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On Tuesday, August 23rd, Hospice of Hope will be celebrating our 23rd Anniversary. This celebration will be held at our Mt. Orab office (215 Hughes Blvd.) from 11-2pm with a Free lunch and Open to the Public! We ask that you stop by and let us say thanks for your support over the past 23 years where we have been able to provide quality end-of-life care to over 9,000 area residents. Click here for more information.

ospice of Hope will be hosting an Advance Care Planning session on Saturday July 16th at the Mt. Orab Ohio office from 10am until noon. Please join us for this free service to learn about advance care planning where you will have an opportunity to complete your advance directives. As an ongoing service, Social Workers will be available for scheduled appointments, outside of this date, to discuss and complete advance directives. Please call Peg Lynch in Ohio 800-928-4243 or Jessica Sanders in Kentucky 800-928484 for more information

ospice of Hope will offer “Tear Soup”—a 4-week educational group for individuals who have lost a loved one. Groups will meet in both our Kentucky and Ohio offices beginning August 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley Hillsboro, Ohio workstation; and beginning August 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Hospice of Hope in Maysville. Please join us in finding and providing support to others who are struggling with the loss of a spouse or partner. Learn about grief, its challenges, and the opportunity for finding new meaning. Hospice of Hope bereavement programs and support groups are free and open to the community. Individual support is also available. For more information, contact Peg Lynch at 800-928-4243.

Hospice of Hope's specially-trained bereavement staff will help children navigate their grief process in a safe and fun environment. Campers will have the opportunity to process their grief through sharing, art, and music. Traditional camp activities such as swimming, rock wall, and zip line will be incorporated throughout the day to enhance learning and provide laughs along the way! Parents will join campers for a family picnic and closing ceremony at 5:00 p.m.

Peg Lynch, Hospice of Hope Community Services Facilitator stated, “We encourage children 7-12 years old to take part in this award winning program. Facing the pain of grief is like climbing a mountain. When we walk and climb together we can make better progress.” To register contact Peg Lynch at 800-928-4243.

t's that time of the year again to start working in our cutting garden. We need help for weeding, watering, pruning, and cutting the flowers. If you love gardening and want to help, please contact Donna Burke, our volunteer coordinator, for more information as there is ALWAYS a need. We are also in need of volunteers in the following counties in Kentucky: Fleming, Lewis, Pendleton, and Robertson. If you know of someone who would be interested in visiting our patients at the nursing homes or in their personal homes in these counties, please tell them about us and have them give us a call. We would love to tell them about how valuable our volunteers are to our mission, vision and values!! Call Donna Burke at 606-759-4050 for more information!

Pictured left to right: Kavin Cartmell, Executive Director Hospice of Hope; Mr. William C. Schoenhard, Deputy under Secretary for Health for Operations & Management and Ashley Willian, Provider Relations Specialist Hospice of Hope.

In recognition of their groundbreaking efforts to ensure Veterans have access to high-quality hospice and palliative care, the Veterans Health Administration received the Global Vision Award. Accepting the award was Mr. William C. Schoenhard, Deputy under Secretary for Health for Operations and Management.

Donald Schumacher, NHF president and CEO said, “We are proud to honor the Veterans Health Administration for the powerful role it has played in working with the hospice community to ensure that Veterans and their families have the most appropriate care at the end-of-life”.

In 2010, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs launched the “We Honor Veterans” campaign. This pioneering campaign is aimed at improving the care Veterans receive from health care professionals by providing tools and resources to help providers understand the end-of-life needs of Veterans.

Every day in the U.S., 1,800 Veterans will die. That's more than 680,000 Veterans every year—or 25 percent of all the deaths in this country annually. More than 8 million Veterans are enrolled in VA's health care system. This year, VA expects to treat over 6 million patients during 78 million outpatient visits and 906,000 inpatient admissions.

In 2011, Hospice of Hope recognized this emerging trend and became a partner with the “We Honor Veterans” initiative. As part of this collaborative partnership, Hospice of Hope will create and execute programs and educational offerings centered on the diverse needs of area veterans.

To learn more about Hospice of Hope and Veterans Care at the end-of-life call 759-4050 or log onto www.hospiceofhope.org

t a recent volunteer training, Hospice of Hope welcomed aboard six new volunteers. Volunteers help in a variety of ways including fundraising, office work and patient care support. Davina Newton, Volunteer Coordinator added, "Our volunteers are a very important piece of our mission to provide quality end-of-life care. They provide much needed support and companionship to our patients and caregivers". We are still looking for volunteers to help in a variety of way. If interested call Davina Newton at 759-4050 to find out how you can help support Hospice of Hope.

ospice of Hope Spring Memorial Services offer an occasion to remember and honor your loved ones. Inspirational music, words of comfort, and a way to find understanding while discovering new friends. Memorials services are free and open to the community. Serviced are offered in Both Ohio and Kentucky with refreshments following. Call Peg Lynch at 800-928-4243 for more information. Click here to dates and time for the 2011 Spring Memorial Services.

Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley Office
Sunday, May 15th at 2:00pm
215 Hughes Blvd
Mt. Orab Ohio

Hospice of Hope Office
Sunday, May 15th at 2:00pm
909 Kenton Station Drive
Maysville, KY
(Park and enter in rear lot)

Call Peg Lynch at 800-928-4243 for more information.

he 26th annual, Tony Poe Memorial Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, April 30th at O'Rourke’s Pub in Maysville, KY. This is a bring your own team tournament with registration beginning at 1:30 and the tournament starting promptly at 2:30. Team registration fee are $25 with prizes awarded to top three finishers. Live music by “Lunchbox” and free cookout to participants. See flyer for more information.

n March 25, Hospice of Hope will host a Zumbathon with all proceeds benefiting our Zambian hospice partner. This event will be held at Fleming County High School starting at 6:00pm. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at the door or by calling 800-928-4848. Earlier this year, Hospice of Hope joined a national effort sponsored by the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Sarahan Africa (FHSSA). The initiative was designed for hospices in the US to locate a partner and provide education and monitory funds to help advance hospice education in Sub-Sarahan Africa. Click here to learn more.

