14

NHPCO winner...........................................15

Free benefits through Hispanocare ..16

Passing it on................................................16

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month ..............................17-18

Employees of the Month.................19-20

Welcome and Congrats...........................21

Around Town..............................................22

Index:

2012

Bloomington, IL404 N. Hershey Road, Ste. A Bloomington, IL 61704 Phone: 309.828.8139 Fax: 309.827.4878

Carbondale, IL120 North Tower Rd., Ste. A Carbondale, IL 62901 Phone: 618.490.1040

Lisle, IL515 Warrenville Road Lisle, IL 60532 Phone: 630.824.0400 Fax: 630.395.9235

Rockford, IL929 S. Alpine Road, Ste. 202 Rockford, IL 61108 Phone: 815.226.7785 Fax: 815.226.7786

Providing Quality Care In:

Swansea, IL16 Bronze Pointe Blvd. Swansea, IL 62226 Phone: 618.234.7078 Fax: 618.257.7266

Livonia, MI38099 Schoolcraft RoadLivonia, MI 48150Phone: 734-744-5091Fax: 734-744-5092

St. Louis, MO1120 South Sixth StreetSuite 500St. Louis, MO 63104 Phone: 314-241-5700 Fax: 314-241-0441

Anonymous Compliance Hotline (866) 842-7093As part of our continuing commitment to compliance we are encouraging facilities and other partners to use this number if they have a concern.

Chief Operating OfficerReneé Svorec

Executive Medical DirectorRajiv Kandala, MD

Social ServicesRoxxi Davis

Spiritual CareDavid Weiss

Clinical ServicesCarmen Velez

Physician, Hospital and Palliative ServicesChris Doyle

AdmissionsDenise Smith

PR and FoundationKansas Swain

Phone1-888-741-8985Toll-free

E-mailinfo@passageshospice.com

On the webwww.passageshospice.com

Connect with us!

JourneyThe

ContributorsEditorialKaitlyn HendersonKansas Swain

Art DirectionKamie Freeland

PhotographyStaff photographers supplied all photos in this newsletter unless otherwise specified

All photographs are property of Passages Hospice and may not be reproduced without permission. Contact pr@passageshospice.com for permission or questions.

This issue of The Journey was made available to the public on September 4, 2012 through issuu.

See our care in action on our Youtube channel!

Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey3

September is healthy aging month!

From delicious recipes to brain games, here are some easy ways to stay healthy and sharp as you age.

Lean proteins, vegetables and foods high in fiber, folate and other nutrients are an important part of healthy aging. (Iinsert the turkey meatloaf recipe)

1.

Play a ‘brain’game: A study in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society shows that people over 65 who used a computerized cognitive training program for an hour a day, over a period of eight weeks, improved memory and attention more than the control group.

2.

Grab that extra cup of Joe: Green and black teas help influence enzymes in the brain, while the caffeine sparks con-centration. People who drink moderate amounts of coffee, as many as three to five cups per day are at a lower risk for type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.

3.

Nap during the day: Memory storage happens while you sleep, which is why a good night’s sleep is so valuable. A six-minute nap is as valuable for short-term recall as a 90-minute nap, and has been shown to speed up the process that helps the brain consolidate long-term memories.

4.

Pop a piece of chocolate: In 2007, a study by the Journal of Neuroscience reported on the memory-boosting effects in rats from a plant compound called epicatechin, found in cocoa. Epicatechin is also found in blueberries, grapes and tea.

5.

Spark up a debate: Being around other people who keep you mentally and intellectually stimulated lowers your risk of developing dementia. As an added bonus, socializing with family or friends lowers stress and can help keep your heart healthy!

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Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey 4

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2008, Ellie Krieger, All Rights Reserved Web. 16 August 2012. < http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/turkey-meatloaf-with-feta-and-sun-dried-tomatoes-recipe/index.html>

Turkey Meatloaf with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Colorful vegetables and foods high in fiber, folate and other nutrients are an important part of healthy aging.

Ingredients

Vegetable cooking spray 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs 1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1/4 cup chopped garlic and herb-marinated sun-dried tomatoes 2 cloves garlic, minced, optional 2 eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten 2 tablespoons whole milk 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat

Directions

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Spray a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, if using, eggs, milk, feta, salt, and pepper. Add the turkey and gently stir to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Carefully pack the meat mixture into the prepared pan and bake until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and slice. Put on a serving platter and serve.

