A Social Workers Role at End-of-Life
March 20, 2023
by Laurie Bassler, MSW, Homeland Hospice I have an uncle who asked me “why anyone would want a social worker present when their loved one is dying?” Typically, a social
by Laurie Bassler, MSW, Homeland Hospice I have an uncle who asked me “why anyone would want a social worker present when their loved one is dying?” Typically, a social
With his decades in food service, George Shum has learned that the small details make a big difference. “We ensure our plates are preheated to keep the food warm,” said
Rita Van Meter of Lewistown was known as the “miracle lady” by staff at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital after she survived a medical episode in August of 2022. During her hospitalization, Rita
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
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
Mentor. Friend. Champion. Ask those closest to Betty Hungerford, director of development for Homeland Center, and these words immediately come to mind. Whether her friends and colleagues have known her for decades or days, one thing rings true. To know
On a recent Monday, a Homeland resident dropped by the Homeland Gift Shop, wearing a lovely scarf that came from the shop. She wasn’t looking for anything in particular. She just pops in every day to see what’s new. “They’re
In her sixth-grade yearbook, Jennifer Murray wrote that she hoped someday to be married with two children and have a job as a nurse. Today, she is married, with two children and a stepson, and her entire 18-year career has been in nursing. “Ever since I was a little girl,
Home health is a physician-ordered plan of care available to patients after a hospital stay, the onset of a new diagnosis, or in the event an existing illness becomes worse. It is a way you can recover in the comfort of your own home with the support of your family
Anne Jessee and her American Kennel Club therapy bulldog, Franklin, have been volunteering with Homeland Hospice for nearly a year. Therapy dogs (like Franklin) go with their handlers (like Anne) and volunteer in different settings such as schools, or in this case, hospice programs. Spending time with pets has been
Is keeping up with daily tasks harder than it once was? Do activities such as doing the laundry, dusting, and yard work now require lengthy breaks? Are chores that once took you five or ten minutes now taking an hour or two – or even more? You can receive the
Some of the greatest stars the music world has ever known descended on Homeland on the final Friday of 2017. Residents heard from The Supremes, Doris Day, Michael Jackson, and the Chairman of the Board himself – Frank Sinatra, singing some of his greatest hits. Of course, the legendary performers
When Elaine Golembiewski and her friends had good government jobs, they had enough money for cars and freedom. From her home in Wilkes-Barre, she would take out-of-town excursions or have some fun at local spots. “My girlfriends and I would never sit at home,” she says. “We liked to go
The resident didn’t want breakfast. Her worried son told Aprile Greene that his mom wasn’t eating her oatmeal and eggs, but Aprile had an idea. She went into the kitchen for some applesauce. It did the trick. “You get to know the residents and what they like,” says Aprile. “I
Delectable appetizers. Made-from-scratch desserts. Traditional comfort food like grandma used to make. Last year, Barbara Cleeland, a volunteer at Homeland Center, spearheaded the creation of a cookbook to commemorate the non-profit’s 150th anniversary. “Since we created one for the 125th anniversary, I suggested the idea at one of our development
Making decisions concerning care for you or a loved one is rarely, if ever, easy. There is much to take into account including the type of care needed, who will provide that care, where it will be provided and how to pay for it. Here in brief are the basics
You had always looked forward to experiencing the sounds and scents of the holiday season with family and friends. The traditions you created together decades ago brought you happiness. But after losing a loved one, listening to holiday music, baking cookies and shopping for gifts are much harder to appreciate.