In January 2011, Hospice of Hope underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey by a team of Joint Commission expert surveyors. The organization was evaluated for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection quality, leadership and medication management.

“In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, Hospice of Hope has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients,” says Margherita Labson, R.N., executive director, Home Care Accreditation, The Joint Commission. “Accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend Hospice of Hope for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”

“With Joint Commission accreditation, we are making a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down. Joint Commission accreditation provides us a framework to take our organization to the next level and helps create a culture of excellence,” says Betsy Miller, Patient Care Coordinator with Hospice of Hope. “Achieving Joint Commission accreditation, for our organization, is a major step toward maintaining excellence and continually improving the care we provide.”

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. The Joint Commission also provides certification of more than 1,700 disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers, and health care staffing services. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

ospice of Hope has scheduled a volunteer training class for Thursday, July 28 at the Maysville office. This training will be held from 9am until 4pm and will be free of charge. We welcome home care, inpatient care, and nursing home volunteers who will help patients and families deal with the needs of the terminally ill, as well as volunteers for clerical work, fundraising, flower garden, etc. Call or email Davina Newton, Volunteer Coordinator at Hospice of Hope to see how you can make a difference and help to support end-of-life care. Click here for more information.

n Saturday, April 2, 2011, at 11:30 a.m., Hospice of Hope will host a Parent's Legacy Luncheon as an occasion to remember and honor parents or other influential people in our lives. Liz Bonis, anchor and health reporter for WKRC television in Cincinnati, will be the guest speaker. If interested in attending, please contact Peg Lynch at 800-928-4243 by March 4, as seating is limited. There is no charge for the luncheon; however, donations are accepted. Click here for event flyer.

ospice of Hope will again serve as the host site for Hospice Foundation of America's 18th Annual National Bereavement Teleconference, "Spirituality and End-of-Life Care" viewed nationwide via DVD on the following dates. Hospice of Hope (Maysville office) on April 13 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.; and Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley (Mt. Orab office) on April 20, 2011 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

The 2011 teleconference will address differences between spirituality and religion, while also addressing spirituality during illness, death and grief, spiritual assessment and empowerment, and life review. Three hours of continuing education will be available for physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy, funeral directors, counselors, home health aides, and other professionals. To register, or for more information, call Peg Lynch at 1-800-928-4243.

dream is becoming a reality for the staff and board members of Hospice of Hope in Maysville to bring an assisted living facility to the region. In June, Hospice Executive Director Kavin Cartmell and Director of Development and Public Relations Michael Parker announced HOH was involved in preliminary discussions and strategic planning to determine if the local region could support an assisted living facility and also a separate, Inpatient Center for Hospice patients. On Saturday, the 17-member Hospice of Hope Board of Directors approved the plan to construct both facilities and to seek funding assistance for construction costs. “We as an organization needed to commit to the project. Now that we have, we're going forward,” Parker said Thursday.

Since September 2009, six HOH board members, as well as Hospice staff have worked to develop a strategic plan to explore the feasibility of such a project, what the costs involved would be and where such a facility would be located. Those questions have been answered and the result will be a 32-bed assisted living facility and an 8-bed Inpatient Center located on acreage next to the Kenton Station Golf Course and Rainbow Meadows Subdivision on Kentucky 9. Both the assisted living facility and the Inpatient Center will be on the same campus, which will encompass up to 25 acres. Senior Living at Kenton Pointe is the name selected for the assisted living facility, which will be a one-story building and will offer three levels of apartments; a studio apartment with a bedroom, bath and kitchenette; one bedroom apartment with a kitchenette, bath and living room; or a deluxe one bedroom apartment with the same number of rooms, but with more square footage. Cartmell said a waiting list has been started for the assisted living facility. “Instead of our seniors having to relocate (out of the area) they can stay here now. They're not going to have to seek this type of facility elsewhere,” Cartmell said, adding this is a further benefit to the community because senior citizens volunteer and contribute their time in so many capacities throughout the region. “This is a feel good, win-win story,” Parker said, noting the two facilities will create 48 jobs with an equivalent of 40 full-time jobs; generate an estimated $1 million per year in payroll, enhance community healthcare needs and provide a service that keeps our citizens here. Jobs will include administrative and management levels, nurses, nurses aids, dietary, housekeeping and more.

The estimated project cost is $7 to $8 million dollars; funding is being sought through federal and state grant programs, private foundations, private donations, and fund-raisers. Amenities of the assisted living complex will include a country setting, central kitchen and dining room, family and community room, a craft room, exercise room and transportation service for residents. The Inpatient Center will be in addition to the six Hospice rooms offered at area hospitals and the 5-bed Inpatient Center at Adams County Regional Medical Center. The design phase is the next step of the project and then bids will go out to interested and qualified contractors; construction is expected to begin spring 2011 with an anticipated opening date of early 2012.