Per Serving: Calories: 329; Fat: 17g (Saturated Fat: 6.5g); Protein: 29g; Carbohydrates: 14g; Sugar: 4g; Fiber 0g; Cholesterol: 213mg; Sodium: 1,257mg

Chronic pain from an injury or illness can seriously affect your everyday life and keep you from activities you enjoy. Pain management is not only about

medication but can include lifestyle changes.

These tips can help you manage chronic pain and enjoy a high quality of life.

1. Practice deep breathing or meditation. Concentrating on something else can distract you from the pain.

2. Hold someone's hand or give them a hug. Using your other senses like touch can make pain seem less severe.

3. If you have been prescribed pain medication, take it regularly and according to your doctor's instructions. It's easier to prevent or manage pain than it is to treat it once it starts.

4. Track your daily activities and pain level to find out when your pain is worst. Knowing when you need a break to relax can help you schedule your day and minimize pain.

If your pain becomes too severe, see your doctor or another healthcare professional immediately.

Pain Relief Tips!

Sept./Oct. 2012 The Journey5

Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey 7CC image courtesy of Relaxing Music on Flickr

These tips can help you manage chronic pain and enjoy a high quality of life.

1. Practice deep breathing or meditation. Concentrating on something else can distract you from the pain.

2. Hold someone's hand or give them a hug. Using your other senses like touch can make pain seem less severe.

3. If you have been prescribed pain medication, take it regularly and according to your doctor's instructions. It's easier to prevent or manage pain than it is to treat it once it starts.

4. Track your daily activities and pain level to find out when your pain is worst. Knowing when you need a break to relax can help you schedule your day and minimize pain.

If your pain becomes too severe, see your doctor or another healthcare professional immediately.

"Sometimes pain can't be eliminated," says RN Carmen Velez, Director of Clinical Services, "but with a

few daily habits and changes, it can be controlled."

Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey7

Wuzzles and Puzzles. “Printable, Thinkable Fun.” Web. 09 August 2012. <http://www.wuzzlesandpuzzles.com/mazes/maze14.shtml>

Try this brain game to help keep your Mind young

Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey 9

PoochesPassages

Nemo, a Chihuahua mix, volunteers with owner Matt in the Rockford area.

Lulu, a French Bulldog, volunteers with owner David in the north Chicago suburbs.

Sasha, a Golden Retriever, volunteers with owner Annika in Southern Illinois.

Midnite, a Black Lab, volunteers with owner Shari in the south Chicago suburbs.

Bernie, a Beagle, volunteers with owner Jane in the Bloomington area.

LaCee, a Pomerianian mix, volunteers with owner Shari in the south Chicago suburbs.

Daphne, a Boston Terrier, volunteers with owner Jessica .

Shorty, a mixed breed, volunteers with owner Krystal in Southern Illinois.

Sadie Sue, a mixed breed, volunteers with owner Karen in the Fox Valley area.

Passages Pooches are all sizes and breeds, but each one has a gentle, loving personality and a generous spirit. Passages Pooches are accompanied by their dedicated and trained

owners on patient visits.

For more information about the Pooches program, please contact volunteer@passageshospice.com.

Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey9

reported they “love” their role as a volunteer with Passages Hospice

3/4found the hospice volunteer training to be “very helpful”

3/4found communication from

other hospice staff “very good” or “fully met”

3/4

Survey ResultsVolunteers were recently asked to complete a short satisfaction survey. Here are some of the results:

Volunteer Department

Many of our volunteers are specially trained to work with dementia patients. This group from

the Chicago area recently completed their training and are eager to use the techniques

with their patients.

WelcomeNew Volunteers

Please be sure to give them a warm welcome if you run into them:

North Chicago AreaMaggie PaprotMegan Kasik

South Chicago AreaMichaela AchurraBetty BrickerJoanne WarrenEileen SteedBrian KulagaAdaeze EzeoforMeaghan ReaneyGemma Guntherson

Rockford AreaFiona Chui

Bloomington AreaHeather WeekleyAmy BarlinTrisha McKeeAllison AndersonDelaney SpanglerKim AndersonMichelle Franz

Swansea AreaKrystal GiltnerHannah StinsonRachel ByersdorferKhandice Lofton

Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey 10

}would take advantage of

opportunities to meet other volunteers

96%reported communication needs from the Volunteer Coordinator

were “fully met”

W

90%

e also asked the volunteers to tell us, “What did you gain from volunteering with Passages Hospice?” Here are some of their anonymous comments:

would recommend volunteering with us to their family and friends

96%

I have enjoyed spending time with the patients and learning about their lives. Many have had very interesting experiences and have wonderful outlooks on life.

