
Happy Labor Day!

It is not surprising that most people associate hospice with cancer. In the mid-1970s when hospice came to the U.S., most hospice patients had cancer. Today, more than half of hospice patients in the U.S. have other illnesses for which they are medically eligible for hospice services, such as late-stage heart, lung or kidney disease, and advanced Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. (source: Hospice Foundation of America). Hospice care is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, VA and most insurance plans cover hospice services.
Hospice is not a place, because Hospice is a plan of care. Patients may receive Hospice services wherever they call home, which may be a private residence or that of a loved one, hospital, assisted living center, or nursing home.
“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the last moment of your life.”
~Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of modern hospice.
Hospice is considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patient’s loved ones as well. At the center of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.
Typically, in order to receive hospice services:
Click here for resources for end-of-life caregiving resources from Hospice Foundation of America. Or for further information from our Hospice experts, contact us.
After six long years, and at the age of 34, Charles Njenga, Bristol Hospice HHA, is a U.S. citizen! He passed the U.S. Citizenship Exam earlier this month with flying colors.
Charles, raised by a single mother with five brothers and sisters in a small village in Kenya, came to the U.S. to make a better life and provide for his family. After moving to the U.S., he immediately enrolled in a program to become a CNA/HHA and landed his first job at a skilled nursing facility. Charles joined the Bristol Hospice team in May 2014 and started down the path to becoming a U.S. citizen.
Charles said working for Bristol Hospice helped him study for the exam. He listened to the U.S. Citizenship lectures on his CD player while driving patient-to-patient. When asked “what is next?” his face lit up as he stated with a beaming smile, “I want to have my mom come and visit. I really miss her.”
Bristol Hospice ~ Sacramento congratulates Charles on the hard work and dedication given to obtaining his U.S. citizenship. We are proud to have you part of the team!
Bristol Hospice ~ Sacramento is pleased to offer Six-Week Bereavement Support Group Sessions that are open to the general public. Advance registration and attendance at all six group meetings are requested.
Register now for the following sessions:
Our Six-Week Bereavement Support Group Sessions are held at 2140 Professional Drive, Ste. 210, Roseville. Please contact (916) 782-5511 for more information and to register.
Today, we honor all the fathers and father figures who have supported us throughout our life!
Bristol Hospice ~ Sacramento had a wonderful evening at the Del Oro CRC “Around the World” event! Bristol Hospice ~ Sacramento sampled delicious food while bidding on silent auction items. All proceeds go towards the Del Oro CRC to serve caregivers who care for brain-impaired adults and the elderly.
Cannot wait for next year!
June 9 – 16 is the 39th Annual National Nursing Assistants’ Week, celebrating the vital supporting role Nursing Assistants play in the delivery of quality care. It is reported that each day, more than 4.5 million caregivers provide hands-on care to our nation’s frail, elderly, or chronically challenged citizens. Visit cna-network.org to find out how you can thank Nursing Assistants this week.
This week especially, Bristol Hospice would like to commend all of the CNAs who provide comfort, care and support of those receiving hospice services. Thank you for all you do for Bristol Hospice’s patients and families. You are at the heart of caring!
June is National Safety Month, reminding us of the importance of being prepared, educated and understand the leading causes of preventable injuries. Visit NSC.org to learn more.
As caregivers, it is important to be on the watch for unforeseen hazards around the home. Consider the following:
1. Safe Disposal of Medications: Medicines play an important role in treating many conditions and diseases, especially when receiving hospice services. When they are no longer needed, it is important to dispose of them properly to help reduce harm from accidental exposure or intentional misuse. Consider safely disposing of medications through drug take-back programs, mail-back programs or collection receptacles. Visit the DEA’s website for more information about drug disposal, National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events and to locate a DEA-authorized collector in your area. You may also call the DEA Office of Diversion Control’s Registration Call Center at 1-800-882-9539 to find an authorized collector in your community.
2. Prevent Falls: The CDC reports that each year, one in every three adults ages 65 or older falls and 2 million are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries. To prevent falls, consider the following:
3. Be Emergency Ready: The best way to be ready for the possibility of a public health emergency such as a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or disease outbreak is to have a plan. You can take steps now to help you prepare for an emergency and cope if an emergency happens. The CDC recommends it is important to know how you will contact family members and friends and understand the special steps you will take in different types of emergency situations. Click here to view information from the CDC to help you be prepared!
Memorial Day honors America ’s fallen heroes and celebrates their sacrifice so they are never forgotten. Cities throughout the U.S. celebrate those who have bravely served our country. America’s Veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country.
Hospice-Veteran Partnerships (HVP) are coalitions of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, community hospices and others working together to ensure that excellent care at the end of life is available for our nation’s Veterans and their families.
Bristol Hospice’s professionals are on a mission to learn how to serve Veterans through the challenges they may be facing from illness, isolation or traumatic life experience. We proudly support our Veterans by being a Hospice Partner and receiving certification through the We Honor Veterans program. We Honor Veterans a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) invites hospices to join a pioneering program focused on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgment.
By becoming a We Honor Veteran Partner, our staff is better prepared to:
There are four levels of certification in the program. Bristol Hospice programs are proud to have achieved the following We Honor Veterans certification levels:
We are proud to honor our Veterans and support increasing access to quality care. Our locations are available for admissions during the holiday weekend and offer the following:
Learn more about our program and how we support locally, please contact us.
Hospice care, centers on the patient and family. The goal of the professionals at Bristol Hospice is to empower to make choices regarding care and assistance. The team serves as an advocate, helping to access the information and resources needed during this very challenging time.
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Thank you for the opportunity to serve with the highest level of compassion, respect and quality of care. Contact us to learn more about our services.