Story by Marla Toncray, News Editor THE LEDGER INDEPENDENT | Posted: Thursday, October 28, 2010 9:15 pm.

ospice of Hope, in honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day, will be hosting Living Today and Planning for Tomorrow. Please Join us on April 16th, 2011 to learn about advance care planning where you will have an opportunity to complete your advance directives. During this “kick off” date we will have trained employees at both our Maysville and Mt. Orab office location to assist you. This is a free service by Hospice of Hope.

As an ongoing service, Social Workers will be available for scheduled appointments to discuss and complete advance directives. Please call Peg Lynch in Ohio at 800-928-4243 or Jessica Sanders in Kentucky at 800-928-4848 to schedule yours today. LIVING TODAY and PLANNING FOR TOMORROW.

ospice of Hope will sponsor the 16th Annual Bowl-A-Thon at Town and Country Lanes in Aberdeen in February. The event will be held on Saturday, February 19 at 2:00PM and Sunday, February 20 at 1:00PM. Be sure to reserve your space early, as lanes are limited. We invite everyone to come out and join the fun while supporting Hospice of Hope. The cost is $15 per person for three games, which includes ball, shoe rental, chips and drink. There will be door prizes, silent auction, raffle tickets. To register, contact Town and Country Bowling Lanes at 937-795-2153.

rown County Charity Horse Show Manager, Jenny Moran, recently presented Hospice of Hope the proceeds from the 39th annual Brown County Charity Horse Show, held this past June at the Brown County Fairgrounds in Georgetown, Ohio. The horse show has been a Brown County tradition since 1972. This year's show raised $8,500 for Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley, which will allow for the continuance of quality hospice care to our terminally ill patients in the 12 counties we serve in Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. The 40th annual Brown County Charity Horse Show will be held June 9-10-11, 2011 at the Brown County Fairgrounds in Georgetown, Ohio.

Pictured from left to right: Bruce Ailes, Barbara Bowman, Donna Burke, Sandra Edmiston, and Janice Goerss

Michael Parker, Director of PR and Development for Hospice of Hope stated, “We are so thankful to have such a loyal and dedicated group to help advance our mission to provide quality end-of-life care. Organizations such as these are truly what makes our care so special”.

At a recent district meeting, the Order of the Eastern Star district 22 won 2nd place at the Ohio Grand Chapter Session in Dayton for volunteering and conducting Festival of Hope. They were recognized in front of 1,800 people where they spoke of Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley and its services!

ach fall, workshops are scheduled in Hospice of Hope's Kentucky and Ohio service areas to provide our families and communities an opportunity to commemorate the death of loved ones and gain insight on how to cope with the approaching holiday season.

This year, we will present Hope for the Holidays—How Are You Coping?—a workshop designed to give you strategies for managing your grief during the holidays. Workshops will be held on November 14 at the Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley office in Mt. Orab at 2:00 p.m.; and at the Hospice of Hope office in Maysville on November 21 at 2:00 p.m. Come join us to share ideas, learn coping strategies, and discover ways to remember and honor your loved ones through the holiday season. You will learn how to identify holiday stressors and strategies to cope with the holidays while grieving. We will make a remembrance ornament that you will be able to take home.

The holidays are a difficult time for many who grieve. All programs are free and open to the community. Invite family and friends to attend with you. If you plan to attend, or would like information on Hospice of Hope bereavement programs and support groups, please call Peg Lynch at 800-928-4243.

ospice care helps patients and families focus on living. This is the message that Hospice of Hope is sharing with the community during National Hospice/Palliative Care Month. However, this important message lasts beyond the month of November and is important all year round.

“November is a valuable time to raise awareness throughout our community about care at the end of life,” said Kavin Cartmell, Executive Director. “But the time a family might need us doesn't follow a calendar or occur only during this season, so our message must make an impression that stays with people all year long.”

Every November hospices across the country reach out to raise awareness of the compassionate care that hospice and palliative care provide patients and families coping with serious and life-limiting illness.

The Seasons of Caring theme reminds people that life's final seasons can be some of the most fulfilling, especially when patients and families look to hospice care for help.

The hospice team provides expert medical care to keep patients comfortable and able to enjoy time with loved ones. The hospice team answers questions, offers advice on what to expect, and helps families with the duties of being a caregiver. The team also provides emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.

“With the help of hospice, patients and families alike can focus on what's most important—enjoying life together and living the final seasons to their fullest,” said Cartmell. “It's about the quality of life.”

More than 1.56 million patients receive care from the nation's hospices every year, reports the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

For more information about hospice care, and how Hospice of Hope can help your family, call 800-928-4848.

oin us for an interactive murder mystery where everyone is trying to heist something, including stealing a ghost! Join Madame Zelda Von Schpookum, president of the Boogeyman Outreach Organization (BOO), and a host of wacky characters as they attempt to make contact with the ghost haunting the Mouldering Pines Inn. See Professor Lionel Spector become possessed by the spirit! Will the bickering inkeepers, Jim and Phyllis Lodge, kill each other before finding the lost treasure? Will the FBI agents, Smolder and Skullery from the Hex Files division, solve the mystery of the haunted inn before another murder is committed?

This annual fundraiser will be held from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Maysville Conference Center. Tickets are $50 each and can be reserved by calling 759-4050. This event is business casual dress and seating is limited

n Friday, October 22, 2010, Hospice of Hope will collaborate with the University of Kentucky College of Social Work to present two workshops at the Maysville office.

“Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues in the Elderly” will be presented by Patty Rudd, LCSW and Director of Addiction Services with Comprehend, Inc., from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The training will focus on identifying signs and symptoms of mental health/substance abuse issues in the elderly population. This workshop is excellent for any professional in the field of nursing, social work, home care, or hospice work.