I love being able to help those in need and help those that may not have any family to visit with. It is an honor.

I appreciate my life so much more ~ each day is a gift. I feel I have purpose and am needed. Just a smile, a squeeze of their hand, or the sparkle of acknowledgement is so rewarding! I’m thankful for having the opportunity to volunteer.

I have been rewarded in meeting wonderful people such as the patients & all of the people that I have encountered at Passages.

I’m gaining a gratifying feeling from spending time with a terminally ill patient and helping them to die with dignity.

The time volunteers devote to Passages Hospice, providing patient care or assisting office staff, is greatly appreciated.

We thank them for selfless serving others.

Interesting experiences

Each day is a gift

Being able to help those in need

Met the most wonderful people

Gained a gratifying feeling

Survey ResultsVolunteers were recently asked to complete a short satisfaction survey. Here are some of the results:

Volunteer Department

Nearly 300,000 long-term care residents are hospitalized unnecessarily each year. Some of the common reasons they're hospitalized are pneumonia, falls and pain control. These conditions can be managed at the nursing home or at home if they have the proper care, including medication and caregivers to assist them. When those resources aren't available, well-meaning family members or nursing home staff send the resident to the hospital. But hospital visits can be stressful and traumatic, and after they're discharged back home or to the nursing home, the condition that sent them to the hospital often returns.

Medicare is Cracking Down on Rehospitalizations:

Hospice care can Help

CC image courtesy of Isafmedia on Flickr

Beginning on October 1st, 2012, Medicare will stop paying hospitals for patients who are readmit-ted within a month of their last hospital visit for the same reason. The new regulation is intended to promote better care by giving patients the education and resources they need to stay well after they leave the hospital. The regulation helps hospitals, doctors and communities work harder to prevent or manage chronic conditions instead of just treating them every time there’s a problem.

It's also a way to use Medicare funds more responsibly. Medicare spends nearly $130 billion (with a b) on hospital visits each year. Many of these visits happen simply because the patient or caregivers aren't able to manage a symptom at home, or don't know what to do. If we can reduce these unnecessary hospitalizations by just 10%, Medicare will save almost $400 million dollars in the first year.

Hospice care will play an important role in this new regulation. Hospice care is specialized for seriously ill people, and hospice staff know what illnesses or injuries really require the hospital, and which can be cared for at home. Most importantly, they're able to provide that specialized care right at home.

Sometimes people avoid choosing hospice because they worry it means they'll die soon. In reality, hospice care offers personalized, high-quality care for the last six months of your life. And 98% of people who had a loved one in hospice care would recommend it to someone else, according to an NHPCO study.

The regulation, beginning on October 1st, will create a lot of changes in the way that chronic illness is managed. Methods like palliative and hospice care will mean, more affordable care for millions of Americans.

300,000long-term care residents

are hospitalized unnessarily each year

$130 billion

is spent by Medicare on hospital visits each year

$400 Millionwill be saved by

Medicare if they reduce 10% of unnecessary

rehospitalizations

98%of people who have a loved one in hospice

care would recommend it to someone else

Doing good on a budgetOctober 27th is Make A Difference Day! Don’t let a small budget or

busy schedule keep you from changing the lives of those around you. Try these small, inexpensive ways to give back! You never

know what gesture could turn someone’s day around.

Hold the Door Open

It seems simple, but so many people are in such a rush that they neglect to hold

the door open for another person. It only takes a few seconds, and the person on

the other side will definitely appreciate it.

Give Your Favorite Restaurant a Positive Online Review

So many people focus on the negative when leaving a review, so why not go to Yelp and sing the praises of your favorite place to eat? It’ll be good for business, and it’ll give the owner of the

establishment a surge or happiness.

