In the height of the lunch rush, Registered Dietitian Meghan Sechler popped into the Homeland kitchen to ask the cook to make a special sandwich for a new resident. “And
Bill Wismer, a cherished resident of Homeland Center, passed away on November 7, 2025. We remember him with deep affection and gratitude for the passionate spirit he shared with our
Anna Hicks is a medication technician whose compassionate approach enhances the lives of residents far beyond dispensing medications. For example, one Homeland resident wakes up achy every morning, so Hicks
Ory Bower’s experience with Homeland Hospice has come full circle. He began as a volunteer in 2018, and was quickly inspired by Homeland’s mission to make a difference in the lives of others. Ory joined Homeland’s staff in an administrative position in
Homeland residents bring their cherished furnishings, heirlooms, and art to their bright, comfortable rooms. Robert Zimmerman brings an extra-special touch to his walls – extraordinary watercolors and one oil – painted by him. “Patty on the Porch” shows Zimmerman’s wife
Carmen Vishnesky, a cherished resident of Homeland Center, passed away on March 25, 2025. We remember her with deep affection and gratitude for the vibrant spirit she shared with our community. As a resident of Homeland since early 2023, Carmen
And the winner is . . . the mushroom soup! “Five kinds of mushrooms, a gallon of roasted garlic puree, a gallon of caramelized onion puree, sherry, white wine, black truffle oil, and heavy cream,” said Homeland Assistant Director of Dietary
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 worker’s job is to assist with concrete needs, like helping to ensure a loved one is in a safe environment
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 Homeland Center’s chef manager. “It’s simple but important.” George joined Homeland in the spring of 2022, bringing his listening and
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 suffered a heart attack and received last rites from her priest at Sacred Heart Church of Lewistown. She spent nine
From her earliest years, Marilyn LaDieu had relatives who were artists and who always encouraged her in her artistic pursuits. “I have memories of people saying, ‘Oh, Marilyn’s an artist. She can draw that,’” said LaDieu. “I’ve run into many people over the years who always wanted to try art
Joyce Zandieh is a new resident at Homeland, but since moving into her personal care suite, people can see a difference. “My friends say they can feel a change in me since I came here,” she said. “I always had to figure out who would cut my grass. Will the
Dr. Suzanne Sheaffer of Harrisburg has held many titles in her life. She is a Gold Star mother, nurse, volunteer and tireless advocate for victim’s rights. She is a steadfast fighter for those who need a champion, and believes every experience has a silver lining. Suzanne is marshalling her strength and
Our pets are loyal and trusted members of our family. Their unconditional love and friendship brighten our darkest days and make the good days even better. Research has shown that pets, especially dogs and cats, can even reduce stress hormone levels and increase levels of feel-good hormones. The undeniable comfort pets bring
Of all the things Dorothy Yoder loves about Homeland Center, her favorite is the van trips. Excursions take residents to lunch at a favorite restaurant or visit local sites. “This past Christmas, we went to see a park in Elizabethtown where every single tree was lit up and covered with
For most of her life, Mary Patti lived and worked in New York City. She loved the vibrant, energetic nature of city life. In many ways, Mary’s personality mirrored that of the city. She laughed easily and often and was always game for an adventure. To know Mary, was to
Hanukkah has meaning for everyone because it recalls a time when a small, devout family of defenders repelled a force of invaders, Homeland Center Chaplain Dann Caldwell told residents attending a ceremony commemorating the Festival of Lights. “This is all part of the shared history we have as human beings,”