“Going through a change? Can't you wear a patch for that?” will be presented by Deborah Weber, LCSW at St. Claire Counseling Center, from 1-4 p.m. This fun and interactive workshop helps social workers develop their own prevention plan to burn-out. Participants will learn what leadership skills are needed to manage organizational and personal change, understand how mindfulness impacts professional and personal balance, and have fun!

3.0 hours of continuing education for each session will be available for licensed KY and OH social workers. For more information call Hospice of Hope at 606-759-4050 or 800-928-4848, or register online at www.uksocialworkonline.com.

ospice of Hope will offer a 6-week loss support group for individuals who have lost a spouse. Groups will meet in both our Kentucky and Ohio offices. Beginning October 6 at 3:00 p.m. at Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley in Mt. Orab, and beginning October 22 at 3:00 p.m. at Hospice of Hope in Maysville.

Please join us in finding and providing support to others who are struggling with the loss of a spouse or partner. Learn about grief, its challenges, and the opportunity for finding new meaning. Finally, come to make new connections and enjoy fellowship with others. We are here to help!

Hospice of Hope bereavement programs and support groups are free and open to the community. Individual support is also available. For more information contact Peg Lynch at 800-928-4243.

he winter holidays are generally perceived as “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for those who are facing grief after the death of a loved one, the holidays may instead be a time filled with pain and sadness. Even those for whom grief is not as fresh, the holidays may serve as an annual reminder of the loss–not only of that person, but of tradition and celebration.

Bereavement professionals working in hospice and palliative care understand how difficult this season can be. They support families coping with loss all year long. Bereavement counselors stress the importance of making decisions that feel right to the grieving person, and giving oneself permission to make new or different choices at the holidays.

Grief experts remind us that:

• Holidays often center on certain traditions and rituals. For some, continuing these traditions without a loved one may be an important way to continue sharing their memory. For others, it may be more comforting to develop new rituals to help lessen the pain and immediacy of the loss.
• While the holidays can be filled with meaning, they can also be filled with pressure and stress because of additional tasks such as shopping, baking and decorating. Grieving people should be encouraged to prioritize what needs to be done, and focus on those projects that may bring them pleasure. Perhaps the gift list can be pared down, cards need not be sent out, or another family member can cook the family dinner this year.
• The holidays can bring opportunities to remember the person who has died in a way that is personally meaningful. Some families choose to participate in holiday events at a local hospice. Others may choose to share special family stories over a meal. Some may find that making a donation to a special charity or volunteering time to help others in need may be a comforting way to honor their loved one.

Many people may not be aware of the support Hospice of Hope offers to members of our community who are struggling with grief during the holiday season. If you or someone you know may be struggling with issues related to loss, I encourage you to contact Hospice of Hope for support. For more information, contact Hospice of Hope at 800-928-4848.

n Wednesday, October 6, 2010, Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley will sponsor a “Pre-Admission Review” in-service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the conference room at the Adams County Regional Medical Center in Seaman, Ohio. The Area Agency on Aging, District 7, will conduct the in-service. A boxed lunch will be provided.

Discussion will focus on recent changes to the Pre-Admission Resident Review (PARR) rules, in addition to other topics related to the Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) and levels of care.

Two hours of continuing education will be available for nurses and social workers. For more information, call Pam Tribby at Hospice of Hope, 606-759-4050 or 800-928-4848. Tours of Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley's Inpatient Unit and the hospital will be available.

n August 11th, Hospice of Hope will be celebrating 22 years of providing end-of-life care to those living in and around our twelve county service area. As part of the celebration, the community is invited from 11am-2pm for a FREE hamburger/hot dog cookout out at the Maysville office building (909 Kenton Station Drive). Stop by and let us say thank you for your support over the past 22 years! download flyer

training program for people willing to donate their time and talents to the Hospice of Hope program will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at the Hospice of Hope office in Maysville. download flyer

The orientation will include short lectures and discussion outlining our volunteer program and the services provided by Hospice of Hope. We welcome volunteers interested in helping our patients and families by offering visits to nursing homes, hospitals, and/or providing respite for the caregivers. Our volunteers help our patients by providing companionship, holding their hand, praying or reading with them, working puzzles, helping with meals, etc. We also have volunteers who help at our offices entering computer data, filing, shredding, making phone calls, assembling booklets, and helping with fundraising events. Hospice of Hope also has eight flower gardens manned by our volunteers.

No job is too big or too small for our volunteers and the rewards are enormous. For more information about volunteer opportunities with Hospice of Hope, call Donna Burke, Volunteer Coordinator, at 800-928-4848 or email dburke@hohope.org.

Click here for more information.

ur Dearest Friends of Hospice of Hope

This letter is one of the most difficult things for my family to compose. How do we tell you how much we appreciate your tireless energies? How can we appropriately convey our never ending love to you for the constant care you gave our loved one? It seems so shallow to just say "thank you" – however, dear friends, please know that those two simple words come filled with many, many heartfelt wishes. My family could have never made it through this journey without you. Thank you for lifting our burdens and carrying us to an easier road.

A special thanks to our assigned Registered Nurse, Rachel Skidmore and all who served with her. Also , we send our love sand best wishes to the supportive care team and the volunteers.

May God bless each and every one of you!

ospice of Hope volunteers provide companionship to people living with a serious illness and help their family caregivers in a variety of ways. Our volunteers provide important services to our organization and the people we serve. Whether it's providing companionship to a person in the final months and weeks of life, offering support to family members and caregivers, or helping with community outreach and fundraising, the contributions of our volunteers is essential to the important work we provide.

