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Masonic Village Hospice

reflectionsFALL 2017

Because of your support, Ron could continue caring for his wife

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“We both agreed we wanted to focus on living and the

time we had left. God’s love for people comes through

Masonic Village Hospice. I just knew I wasn’t alone.”

LOVE in FULL COLOR

- RON SWOPE

When Ron Swope thinks of his wife Karen, he thinks of three things: her basket full of coloring books, all the angel figurines she placed around their home and her smile. The couple was married for 50 years, and Ron didn’t let a cancer diagnosis change the vows he made to her. He would always take care of her, no matter what life had in store.

In November 2016, Karen began experiencing stroke-like symptoms and was sent for an MRI. The couple learned Karen did not have a stroke, and their world turned upside down when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. With Ron by her side, Karen underwent two weeks of radiation treatments to slow down the disease, which was incurable.

As Karen’s cancer progressed, Ron’s promise to himself and to her was becoming more difficult to keep. “I quit my full-time job in construction, and she became my full-time job,” Ron said. “We both agreed we wanted to focus on living and the time we had left.”

Ron was hoping the end of Karen’s life would be something he could handle alone, but he soon decided he needed the help of Masonic Village Hospice. When staff became aware of Ron’s wishes to take care of Karen at home, they did everything they could to make it happen.

“They ordered me a shower bench, a hospital bed and everything else I needed,” Ron said. “Together, we all took one day at a time. Hospice filled Karen’s pill box and explained each medication to me and when to give them. It was important to me that I took care of her.”

Each day became a routine, and Ron appreciated that. He learned the small things he could do every day to continue caring for his wife. “They would help me get Karen up, bathed and teeth brushed,” he recalls. “The girls would help me pick her clothing out, then I would leave them to care for her. I could tell Karen liked the ‘girl talk,’ and I knew they were giving her so much love and support.” He remembers his wife singing and humming during her time with staff.

Karen’s medicine and other needs eventually became more complicated, and staff visited more frequently. On her 72nd birthday, hospice helped Karen and Ron celebrate by bringing all the fixings for an ice cream sundae bar to their home. “They brought Friendly’s ice cream,” he recalls. “They must have known that was her favorite.” Ron remembers all of them laughing when the hot fudge boiled over in the microwave. It was a beautiful thing to laugh at that time.

Throughout her short radiation treatment and the duration of her illness, Karen continued coloring, one of her favorite hobbies. “She just loved colors,” Ron recalls. “She always dressed in color. When she’d go to work, she’d love it when someone would comment on her outfit.”

Although she lost some of her motor movement, Karen completed one last special piece (left), which reads, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.” During one of Karen’s last days, hospice staff worked with her to fill a scrapbook with her favorite colorings, this final piece included.

The book has become a treasure to Ron. “There’s more love than you can ever imagine in hospice,” Ron recalls. “It’s easy to get to know them, and they become part of your family. The compassion they showed Karen, it was just incredible.”

Since Karen’s passing, Ron has gone back to work full-time to keep his mind occupied. He attends bereavement classes offered by Masonic Village Hospice, and staff provide him with individualized support. Ron remembers Karen each day in his own way, which can include spending time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“God’s love for people comes through Masonic Village Hospice,” Ron says. “I just knew I wasn’t alone.”

Your support allowed a husband to continue caring for his wife after an overwhelming diagnosis.

There are dozens of family members like Ron in our program now, and hundreds more will need your help in the future. Your donations give them hope.

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LETTERS of LOVE

Reaching the end of life can be frightening, but helping patients pass away at home surrounded by the people who care about them most can reduce fear and help loved ones feel comfortable.

For life-long farmer Sam Nolt, the decision to remain at home during the end of his battle with cancer was one that made all the difference for him and the ones he loved.

“My grandpa was able to die in the same farmhouse he was born in. Masonic Village Hospice made that possible and kept him comfortable in a familiar setting,” Kari, Sam’s granddaughter, said. “We, as a family, could visit and feel at home.”

Since Sam’s family lived close by, the treasured stories they tell of him often feature his Lancaster County farmhouse and the land it sits on.

“There is something every day that makes me think of him,” Kari said. “I think about how cool I felt when he would be waiting at the end of his lane on his four-wheeler to pick me up off the school bus. I see a groundhog and think of his war against them eating his crops. I’m really grateful I spent most of my life within two cornfields’ distance of him.”

Registered nurse Robert Heim is a natural-born caregiver who often serves as a guiding hand, voice of reason and shoulder to lean on. Robert is said to leave a strong impact on the lives he touches, including fellow Masonic Village Hospice staff and, most importantly, patients and their families.

Robert learned his trade in part from his mother, also a registered nurse, whom he looked up to while she cared for his grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

As the youngest nurse in the family, he went on to care for his own mother for 10 years during her struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He also cared for his father-in-law and his wife’s grandmother during their times of illness. He views the end of life as an opportunity to make memories that will last forever.

“Most patients receive care long enough that we form very special relationships with them,” Robert said. “Unfortunately, most patients pass away, and we’re always in the process of losing good friends.”

