One of Latashia Simmons’ daughters is 13 and doing well, but around age 4, she was diagnosed with cancer. That experience inspired Latashia to become a registered nurse. “Back then,
It has been 159 years since President Abraham Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. What he said that day in
Bob Timpko appeared lost in thought as his fellow Veterans commented after seeing a short film depicting a soldier’s first-hand account of fighting in World War II’s Battle of the
World Kindness Day, celebrated annually on November 13, promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world. It is a reminder that compassion for others is what binds us all together. When working with patients
Candy corn and apples. Pumpkins and witchy cupcakes. Welcome to Homeland Center’s first “Homeland Fall Fest” – a celebration of autumn that brought residents and staff outside to enjoy a crisp day and fun with friends. “You could tell what
After four years as a social worker with Homeland Hospice and nearly two decades of working in the profession, Angie Smyser has earned her certification as a licensed clinical social worker, which refers to social workers who have obtained their
This article is re-posted 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. ____________________________ How much time do we have? Where did the time go? I wish
Chef Constance Lewis takes pride in preparing delicious meals! Constance learned to cook by doing. Her mother worked two jobs, and her brother was a high school athlete, so it fell to Lewis to feed him and her younger sister every night. “He loved fried chicken,” she recalls. “He loved
For Lura Hile, helping others as a nurse was a lifetime goal. Lura Hile always knew she wanted to be a nurse. Even as a girl, she set up a nursing station in the backyard of her Harrisburg home. “I wanted to be a nurse from the day I was
Felicia Wallace reviewed her plan for Janet DeLong’s salon treatment. First, she would put Janet’s shampooed, wet hair in curlers. Then, Janet would sit under the dryer for 15 minutes or so. “Then I’ll take her out and fluff her hair a little bit, and she’ll be all dolled up
Homeland Center is seeking donations for a new van specially equipped for wheelchair passengers that will make it possible for more residents to enjoy community outings. The drive to raise $25,000 to $50,000 is underway and expected to conclude by early spring, when the winter hiatus ends and residents resume
Intern Allison Lawruk helps create Homeland’s home-like feel. What is the role of a social worker in a retirement community? At Homeland Center, Allison Lawruk has participated in family planning meetings, organized current-events discussion groups, visited residents to check on their needs, and searched for residents’ lost shoes and hats.
Honesty is “the fundamental basis of any relationship,” and all Homeland employees deliver that essential quality to residents and clients, Homeland Center President and CEO Barry S. Ramper II said at the annual Employee Appreciation Day. “They’re looking at our eyes,” said Ramper. “They’re looking at our mannerism. They’re looking
Lou Hepschmidt sets example for women in philanthropy! He heard hints about a surprise birthday party. “I heard rumors, but nobody would talk,” she said. Then came a Saturday-afternoon message that a package was waiting for her in the Homeland Center Ted Lick Room. That “package” turned out to be
A Homeland Center Lottery Calendar is truly a gift that keeps giving – to its owner as well as the community! Through the end of December, 365 checks totaling more than $13,000 have been distributed to the winners of our daily drawings. Thanks to everyone who participated in our inaugural
When the art exhibits unique to Homeland Center go on the Florida room wall, it’s not just residents who benefit from exposure to great art. Staff, too, find a few moments in their busy days to rejuvenate and recharge. “It’s something nice to look at when you’re walking through the
The juggler knew what his audience wanted to see – the dangerous stuff. So he displayed a bowling ball, a garden rake, and “a very real ninja katana sword . . . case.” Fifty-plus people filling the Homeland main dining room groaned. The actual sword would be much more dangerous.
