Learning how to navigate the unchartered waters of grief after the death of a loved one requires a strong support system and the development of coping mechanisms to find hope
Angie Bucci of Shippensburg has a heart for hospice work. She enjoys connecting with her patients and their families to provide the most compassionate care possible. For more than 12
When Aimee Schmoltze’s mother began receiving hospice care, she saw the impact of the program on their family. Over a 14-month period, Aimee, her mother and their family developed emotional
Nicole Simmons was hanging her artwork in Homeland’s sunny Florida Room Gallery when a resident came by. “Ooh, look at the pretty pictures,” the resident said. “They are so beautiful.” That was music to Simmons’ ear. As a self-taught artist
By Kristine Crockett, RN, CHPN, Director of Homeland Hospice and Homeland Palliative Care. Kristine has been providing compassionate end-of-life care as a hospice nurse for more than 25 years and provides a wealth of knowledge and experience to those she
Art Wiand grew up in a family-oriented atmosphere, which is why he felt at home the first time he set foot in Homeland. “It’s one big happy family,” he said. “The majority of us socialize a lot.” Art is a
Look closely at Evelyn Dunbar’s paintings, and you might find “a little gift” – a tiny fairy worked into the scene or a little light. “That’s for my mom,” said Evelyn, also known as Evo. “She was my biggest fan.
Freda Fontaine and her four sons always enjoyed their summer picnics. What did the gang eat? “Everything we could!” she said, laughing. Homeland was awash in summertime memories with the revival of the annual picnic in the beautiful Chet Henry Memorial Pavilion. The party celebrated two momentous events – the
As a career nurse, Elner Mann worked in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and as a night nurse for a trucking company, where she once saved the life of a stricken man. A 1956 newspaper story recounts her administering first aid to a reckless driver and his passenger. “I loved taking care
A home-cooked meal made with thoughtful intentions can do more than fill one’s belly; it can provide empathy and compassion for a family going through difficult times. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit our region, many of us turned to Netflix to pass the time. Neeti Goel and her children Anishka,
This year Cindy Zelko celebrates her 25th anniversary as an accountant in the Homeland finance office, but her ties to Homeland go far deeper. Cindy first worked for Homeland as a secretary during a gap year between high school and college. Recently, her father was a resident who made excellent
Charles Wilson took a career with the former Allegheny Airlines and turned it into a lifetime of travel that has taken him to 23 countries. Until quite recently, he was a resident of Homeland skilled care, joking with staff and rediscovering the joys of walking with help from Homeland’s physical
Employee Spotlight: Meet Kerstie Keebaugh Kerstie Keebaugh, RN Case Manager for Homeland HomeHealth, likes life in a small town. Growing up and living in Middletown, Kerstie has a close network of family and friends as well as extended links to acquaintances of her family. When visiting patients, Kerstie often hears
Homeland Hospice recently earned its fourth star out of a five-star ranking system for its quality of care for veterans through the national We Honor Veterans program. We Honor Veterans, created by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), works
If you need to find Homeland Director of Nursing Jennifer Tate-Defreitas, her desk isn’t always the place to look. “I still work the floor, and I still work every shift,” she says. “It’s important as a director to know the work because nursing is hands-on. As nurses, we have to
Lois Hartman grew up in Philadelphia, but after moving to a slightly more rural setting, she enjoyed life amid the greenery. There was just one problem. “In Philadelphia, we roller-skated on the streets because they were smooth,’’ she recalled. “When we got to Glenside, I couldn’t roller skate because the
Dennis Dinger and Tina Jones are a father-daughter duo with divergent careers but a shared passion for Homeland Center. Dennis is a career financial services executive who serves as treasurer for the Homeland Board of Trustees. Tina started working in Homeland’s dietary department as a summer college job and is