Hospice of Hope relies on volunteer support to provide excellent end-of-life care to each patient and family. By being a hospice volunteer, you can gain great personal satisfaction from knowing that you have made an impact in another person's life. To learn more about Hospice of Hope's volunteer program, please contact Donna Burke, Volunteer Coordinator, at 800-928-4848.

ational Nursing Assistants Week is June 10-17 and focuses on ways nursing assistants make a difference in the lives of the people in their care. The well-being and happiness of these citizens depends in large part on the nursing assistants, home care aides, and others who provide daily, conscientious, hands-on care in homes, nursing homes and other long-term care settings. These Career Nursing Assistants are instrumental in promoting and safeguarding the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being of the residents, clients, and their families. Career Nursing Assistants are trained professionals, who collaborate closely with other health care providers to provide quality care and to elevate the status of their chosen profession.

The annual observance of Career Nursing Assistants' Day and Nursing Assistants' Week was founded by Career Nurse Assistants Programs in 1977. Since this time, the group has expanded and has members in every state and other countries as well. This popular nursing assistant recognition program has grown to include thousands of facilities and organizations that join together each year to recognize and honor nursing assistants in long-term care services.

Kavin Cartmell, Executive Director for Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley stated, "We are looking forward to the opportunity to provide exceptional end-of-life care services to those living in and around Clinton County. Our growth and success over the years has been the result of our high quality hospice care and the services that we provide. We are committed as an organization to bringing the same high quality and care to all of our Ohio service area that now includes Clinton County".

Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley provides a special kind of care and support for persons in the last phases of a life-limiting illness. They help patients and families with end-of-life decision making, meeting life goals, enhancing family relationships and promoting comfort. As a non-profit organization, Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley can make decisions based on patient's needs rather than financial considerations.

As one of the larger rural hospices in the United States, Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley is able to offer many advance care services such as the area's only Hospice Inpatient Center, a full time hospice team physician, extensive bereavement support and countless community outreach programs. Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley also has an On-Call and Continuous Care Team that provide that "extra TLC" when time is short, or the family needs education and support.

Michael Parker, Director of Development and Public Relations for Hospice of Hope added, "We are looking forward to expanding our network of support into Clinton County. Over the years, the success of our organization has been very dependent on our community support such as fundraisers and volunteerism".

For more information about Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley, to schedule a free education overview of our services or to make a referral call 800-928-4243 or log onto www.hospiceofhope.org. Remember, you have a choice when it comes to hospice care, choose Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley by name.

This one-day program is led by highly skilled Hospice of Hope chaplains and bereavement professionals, who are there to help guide and educate participants about what to expect as they move through the process of grief. Children will participate in age appropriate activities helping them to explore their feelings about the loss they have experienced and provide them with tools to cope with the loss. Activities will include making a mountain memory quilt, games, relaxation activities, balloon release, and a picnic lunch.

Peg Lynch, Hospice of Hope Community Services Facilitator stated, "We encourage family members of all ages to take part in this award winning program. Facing the pain of grief is like climbing a mountain. When we walk and climb together we can make better progress." Come join us for a day filled with activities for all ages to share memories, stories, and laughter. To register contact Peg Lynch at 800-928-4243.

Click here for more information.

emple-Inland Foundation recently made a $1,500 donation to benefit patient care at Hospice of Hope. Each year, Temple-Inland Foundation, through the request of our local mill, donates funds to help organizations in our area. Funds are collected through ongoing operations throughout the Temple-Inland national locations. Hospice of Hope uses donations such as these to continue to provide uncompensated care to patients and families effected by terminal illnesses. Since 1990, donations such as these have allowed Hospice of Hope to provide over $1.5 million in unreimbursed hospice care to patients and families not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance living in our 12-county service areas in Kentucky and Ohio.

The sun is shining It's a beautiful day
Hopefully warm weather Is now here to stay
Flowers are in bloom The trees are all green
And the sky is the bluest You've ever seen
The birds are singing Rabbits play in the grass
Bees are buzzing Butterflies pass
The energy is felt As nature comes alive
And the lazy days of summer Are ready to arrive

Written by Rosemarie Krebs

ational Volunteer Week is April 18 through 24 and Hospice of Hope is honoring its hospice and palliative care volunteers who provide support, companionship and hope to those facing a life-limiting illness.

Donna Burke, Volunteer Coordinator with Hospice of Hope stated, "Hospice volunteers play an indispensable role in enabling Hospice of Hope to offer the best care possible for patients living with life-limiting illness, their families and caregivers. By sharing their time, energy, and expertise, our volunteers bring compassion and caring to the lives of those in need."

Hospice of Hope volunteers understand that every person they care for is a unique individual with a lifetime of experiences, relationships and gifts to share. These dedicated volunteers help people live every moment of life to the fullest. Most Hospice of Hope volunteers choose to give their time helping others because of their own experiences with the compassionate care hospice provided to their dying loved one. But, our volunteers help does not stop there. They also provide deeply appreciated help at our main office doing clerical duties, work in our flower gardens, and assist with fundraising events.

Helen West, a volunteer at the Hospice of Hope Inpatient Center at Adams County Regional Medical Center stated, "When volunteering, you feel like you did something good. When families come and hug you, it makes you fill appreciated and it is a fulfillment."

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports that there are an estimated 550,000 hospice volunteers providing more than 25 million hours of service to hospice programs each year. It is federally mandated under Medicare that five percent of all patient care hours be provided by trained volunteers. This regulation reflects the vital role that volunteers play in the hospice philosophy of care and ensures that a hospice program has roots deep in the community.

