John Scunziano spent the first two decades of his career cooking for celebrities and high-end restaurants. Now that he’s cooking in health care, he says the work feels more meaningful.
As a young woman, Tamara Jaroszewski of Harrisburg experienced the profound impact of hospice services when her sister died of breast cancer at age 40. For Tamara, hospice work became
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.”
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
All it took to reunite two childhood friends was a World War II-era photo and the Homeland Center newsletter. As Memorial Day 2021 approaches, it is also a reminder that America’s veterans who once served in uniform were backed to the hilt by those doing their part at home –
There are careers and then there are callings. For nurses at Homeland entering the profession is not based on earning potential or job benefits; it is founded on a passion to help others. From caring for residents at Homeland Center to home visits, nurses have a unique and extraordinary opportunity
The last big gathering at Homeland Center before COVID-19 changed everything was a sock hop featuring a performance from the lively Elvis Presley tribute artist Dennis Heckard. He recognized resident Jean Brinser, a neighbor from Newport, and lavished her with attention. Jean’s daughter, Deborah Brinser McDivitt, said her mother was
This article is reposted with permission. We thank Gabrielle Elise Jimenez, hospice nurse, end-of-life doula, and conscious dying educator, for sharing her experiences at thehospiceheart.net blog. If you could relive just one moment in your life, what would it be? This is one of the questions from the Death Deck
In every aspect of its work, Homeland Hospice brings a team approach to care. Volunteers are an essential part of this group. Through their unique talents and open hearts, Homeland Hospice volunteers bring friendship and kindness to patients during their end-of-life journey and comfort to families who have lost loved
Looking to change up your exercise routine? How about cardio drumming? “You hit a big ball,” says Activities Coordinator Diomaris Pumarol. “We play music from the ‘50s and ‘60s that residents connect with and they drum along.” The cardio drumming is one example of how Diomaris brings boundless energy and
When a housekeeper suggested to Homeland’s Infection Preventionist Emile Shumbusho that the clock in Homeland Center’s Main Gathering Room would be a good, centralized place for a hand sanitizer station, he readily agreed. “That’s a fantastic idea,” he told the housekeeper. “Let’s do it right away.” Teamwork, agility, and communications
Lyn Russek likes to say that she’s lived a full life – and has the stories to prove it. As a Homeland Center resident, she enjoys attentive care and her personal care suite’s serenity. She is happy to share memories of her years stretching from department stores’ heyday to a
By Barbara Goll, BS, Community Education Liaison/Nutritionist Whether you are looking for full-time care, part-time care or occasional respite care, choosing someone to look after your loved one is a stressful process. It goes without saying that you want someone who can manage the details of the job — like
By Mary Peters, MSW, LSW, Assistant Director of Social Services, Homeland Hospice As my colleagues, friends and family know, I take Social Work month very seriously. I am a social worker by trade and take a lot of pride in what it means to be a social worker. The definition
