THE NATION’S FOURTH OLDEST HOSPICE SPRING 2020 IN THIS ...€¦ · Flexibility: You can give when...

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IN THIS ISSUE: 2 Message from the CEO 3 Maximizing Giving THE NATION’S FOURTH OLDEST HOSPICE SPRING 2020 With significant restriction of visitors in our hospice care centers and in nursing homes, we are finding ways to bring loved ones together. Frank Gilliland’s family took advantage of a break in the rain Friday to have a “window visit” with the 96-year-old at the Margret J. Thomas Inpatient Care Center in Blue Ash. The COVID-19 crisis has forced restrictions on visitors to facilities like hospices, but families are still finding ways to make connections. New timely program combats “compassion fatigue” B ouncing back from an emotionally- demanding day takes energy. What if you had to bounce back day after day? Week after week? This is the reality for Hospice of Cincinnati caregivers as they give their all to help create the best possible, most meaning- ful advanced illness and end-of-life experi- ence for patients and their families. To help team members re-energize and prevent what experts have labeled as compassion fatigue, Hospice of Cincinnati recently implemented an anonymously-funded resiliency program called “Tending the Flame: A Course in Resiliency & Work Satisfaction for Hospice.” Daily, our caregivers witness and absorb raw emotions that oscillate from sadness to joy—often within the same minute. It can be challenging work but work they feel called to do. “This doesn’t mean it’s not hard,” explains Luann Scherer, Hospice of Cincinnati Board of Trustees Chair. A retired critical care nurse, she understands the day- to-day emotional toll of patient care. “As an organization, we have a responsibility to provide an environment where team members can flourish in their work and not be emptied by it.” Director of Clinical Operations Connie Kreyling says the program couldn't have come at a better time. “We're so thankful to be able to provide this support, especially now as COVID-19 impacts our daily work.” Kreyling, along with Scherer, attended training last spring at the Remen Institute for the Study of Health and Illness. The institute offers resiliency programs for physicians and nurses designed to renew clinicians’ commitment to themselves, their patients and medicine. Hospice Continued on next page.

Transcript of THE NATION’S FOURTH OLDEST HOSPICE SPRING 2020 IN THIS ...€¦ · Flexibility: You can give when...

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IN THIS ISSUE:2 Message from the CEO

3 Maximizing Giving

T H E N A T I O N ’ S F O U R T H O L D E S T

H O S P I C E •

S P R I N G 2 0 2 0

With significant restriction of visitors in our hospice care centers and in nursing homes, we are finding ways to bring loved ones together.

Frank Gilliland’s family took advantage of a break in the rain Friday to have a “window visit” with the 96-year-old at the Margret J. Thomas Inpatient Care Center in Blue Ash. The COVID-19 crisis has forced restrictions on visitors to facilities like hospices, but families are still finding ways to make connections.

New timely program combats “compassion fatigue”Bouncing back from an emotionally-

demanding day takes energy. What if you had to bounce back day after day? Week after week?

This is the reality for Hospice of Cincinnati caregivers as they give their all to help create the best possible, most meaning-ful advanced illness and end-of-life experi-ence for patients and their families. To help team members re-energize and prevent what experts have labeled as compassion fatigue, Hospice of Cincinnati recently implemented an anonymously-funded resiliency program called “Tending the Flame: A Course in Resiliency & Work Satisfaction for Hospice.”

Daily, our caregivers witness and absorb raw emotions that oscillate from sadness to joy—often within the same minute. It can be challenging work but work they feel called to do.

“This doesn’t mean it’s not hard,” explains Luann Scherer, Hospice of Cincinnati Board of Trustees Chair. A retired critical care nurse, she understands the day-to-day emotional toll of patient care. “As an organization, we have a responsibility to provide an environment where team members can flourish in their work and not be emptied by it.”

Director of Clinical Operations Connie Kreyling says the program couldn't have come at a better time. “We're so thankful to be able to provide this support, especially now as COVID-19 impacts our daily work.”

Kreyling, along with Scherer, attended training last spring at the Remen Institute for the Study of Health and Illness. The institute offers resiliency programs for physicians and nurses designed to renew clinicians’ commitment to themselves, their patients and medicine. Hospice

Continued on next page.