Hospice of Hope has volunteer opportunities available. To find out how you can help, please visit our website at www.hospiceofhope.org or call Donna Burke at 800-928-4848.

he 2010 Caregiver Seminar coordinated by Buffalo Trace Family Caregiver Support Program and Hope HomeCare is scheduled for Thursday, April 29th. The seminar titled "No Appointments Needed" will be held from 5pm-8pm at the Hospice of Hope office in Maysville. The seminar will be broken down into two parts with the first being "Getting the Most from Your Doctor Visit" and will be presented by Dr. Leroy Gallenstein. The second session, "Avoiding Common Medical Errors" will be presented by Mary Dan Haney, Pharmacist at Hospice of Hope.

The seminar is free and open to the public; however registration is recommended by April 23rd. A light dinner will be provided. For more information about the program or to register call the Buffalo Trace Family Caregiver Support Program at 564-6894 or Hope HomeCare at 759-4056.

ospice of Hope invites you and your family to our Community Memorial Services. These services are designed to provide anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one an occasion to remember, honor and celebrate their memories. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, May 16 at 2 p.m. at the Mt. Orab office and on Sunday, May 23 at 2 p.m. at Maysville office. Special music, words of reflection and the reading of names of those who are being remembered will also provide a time to reflect on their memory. Those attending will receive a gift of remembrance. A reception will follow the services, allowing time to gather with others who have experienced loss. These services are free and open to the community. If you plan to attend, or would like information on Hospice of Hope bereavement programs and support groups, please call Peg Lynch at 800-928-4243.

e Lives is a benefit concert for Hospice of Hope presented by More Than the Music celebrating the only living savior ever known to mankind. Songs include a variety from Bluegrass Gospel to Contemporary Gospel. No Admission Charge - Voluntary Donations Only. Saturday, April 10th, 7:00PM at the Central Baptists Church in Maysville, KY. Proceeds from all donations will go to Hospice of Hope "Hopes and Dreams" program. Help Someone's last wish come true! For more information contact Darrell Polley at 606-798-3433 or visit www.morethanthemusiclive.com.

he date has been set for the 25th annual Tony Poe Memorial Fundraiser benefiting Hospice of Hope. The third annual cornhole tournament will be held at O'Rourke's Pub on Saturday, April 24. This is a bring your own partner tournament with sign up beginning at 1:30 and the tournament starting promptly at 2:30. The entry fee is $ 25.00 per team. Trophies will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners. During the event, there will be a street party with food provided for participants, followed by a live band. Call O'Rourke's Pub at 606-564-3933 to register.!

The Veterans Caregiver Assistance Program enters its sixth year of utilization through receipt of these needed funds. This program works in conjunction with Hope HomeCare, a private duty service owned and operated by Hospice of Hope, which provides relief for the caregivers of veteran patients in the counties we serve in Ohio. Among our veterans that need this service in their homes and nursing homes, we also extend this service to our local Veterans Home, one of only two located in Ohio.

hether you provide 24/7 care or run errands once a month for your neighbor, you are a caregiver! Family caregivers provide the overwhelming majority of long-term care in the United States. Over three quarters (78%) of the adults living in the community are in need of long-term care depend on family and friends as their source of help. You are not alone - join us for the informative workshop series and meet others who are experiencing many of the same issues as your family, have an opportunity to ask questions and learn about community resources. Series Topics: April 15th - What's In Your Toolbox, May 13th - Finding Balance, June 17th - Advance Planning, July 15th - Coping With Stress. Sessions are 5:30-6:30PM and are held at the Lewis County Health Department. Participants may register for all or single topics. Limited respite care services are available. Workshop is free and open to the public. Call Jill Bentley at 606-796-2632 for more information or to register.!

n Saturday, May 1, 2010, at 11:30 a.m., Hospice of Hope will host a Mother's Legacy Luncheon for women remembering and honoring their mothers and other influential women in their lives. Liz Bonis, anchor and health reporter for WKRC television in Cincinnati, will be the guest speaker. She will be speaking about the gift of a mother's legacy. If interested in attending, please contact Peg Lynch at 800-928-4243 by March 22, as seating is limited. Click here for more information.

arch is National Professional Social Work Month, and Hospice of Hope is proud to recognize the contributions and devotion of its social workers who play such an important role in hospice care. "It's important that, as hospice caregivers, we provide comfort in the physiological as well as the emotional sense," said Hospice of Hope Executive Director Kavin Cartmell. "Hospice of Hope social workers walk every step of the hospice journey with patients and their families. They offer a shoulder to cry on, emotional support, and assistance with planning, all of which are crucial during such a difficult time."

A large part of the social worker's role is listening to patients' and family members' stories, helping them understand the end-of-life process, providing counseling and supporting them emotionally during that journey. Additionally, social workers assess the needs of patients' loved ones, including respite. They can assist with funeral planning and with finding legal assistance to help with advance directives (living wills and medical power of attorney documents) and child custody arrangements. They can also help families find resources to meet financial needs. We thank our social workers for the good they do every day. It truly makes a difference!

ospice of Hope is offering bereavement support groups and events to allow people who have experienced a loss to come together to learn about the grief process, develop strategies that will assist in the healing journey, find support, and share insights and stories with others who have also experienced loss.

Ongoing groups are available for individuals who have recently lost a loved one, as well as for those who have experienced loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss; and an ongoing group for suicide survivors. In addition, a 4-week group will be held for those who have recently experienced a loss, and a 6-week group for individuals who have lost a spouse.

