Weaving together three stories of visionary medical providers who practice on the cutting edge of life and death, helping to change the way we think about both – Join us! See details here:
Celebrating Seniors at the Wahiawa CBDO Kupuna Health Fair
Leila Williams, Jomel Duldulao, Alton Fujio and Johanna Umiten from Bristol Hospice ~ Hawaii were pleased to attend the Wahiawa Community Based Development Organization (CBDO) Kupuna Health Fair on Friday, July 29, at Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission.
This event was a senior health fair for the Wahiawa community. On Friday, seniors from ages 60 and older were bussed in from senior communities such as the Franciscan and West Loc Senior Center. The Honolulu Police Department was kind enough to help organize this event through their program “Weed and Seed,” which aims to improve the quality of life for the people they protect. For more information on the Wahiawa CBDO, you can contact the organization by emailing info@wahiawacbdo.org or calling 808-206-8195.
A very special “thank you” from Bristol Hospice ~ Hawaii to all of those who made this event possible.
Check out some of the photos from this event below!
Coping with Loss.
The stages of mourning and grief are universal and are experienced by people from all walks of life. Mourning occurs in response to an individual’s own terminal illness, the loss of a close relationship, or to the death of a valued being, human or animal.
Every person grieves differently, and typically experience five stages of normal grief. Many do not experience the stages in order. In Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross book, “On Death and Dying” she identified the stages as denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. (source: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation.)
Loved ones that are terminally ill or aging appear to go through a final period of withdrawal. Those coping with loss spend different lengths of time working through each step and express each stage with different levels of intensity.
Bristol Hospice is here to support. Our trained volunteers, Chaplains and Bereavement Counselors provide grief counseling and support groups for those who have experienced loss.
Contact us to learn how our experts provide support for those coping with loss and grief.
Spreading Joy and Smiles!
The Bristol Hospice ~ Hawaii team was pleased to participate in Avalon Care Centers’ Carnival, in an effort to bring joy and laughter to the care center’s residents. We were happy to provide some of the games and prizes. Most importantly, our team was able to spend time with some of the Bristol Hospice patients and families, and connect with Avalon Care Center staff. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of this fun-filled day for all!
Check out some of the photos from the Carnival below!
Bristol Hospice Thanks you.
At Bristol Hospice, we are graciously committed to our mission that all patients and families entrusted to our care will be treated with the highest level of compassion, respect, and quality of care. Thank you for the wonderful comments from those we serve.
Here are just a few of the kinds words we receive.
Bristol Hospice ~ California:
“I am grateful for the help I received from your team and the support I received at this time. I want to thank each and everyone for the good care and, also, the chaplain. They all made it easier at this time for me. Thank you.”
Bristol Hospice ~Sacramento:
“I can’t thank the entire team that provided amazing and quality care to my dad! You were there to listen and guide us and also be very honest too! Dad looked forward to your visits and so did I.”
Bristol Hospice ~Stockton:
“I had always assumed that all hospice care was the same and was amazed and grateful at how much more you offered…Thank you for your wonderful support and care of and for my husband. Every single person was wonderful over a very hard few days. Again, thank you.”
Bristol Hospice ~Georgia:
“Thank you so very much for helping me get though my moms final days…that you were there gave me great comfort. Thank you for your kindness to my mother and to me. Your spiritual support was welcome and helpful.”
Bristol Hospice ~Hawaii:
“Everyone that I met and talked to were very comforting, helpful, informative, caring and always available to assist me as needed. Fantastic team. Fantastic service.”
Judith Karman Bristol Hospice:
“I took care of my husband 24/7 and hospice was a lifesaver for me, as well as my husband. They were always respectful…we were both considered in all of his care. They all cared for my husband like he was a best friend. Of course, my husband was always considerate of all his caregivers. He never let them leave without telling them he appreciated them and thanked them.”
Bristol Hospice ~Oregon:
“I felt that everyone I dealt with was great. They were all very caring individuals and they made my aunt’s last days more comfortable for her. Thank you to everyone on your staff that helped my aunt.”
Bristol Hospice ~Texas:
“The team we worked with was exemplary. Could not have gotten better care and compassion anywhere else. He loved and was blessed for all of them and so were we (the family). This was not our family’s first experience with a hospice care, but, this was by far the best we have ever experienced…we were blessed to have the most excellent care…”
Bristol Hospice ~Pathways:
“I had never dealt with hospice before…I was so pleased with the patient care and concern and kindness shown to the patient and family. Every caretaker was so kind and sweet to my mom, and that meant so very much. Also, with nurse being with us when she passed was great. We certainly appreciated the chaplain and his concern!”
Bristol Hospice ~Northern UT:
“The entire team was awesome from beginning to end. They continue to be of support still after three months…very caring and concerned for the comfort of my mom and, also for us. Together they all made a difficult time a little easier. Thank you!”
Bristol Hospice ~Utah:
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the care my husband received, and with the compassion shown to me. A special thanks to the RN who cared for him and showed such great concern for me…for continuing to check-in with me and being an emotional support. Very comforting time and words from the social worker.”
Hospice Care. A Model for Quality, Compassionate Care.
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:
- A hospice physician and a second physician (often the individual’s attending physician or specialist) must certify that the patient meets specific medical eligibility criteria;
- The patient’s life expectancy is 6 months or less if the illness, disease or condition
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.
Supporting Convoy of Hope Oahu Community Event
Bristol Hospice ~ Hawaii is pleased to participate during the Convoy of Hope Oahu Community Event at the Richardson Field near the Aloha Stadium, this Saturday, July 16. Bristol Hospice ~ Hawaii Medical Director, Dr. Ritabelle Fernandez, along with other physicians from across the state, will be volunteering during this event.
The Convoy of Hope Oahu event is just the beginning of a long-lasting movement that has the power to transform people’s lives, inspire compassion and service, and bring people and organizations together like never before. This is a collaborative effort to bring hope to a city through free groceries, health screenings, job services, family portraits, haircuts, prayer, activities for children and more. Learn more about the event and the organization.
Honoring Veterans – A Mission to Serve
America’s hospice 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.
Bristol Hospice is proud to be hospice partners the We Honor Veterans program. Developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the We Honor Veterans program aims to invite hospices to join a pioneering program focused on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgment in the care of veterans.
As a We Honor Veterans Partner, the Bristol Hospice staff is better to:
- Build professional and organizational capacity to provide quality care for Veterans
- Develop and/or strengthen partnerships with VA and other Veteran organizations
- Increase access to hospice and palliative care for Veterans in their community
- Network with other hospices across the country to learn about best practice models
Also, the keepsake book, “One Who Served: A Memorial Tribute to Your Veteran.” is presented as a gift from Bristol Hospice for the family when their Veteran passes away. The book was written to celebrate military service, recognize the family, define the grieving process and provide resources for assistance. Learn more.
Helpful links
The VA provides a full range of benefits to all enrolled Veterans. Click the links below for a broad overview of the benefits administered by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).
Contact us for more information about how Bristol Hospice delivers services for our Veterans.
Happy Independence Day!
Today we celebrate America. Thank you to those currently protecting our freedom and the veterans who have proudly served.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BRISTOL HOSPICE TEAM MEMBER!
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!