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Update from the CEO

Dear Friends and Supporters of Hospice of Cincinnati, Goldstein Family Grief Center, and Fernside,

This newsletter comes at a very stressful time for all of us with the global health crisis.

In the midst of this, we are staying focused on our mission of creating the best possible and most

meaningful advanced illness and end-of-life experience for all who need care and support in our community. I am so proud of our team members and medical providers at Hospice of Cincinnati, who every day demonstrate strength and courage, and stand together with an unwavering commitment to our patients and their families.

Along with the rest of health care organizations, our number one priority remains the safety of our patients, families, team members and medical providers.

We are facing each day as creatively as possible.

Some of our greatest struggles are the distancing required between patients, families, and our team members. With significant restriction of visitors in our hospice care centers and in nursing homes, we are finding ways to bring loved ones together through phone and iPad video connections, and at our Blue Ash Care Center, even through window visits. Support to grieving children, adults, and families is being provided through phone and video conferencing as well.

We couldn’t do what we do without your support. Our Hospice of Cincinnati team holds you, our friends and supporters, in our hearts. We are deeply grateful for your continued support, which profoundly impacts patients, families, and our entire Hospice of Cincinnati team. We look forward to being able to connect with you again in person.

With Gratitude,

Gayle Mattson RN, BSN, MHAPresident and CEO

OUR MISSIONHospice of Cincinnati creates the best possible and most meaningful advanced illness and end-of-life experience for all who need care and support in our community.

New ProgramContinued from page 1.

of Cincinnati then worked with the insti-tute to customize a program to support the broader caregiver team, including social workers, chaplains and nurse aides.

“We’re the first organization working with the Remen Institute to include all disciplines,” Kreyling says. Training began in October. Over the next two years, nearly 400 team members will participate. Metrics are in place to evaluate the program’s impact in the following areas: 1) team member burnout, turnover and engage-ment; 2) family satisfaction; 3) overall patient experience.

Scherer is impressed with the program’s focus on reigniting passion and praises Kreyling for her vision and leadership. “Connie started turning the wheels imme-diately,” she says, “and just marched for-ward in helping design a program tailored to our culture.”

Training Specialist Deana Birkenheuer is already seeing results.

“We’ve seen a sense of increased togetherness and comradery,” she notes. “Team members share stories during the program, and these stories build connec-tions.” Advance Care Planning Liaison and co-trainer Kelly Haley adds, “It provides a safe space for team members to share with others who experience similar situations and to feel supported and understood.”

Monthly Finding Meaning Groups keep the flames of passion alive while strengthening support between team mem-bers, which Scherer feels is critical.

“Our caregivers are exposed to loss on a daily basis,” Scherer notes. “Nobody is removed from that pain.” As team members connect and support one another, they can “come back each day with the same energy, calm and strength.” This ultimately benefits patients and families as high-functioning care teams result, Scherer says.

Kreyling agrees. “The anonymous gift that’s made this resiliency program possible is priceless. It’s helping us support our team members in a new and dynamic way that helps them do the work they love as they provide families the care and compassion they deserve.”

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GRATEFUL GIVING

With the recent changes in tax law, many people are being advised to “bundle” their charitable contributions and

potentially give on a biennial basis. While this makes sense for our personal tax strategies, to minimize our tax liability, what about those charitable organizations, like Hospice of Cincinnati, that have come to depend on us for annual support? One way to achieve both the benefits of bundling giving in a given tax year and still support the charities you love is by setting up a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).

What is a Donor Advised Fund? A donor advised fund is your own charitable fund named after you and administered by a third party. Once a DAF is established, you can advise your fund administrator to make grants from your fund to support the great work of your favorite charities, like Hospice of Cincinnati.

Many wealth management, financial planning, bank-ing institutions and community foundations provide Donor Advised Fund(s) as a tool for philanthropic giving. Most often DAF’s can be set up with a simple application, an initial gift* of cash or an appreciated asset (i.e. stock) and grown tax free and earn interest. Often times a Donor Advised Fund takes less time, has minimal costs and gifts are generally deductible at fair market value, making them a more attractive alternative to setting up a private foundation. DAF’s are also less prescriptive as far as distribution requirements and are not subject to certain excise taxes that private foundations are required to pay.