There are many ways to volunteer, but I’ve always liked the idea of spending some time with the

elderly. You don’t have to do much, either. Chatting, watching TV, and playing games are all acceptable activities to help ease the loneliness

of living in a nursing home. Want to know more? Email us at volunteer@passageshospice.com

Volunteer at a Nursing Home or

Hospice

Sept. - Oct. 2012 The Journey 14

Pick up litter in your neighborhood or a park. If you see trash in your local park,

pick it up and put it where it belongs. We all need to pitch in to keep our

neighborhoods beautiful.

These tips are from the article “25 Frugal Ways to “Pay It Forward” on www.wisebread.com

Provide Roadside Assistance to

Someone in Need

If you’re particularly good with car problems or know how to change a flat

in a flash, lend a hand to someone who’s currently not having a great day.

Give Someone Who’s Short on

Change That Extra Dime

Have you ever been behind someone at the checkout counter who’s 5 or 10 cents short? If you’ve got the extra change in your pocket, hand it over to help your

fellow consumer.

Offer Someone Your Seat

If you’re in a situation where there are more people than seats, which is common during rush hour on public

transportation, give up yours so someone else can relax for a bit.

Pick Up Litter

This photo was taken on the beach in Mexico. There are two examples of diversity: in the American hands on Mexican soil and in the hand prints themselves. The hands are different not just because of the size or the gender, but who they came from.

One of the hand prints came from me, a Passages Hospice nurse. The hand that made that print has touched so many of our patients’ lives. The other hand print was from my husband. The hand that made that print has worked hard to provide for our family, allowing me to dedicate my time to my patients.

Diversity is only valuable if we overcome it and work together. These hand prints remind me of how different, but ultimately similar, everyone is.

Partnership

CC

Passing It On

Congratulations to Laura Segelhorst, Region F RN, for winning first place in the Nature category of the NHPCO’s

Creative Arts contest! Laura’s photo will be featured in the December issue of the NHPCO magazine and during the annual conference in November. Laura also wins a

gift certificate to the NHPCO

1st

Place

Taken by RN Laura Segelhorst

NHPCO Creative Arts contest winner

Remember, all Passages Hospice staff can take advantage of FREE programs and discounts offered by Hispanocare, part of Advocate Healthcare. Hispanocare offers health screenings and community events on top of their doctor and prescription benefits! For more information, contact HR or visit http://www.advocatehealth.com/immc/Hispanocare.

1-773-296-7157

Px

CC

HISPANOCARE

Passing It OnPassages Hospice staff are privileged to work with

wonderful people and in great communities across the state. We're committed to giving back to both local and larger causes

to improve ourselves, our company and our communities.

Contact Nikki Wallarab (nwallarab@passageshospice.com)

for more info

Cocktails for a Curea fundraiser for the Susan

G. Komen 3-DaySaturday, November 3rd

3-7pmDrifter’s Pub in downtown Bloomington

Join us for music, prizes and a 50/50 raffle!

Taken by RN Laura Segelhorst

Give the gift of life. Early detection saves lives.

This year, more than 230,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer. These people will join the 2.6 million Americans who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Women's health exams and mammograms are covered by Medicare. Women receiving Medicare can take advantage of these services to help detect breast cancer as early as possible

Did you know? About 35% of hospice care is given to people with

cancer. Many other diagnoses make up the vast majority of hospice care.

October is breast cancer awareness month

Breast cancer risk increases with age. 95% of new cases are in women over the age of 40

Breast cancer doesn’t cause many physical symptoms. Regular self- and professional screening is key to finding it.

If detected early, breast cancer is very treatable. The five-year survival rate for stage 1 breast cancer is 98%.

FACTS

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I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.

- Nelson Mandela

Sept./Oct. 2012 The Journey 18

1 in 8 women will be diagnosised with breast cancer in their lifetime

1 in 1000 men will be diagnosised with

breast cancer this year

We are proud of our Hospital Liaison Sheldon Flowers, who is an advocate for breast cancer awareness in men. In 2010, Sheldon noticed a lump in his right breast and had

it examined by a doctor. The lump, the size of a grapefruit, was removed during a mastectomy.

Sheldon travels around the Chicago area speaking to men's groups and educating them on their risk for breast cancer.

"It can hit anybody," Sheldon tells men. "We have breast tissue and we can get breast cancer."