Other planned events include spring memorial services; Mountain Pathway - a family gathering designed to bring healing and encouragement to children, teens, and adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one; and Hope for the Holidays workshops and memorial services scheduled each fall to provide our families and communities an opportunity to commemorate the death of loved ones and gain insight on how to cope with the approaching holiday season.

Hospice of Hope bereavement programs and support groups are free and open to the community. Individual support is also available. For more information contact Peg Lynch at 800-928-4243.

n Friday, March 19, 2010, Hospice of Hope will collaborate with the University of Kentucky College of Social Work to present two workshops at the Maysville office.

"Motivational Interviewing: The Basics" will be presented by Patty Rudd, LCSW and Director of Addiction Services with Comprehend, Inc. from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The training will focus on six essential areas of motivational interviewing. This interviewing style and technique is useful for healthcare providers, therapists, doctors, social workers, or any other professional who is trying to motivate change within their client/patient population.

"Spirituality and Social Work Practice" will be presented from 1-4 p.m. This experiential workshop will use music, video, lecture and small group exercises to discuss the spiritual needs of clients and assessment. The workshop will also give participants a chance to work through ethical dilemmas in which personal spiritual values conflict with client choices.

3.0 hours of continuing education for each session will be available for social workers. For more information call Hospice of Hope at 606-759-4050 or 800-928-4848 or register online at www.uksocialworkonline.com.

he 2009-2010 Leadership Horizons class had a full agenda for their monthly session which took place on Thursday, January 14. The sessions focus was on health and human services within our Buffalo Trace District. The day began at Fleming County Hospital where the diverse group of community leaders were treated to a wonderful breakfast and an enlightening discussion by hospital CEO, Davey Lloyd. The eventful day then moved onto the Women's Crisis Center (WCC) whom provided an in-depth tour of their facility. Leadership Horizon participants were impressed by the numbers of lives touched by the WCC; it was evident what an impact the center has on those that utilize the facility.

The day continued with a visit to Meadowview Regional Medical Center (MRMC) where they enjoyed a tour of the newly expanded emergency room and had lunch with Chad Patrick, CEO who enlightened the group on an overview of the hospital. Primary Care Plus was also on-hand to share their business with the class to provide free health screenings to participants.

Later in the day, the group continued with its agenda and toured other health and human related services in the Buffalo Trace area by visiting Hospice of Hope. During this tour they were treated to full body massages and hand wax treatments as well as a general overview of the end-of-life services provided by Hospice of Hope. The day concluded with tours of the Dialysis Center and the Maysville Cancer Treatment Center.

n a celebration held last Friday, Hospice of Hope Chaplain Gorman Parrish, M DIV officially retires. Gorman had been a faithful Chaplain and hospice advocate for over 10 years. During his duration with Hospice of Hope he held many different roles on several teams that included bereavement care and chaplaincy. At his retirement party Gorman commented. "I feel that God chose me for this role and profession. It's a job that I find very difficult to walk away from. The patients and families that I was privileged to work with every day were truly a blessing from above". Hospice of Hope thanks Gorman for his years of service and wishes him the best in his next chapter of life.

training program for people willing to donate their time and talents to the Hospice of Hope program will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley office in Mt. Orab, Ohio. The orientation will include short lectures and discussion outlining our volunteer program and the services provided by Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley.

No job is too big or too small for our volunteers. Often the most important thing a volunteer can do is be there for patients, reassuring them they are not alone, holding a hand, offering a smile, or lending an ear. It's your choice. The rewards are enormous. Some of the services provided by our Hospice of Hope Volunteers are visiting patients at home, in the hospital, nursing home or our Inpatient Center, transporting a patient to doctor appointments, assisting in the office with clerical tasks, or joining our flower garden club.

For more information about volunteer opportunities with Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley, call Donna Burke, Volunteer Coordinator, at 800-928-4848 or email dburke@hohope.org.

n Wednesday, March 24, 2009, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Hospice of Hope will serve as the host site for Hospice Foundation of America's 17th Annual National Bereavement Teleconference, "Living With Grief: Cancer and End-of-Life Care". The 2010 teleconference will address care options related to cancer diagnoses, as well as loss and grief reactions for patients, families, and professional caregivers. The teleconference will also examine psychosocial aspects of cancer, pain management, and ethical issues related to the disease. Three hours of continuing education will be available for physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy, funeral directors, counselors, home health aides and other professionals. To register or for more information call Hospice of Hope at 606-759-4050 or 800-928-4848.

epresentatives from Dayton Power & Light's Stewart & Killen Stations recently conducted a bowling fundraiser to support Hospice of Hope. Linda Kirschner, Materials Processor for the Killen Station in Manchester, spearheaded this fundraiser and stated, "We (DP&L) really want to do something positive for Hospice of Hope as they have effected so many people in our communities. We thought that having a bowling event would both be fun and yet raise funds to support needed programs."

Michael Parker, Director of PR & Development for Hospice of Hope added, "We are so thankful to have such strong community partners to help our organization succeed. This event is yet another example of how an idea blossoms into something really special".

Proceeds from this event raised nearly two-thousand dollars which will we applied towards the newly created "Hope and Dreams" program.

Everyone is invited and encouraged to come out and join the fun and to support Hospice of Hope. The cost is $15 per person for 3 games and includes ball, shoe rental, chips and drink. There will be door prizes, silent auction, raffle tickets and back by popular demand color pins. To register to bowl, contact Town and Country Bowling Lanes at 937-795-2153.

isty Parker was announced last week at Hospice of Hope's annual gala as the winner of the 200 Vacation Raffle. She won a 7-day 6 night golf/shopping getaway to Ellington Plantation at Myrtle Beach. This winning ticket entitled her to receive a three bedroom condo featuring three private bathrooms, a dining room with eat-in kitchen & bar, washer /dryer and dual screened-in porches. Property is located near Murrells Inlet on an exclusive golf course which was rated Myrtle Beach course of the year in 2007. Hospice of Hope was sold tickets for $10 each with only 500 available. All proceeds benefit end-of-life care.

