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.”
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
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.
Baubles, bangles, and beads. Plus, an Avengers puzzle and candy. Who doesn’t want a cheery gift for the holidays? Even better, it was all packaged into one-stop shopping, with the Homeland Center Board of Managers’ annual holiday bazaar. Held before
Volunteers come in many forms, and Homeland loves them all. They bring a helping hand to activities. They lend a listening ear. Then there are those like Susan Stillman, behind the scenes but playing a vital role in ensuring that
Bryan Richards always arrives a half hour early every morning for his 11am – 7pm shift. “I look forward to coming to work,” he said. “I’m ready to go. I’m ready to serve.” Bryan joined Homeland Center’s maintenance department in
Ask Mary Robinson one of her favorite gospel songs, and she’s happy to sing it for you. “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine,” Mary sings from her home in Homeland’s Skilled Care. Her daughter, Delphine Walker, sings harmony. Mary believes that
As you or a loved one are nearing the end-of-life, physical symptom and pain relief is essential but it’s only a part of Homeland Hospice’s overall healthcare approach. Helping patients and their families manage the emotional and mental aspect of this poignant journey, through spiritual counseling, is part of Homeland’s
Homeland Center’s personalized Restorative Nursing Program assures that Skilled Care residents realize their full potential and enjoy the best possible quality of life. “We focus on their unique needs,” says Roseann Comarnitsky, director of the Homeland Restorative Nursing Program. “They are all individuals that we respect.” Comprehensive Restorative Nursing Programs
It has been said that life comes full circle. For Dann Caldwell, chaplain for Homeland Center and Homeland Hospice, the loop he began as an intern with Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area (CCU) has closed with his recent appointment to serve as president of the organization’s board of
Meet Carol and Clyde Cressler After 57 years of marriage, Carol and Clyde Cressler of Mechanicsburg know how to bring out the best in one another. They laugh at each other’s jokes, share similar passions and take on life’s challenges as a team. When Clyde was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
As a hospice medical assistant, Tommi Paynter saw the best in people. She recalls a family in the all-white town of Gloucester, New Jersey, where most residents “would not appreciate a Black person coming into their town.” “This woman and her family were so sweet,” she says. “Her daughter, she
Even at her busiest, Bethany Traxler intuitively knows when it’s time to slow down and give a Homeland resident a listening ear. “It’s natural to readjust yourself at that moment,” says the Homeland Center Assistant Director of Activities. “You can be so caught up in the hustle and bustle, but
What is that clinking sound? LaToya Howard is testing a Homeland visitor for COVID-19. She directs the visitor to a screening room to have their temperature taken and where facemasks and shields are available. Then comes that clinking sound. “That is the timer,” LaToya explains. “When I test, we set
A remarkable life is not given. It is earned through service above oneself and demonstrations of courage and compassion in extraordinary times. Anna Weinfurter’s journey began in Montana and took her across the country while serving in the United States Navy during World War II. While her uniform has been
Caroline Witmer brings a wealth of memories to Homeland, with stories from years of adventure, service to the country, and family connections to Milton Hershey and Dwight Eisenhower. The skilled care resident enjoys life at Homeland, where she loves the food and the elegance of the facility. Born and raised
Linda Stoner had an idea. She had taken a techno-leap of faith by hosting a Zoom call craft-making session with friends, and she wondered if she could do the same for Homeland Center’s residents. With the staff’s cooperation, she made the monthly sessions happen. “There were four ladies and one