About 1 in 1,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, making 2,000 new breast cancer cases among men each year. Sheldon encourages men with a history of breast cancer in their family to get checked by their doctor. He also gives them support and encourages them to seek palliative care if they are diagnosed.

"You don't have to do this alone," he tells people. "You are more than just the breast cancer."

Spotlight on: Sheldon Flowers

“You are more th,anjust the breast cancer,

"Sheldon encourages.

Employees of the month

Kevin Williams///Detroit-area Chaplain

Kevin received great feedback from a family for his dedication to helping her with her husband’s care. Kevin even volunteered to help with a few tasks around her house, just to make her life easier!

Jacob Matich///Bloomington-area Physician Liaison

Jacob is always willing to drive extra distance to help his co-workers.

Amy O’Dea///Bloomington-area Volunteer Coordinator

Amy stepped up and helped out the Volunteer Services Department at a large group training when two co-workers had to arrive late at the last minute

Martika Jackson///Swansea-area Office Manager

Martika has many responsibilities, but is always available to help other staff as needed. She is always volunteering to assist with other projects and makes things much easier.

Super Supervisors

Employees of the month are chosen by their co-workers for going above-and-beyond in their work. Join us in celebrating these dedicated staff members for their efficiency, excellence, creativity, positive attitude and team work. You are what makes Passages Hospice great!

Kate Warwick///Rockford-area CNA

Kate has excellent supporting detail in her charting and makes a clear case for why her patient needed a higher level of care.

Chris Olson///south-Chicago CNA

Chris went above-and-beyond to assist in transferring a patient, stepping in at the last minute to ensure everything was done properly.

Melissa Kline///Chicago-area Social Worker

Melissa always goes above and beyond to help her co-workers and is a wonderful team player. She recently volunteered to meet with a family when a fellow social worker couldn’t.

Dan Untch///Chief Compliance

Officer

Laura Leonard///Office Manager

Super Supervisors

Bernice Kirksey///Director of

Medical Records

Elise Townsend///Director of

Information Services

Super supervisors received PERK points, but aren’t eligible for Employee of the Month. They work hard to help their teams succeed!

Kim Sheppard///north-Chicago Admissions Coordinator

Kim received great feedback from her coworkers for her teamwork!

Congratulations to Regional Director Tina Prasanesouk on receiving her certification as a Hospice Administrator. Tina passed an intensive course and exam that gives her insight into hospice rules and regulations, financial management, and best practices.

New Staff

We welcome our new staff, and congratulate those recently promoted!

Promotions

Patricia Morgan///Nurse Practitioner

for Passages Palliative Care

Victor Reyes///Human Resources

Generalist

Denise Smith///Director of

Marketing and Admissions

Reneé Svorec///Chief Operating Officer

Aileen Zei///Regional Volunteer

Coordinator Rockford Area

Elise Townsend///Promoted to Director of

Information Services

Maria Calderon///promoted to

full-time Human Resources Assistant

Tina Prasanesouk///promoted to

Regional Director (Chicago area)

July 2012 The Journey

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Healthcare Heroes event! Your response was incredible, and we loved all the comments about our staff! Heroes Tiffany Boyd and Jill Quiroz were presented with their certificates by our Administrator Michael Gillman at a regional staff meeting on August 6th.

Congratulations to our recent contest and PERK point winners! Staff earn points

in the Passages Employee Rewards and Kudos program for going above-and-

beyond in their care. They can redeem those points for fun prizes.

Aileen Zei///Regional Volunteer

Coordinator Rockford Area

HH

Perk! Winners

Passages Hospice

We are dedicated to enhancing quality of life by promoting superior end of life care, easing the suffering, and providing continued compassion for the sick and dying in a way that ensures dignity and respect.

We are dedicated to promoting realistic outcomes.

We are dedicated to working with professionals who follow the highest values of excellence to establish an individualized plan of care offering personal choices and decisions while still maintaining each patient’s uniqueness.

We are dedicated to being receptive to each patient and family’s social, emotional, intellectual, safety and physical needs.

We are dedicated to a level of care that encourages the safe and cost-effective delivery of hospice care.

We are dedicated to the human spirit.

Your passage to care and comfort.

www.passageshospice.com info@passageshospice.com See our care in action on our Youtube channel!