Click here to download a printable order form.

This is a book that you will want to own and give as a gift. As a special offer for this holiday season, Hospice of Hope will gift wrap and ship at no extra charge.

This year, we will present "Hope for the Holidays - How Are You Coping?" - a workshop designed to give you strategies for managing your grief during the holidays. Come join us to share ideas, learn coping strategies, and discover ways to remember and honor your loved ones through the holiday season. You will learn how to identify holiday stressors and strategies to cope with the holidays while grieving. We will make a remembrance ornament and share in a wreath lighting memorial. The holidays are a difficult time for many who grieve. All programs are free and open to the community. Invite family, friends, and neighbors to attend with you.

Please R.S.V.P. to Peg Lynch at 800-928-4243

In addition, holiday memorial services are traditionally held in Bracken and Pendleton counties. For more information contact Peg Lynch.

Pictured from left to right: Front Row: Shirley Leopard, Nurse; Vera Smith, Nurse Assistant, and Ann Horn, Dietician, all with Dobbins; Back Row: Jessica Sanders, Social Worker, Sarah Shepherd, Nurse, Tyia Osborne, Nursing Supervisor, & Erin Richmond, Provider Relations Representative, all with Hospice of Hope. Pictured in red is Janet Keith with Dobbins Housekeeping

Mr. Steve Meeker, Director of Dobbins Nursing Facility said, "We are always trying to provide the very best care we can to our community. We think that by partnering with Hospice of Hope we can now also offer the very best in end-of-life care".

Hospice of Hope brings over 21 year of hospice experience to Dobbins Nursing Home. Hospice of Hope provides a special kind of care and support for persons in the last phases of a life-limiting illness so that they may live as fully and as comfortable as possible. To find out more about how Hospice of Hope can help you and or your family or about Dobbins Nursing Home call 1-800-928-4243.

ospice of Hope is pleased to introduce Donna Burke as the new Volunteer Coordinator. Donna is stepping into this role after more than 17 years of service by former coordinator Wanda Paul. As Volunteer Coordinator, Donna will be challenged to recruit new volunteers to help with patients needs, light office work, transportation services, flower garden helps and even fundraisers. When asked about her new role Donna commented, "Really excited about the challenge and am looking forward to working with current and future volunteers who have similar interest and goals. Hospice of Hope plays such an important community role and am just honored to be a part of such a quality organization".

Donna chose to work for Hospice of Hope both for its outstanding tradition and for the remarkable care they gave her Mamaw. She encourages you to call with questions, concerns, or new ideas you would like to share. Please feel free to contact her at 606-759-4050 or email at dburke@hohope.org. She is looking forward to meeting and working with all of our remarkable volunteers! Thank you so much for your dedication, care, and loyalty.

ast Saturday night at Hospice of Hope's annual gala the Fantastical Theatrical's presented "Trouble at the Tropicabana". Guests took a stroll down memory lane with Lucy, Ricky, Ethel, Fred and enjoyed an evening at Ricky's nightclub, the Tropicabana. Just as Ricky was about to sign a contract with movie mogul heiress Celia B. Demilo guests were introduced to the notorious "Mr. Big" and learned that a murder had happened. That's right, Murder!

It was a fun filled evening with silent auctions, raffle baskets and tremendous audience participation. Hospice of Hope would like to thank those who came to our evening of fun, businesses who sponsored our event and those who donated gift items to support this annual fundraiser.

agle Riders of the Hillsboro OH Eagles club #1161 recently conducted the 1st annual Poker Run with proceeds benefiting Hospice of Hope. This 117 mile Poker Run, coordinated by Judy Roberts of local Eagles Club, was open to all 4 wheel vehicles. During the event there were 50/50 drawings, raffles and door prizes in addition to dinner.

Mrs. Roberts recently had firsthand experience with Hospice of Hope and decided that she needed to organize a fundraiser to help support Hospice of Hopes quests for quality end-of-life care services.

Below is an excerpt from a letter written by Mrs. Judy Roberts of Hillsboro.

"My first real knowledge of Hospice of Hope came when I was taking care of my mother who suffered from Alzheimer Disease. With virtually no help from family members, I turned to the medical community for help. Hospice of Hope came into my home the last few months of her life and what a blessing it was. They were there for me 24/7 if needed. Hospice of Hope had someone there me to help through the last hours that were both painful to me and to my mother. I can never thank these people enough for everything they did for me and for my mother!"

anda Paul recently announced her official retirement from Hospice of Hope after 17 years of service. Wanda worked primarily as a member of the Community Resource Team as the Volunteer Coordinator. During her years at Hospice of Hope she trained hundreds of volunteers who have given more than 50,000 hours to help those who face life-limiting illnesses. She has also helped to cultivate countless donors and was there to pioneer several fundraisers throughout the years. Kavin Cartmell, Executive Director for Hospice of Hope stated, "Wanda has been instrumental in forming our Hospice of Hope public image with her tireless efforts and community contacts. Her dedication and compassion to this line of work will truly be missed!"  Wanda says that she has retired but intends stay on board as an active volunteer. She stated, "That this was a job you can't just walk away from. If your hearts in it, you will still do everything you can to help those in needs and I plan to do just that."