What are the advantages of a Donor Advised Fund?

Deductibility: You may be entitled to take an immediate income tax deduction each time you make a gift to the DAF. Contributions of appreciated capital assets avoid capital gains taxes.

Flexibility: You can give when and where you want. There is no deadline for making distributions and you can take your time deciding how you will designate your giving. You take the deduc-tions when you add to your fund (ideal for “bundling”) then have the advantage of still supporting your favorite charitable organizations when you choose.

Simplicity: DAF’s are typically easy to set up and help you to avoid check writing and tax receipt tracking that is required with personal charitable giving.

Multiplicity: We understand that Hospice of Cincinnati is typi-cally only one of your favored charities. You can make one gift of a large asset to a DAF and multiple charities can benefit by your distribution choices.

Privacy: Most charities prefer to thank the person that invests in their work; however, we recognize that there are times that you would prefer to remain anonymous in your giving. A DAF allows you to give anonymously if you choose.

Legacy: Having an established DAF allows you leave a charitable bequest if you choose and can empower your family to continue your tradition of giving, per your instructions. With a DAF, you can even involve your family in your charitable journey and make sure they know the charities you care most deeply about.

While Hospice of Cincinnati (Bethesda Foundation) does not administer Donor Advised Funds, we recognize the value of the tool to our loyal and consistent supporters. We have been the recipient of many gifts from DAF’s and value the investment being made in our programs. We could not do what we do without your generous support. We hope this little bit of infor-mation about a way to give is helpful in your charitable journey.

* The minimum amount to start a Donor Advised Fund may vary by administrating organization. We strongly encourage working with your own financial planner, banking institution to explore options.

We understand that times of uncertainty, like what we are all experiencing, can be difficult. We are here to help you make decisions that can benefit you and your family for years to come. Please visit our dedicated gift planning website BethesdaFoundationLegacy.org or contact Laura Kumler at 513-865-5219 or [email protected] for resources to help you explore and plan your legacy.

Maximizing Giving with a Donor Advised Fund

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Published by Bethesda Foundation10500 Montgomery Rd.Cincinnati, OH 45242513-865-1615

HospiceOfCincinnati.org

© 2020 Hospice of Cincinnati, Inc.All rights reserved.

Bethesda Foundation provides philanthropic support for Hospice of Cincinnati and Fernside: A Center for Grieving Children. Hospice of Cincinnati is sponsored by Bethesda Inc., in collaboration with TriHealth and Bon Secours Mercy Health.

Printed on Recycled Paper

Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDCincinnati, OhioPermit No. 9177

Fernside Classic is moving online! Friday, May 15–Monday May 18Due to the current situation and government recommendations, we have made the decision to move the Fernside Classic event to an online event. Support Fernside while sitting on your couch…its never been easier! Bid on auc-tion items like a behind the scene brewing experience, Ohio State Football tickets and much more! More information will be posted on Fernside’s website and Facebook page, so be on the lookout!

Fernside needs your support now more than ever. Social distancing regulations have not stopped Fernside from providing grief support in our community. We have developed 2 new pro-grams to serve children and families during our current situation. Fernside On Call and Fernside Curbside. Both programs provide tools and resources for children and families experiencing grief. To find out more, visit Fernside.org

Gourmet Melodies Saturday, August 8 • 7–11p.m.Anderson Pavilion at Smale Riverfront Park Join us for a fun evening to support Hospice of Cincinnati! Tickets are $100 and include delicious food by the bite, fine wine and local beers and live music! All event proceeds help support the patients and families served by Hospice of Cincinnati. To purchase your tickets, visit HospiceOfCincinnati.org/events/.

Hike for Hospice of CincinnatiSaturday, September 12 • Hike begins at 10:30 a.m.Summit Park in Blue AshWalk in memory of your loved one at this year’s Hike for Hospice. Enjoy a 1 mile walk through Summit Park then enjoy lunch, live music and auction items all while supporting Hospice of Cincinnati! Early Bird Registration is $25 and includes your entry, lunch and a t-shirt! Visit HospiceOfCincinnati.org/events/ to find out more information.

Support Hospice of Cincinnati & Fernside through our annual fundraising events!