On a daily basis, Robert recommends care plans for patients, administers medications and provides invaluable emotional support to families. He strongly advocates for the service each day.

“Identifying when hospice services are needed early is important,” he said. “If it’s early enough, we can become

involved in enriching the patient’s quality of life. If you wait too close to the end of life, it unfortunately becomes more about pain management.”

Over the last three years, working in hospice care has changed his perception on life. “It has shown me the impermanence of everything,” he says.

BLESSED TO DIE at HOMEBecause of your support, Sam Nolt was able to spend his final weeks in his family farmhouse, where he was born in 1926.

Like many farmers, Sam viewed his trade as more than just a hobby. To him, it was a way to build a better life for his family.

“He was very giving and quick to help people in any way he could,” Kari recalls. “He was a man who spent many years as a provider and caretaker, always putting his family’s needs and desires before his own.”

When Sam’s illness reached its final stages, hospice staff stepped in to give back to the man who had given so much for his family, including his late wife, Marie, whom he had cared for prior to her passing.

Eventually, he was unable to farm at the intensity and duration he used to, so he put his energy and talent into making woodcrafts and spending time with his beloved canine, Tami. Masonic Village helped Sam to continue enjoying his hobbies.

“Once hospice started, he had a whole new group of people he could talk to and enjoy,” Kari said.

Since Sam’s passing, Kari has chosen to focus on the memories she has of her grandfather and is grateful for the part Masonic Village Hospice played in her grieving journey.

“My grandpa’s social worker could see I was in denial about a lot of it. One night, she gently nudged me to go talk to my grandpa and give him permission to die,” Kari recalls. “I’m so happy I had that conversation, and it scares me to think of the regret I would have if I didn’t.”

Staff also assisted Sam with writing letters to his family members.

“Not only did it allow him to say what he needed to say, but these are letters we will treasure forever,” Kari said.

Witnessing her grandfather’s experience has changed Kari’s perception of hospice, which was once very grim.

“I think the idea of death is scary for some people, but the idea of death without hospice seems terrifying to me now,” Kari said. “It’s a shame people view receiving hospice services as giving up, when, in reality, choosing hospice is telling death, ‘hold on, I’m going to have a say in how this goes.’”

Everyone who was involved in providing care for my wife was outstanding. All were so gracious and helpful in answering my questions, offering assistance and guiding us through my wife’s gradual dying. She received the best care imaginable.

Staff interacted so well with my wife, always speaking to her as though she had no impaired ability to communicate. They kept her looking beautiful up to the very end and cared for me and our family by preparing us for what would happen the last couple days and hours of her life.

I was put at ease about caring for her so I could focus on just being with her.”

- MARK CHAVEZ

We would like to thank the hospice staff for our dad’s care and their support during his decline. The team’s caring, compassion, support, knowledge and professionalism in guiding us through the dying process were above and beyond our expectation. Dad enjoyed his time spent with each and every one of them. They were his family when family could not be there.”

-THE FAMILY OF ART KAUFFMAN

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a NURSE’S HEART

“Nothing lasts forever, so you should value the present.”

Sam at his grandson’s wedding

MemorialsMay 1 through July 31

MEMORIAL DONORArthur F. (Art) Benjamin Janette Trecek Robert WildasinSara Jean Cacciola George and Gail BallardDoris Mae Clark Jeanne BrooksClair R. and Phyllis A. Cochran Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home

and Crematory, Inc. Elsie R. Corlett Carol HowardPhyllis L. Dayton Craig DaytonAnna K. Deik Marianne Anderson Rob and Mary Lee Carrolus Dick and Cindy Deik Robert and Mary Anne Deik Joe and Cheryl Flamm Phil and Jeanette Fogarty Rod and Bev Freshman Eric and Pam Frishkorn Sam and Carol Furjanic Jessika, Nathan, Jonathan and Joshua Graham Joan Gulden Mary Heller Kathy James and Matthew Dunn Anna Kline Michael and Elizabeth Maugans Wayne and Sue Miller Anne Sunday Gary and Deborah Thomas Arthur and Linda UprightMarie W. Diacont JoEllen Bartolacci Clarence and Joelan Kegel Milton Matthews Charles and Wendy StehlyRichard R. (Dick) Filling Robert and Donna Doyle Dennis Remley Kay StraleyCharles E. (Ed) Firth Jane Boltz Tom Chermol Ralph and Elizabeth Davis Robert and Karen Fithian Jim and Dolores Ford Paula Gavin Douglas and Michele Guerrieri Terry and Jan Hill Kenneth and Carolyn Kammeier William and Nancy Jo Marsden Sandra Monoghan Audrey Novotny Elvin Silvius Peggy Williams-Roy Frank and Jackie WoodRuth D. Geenen J. D. and Katherine Geiser and Family Barry and Elizabeth Gilbert and Family Phillip Joyce and Family Stephen Joyce and Family Robert and Patricia Naylor and Family Nina Orsini and FamilyJack L. Gilmore Harry and Doris LongeneckerRobert M. Hess Mary Lou Balmer Merle and Sherry Dissinger Doris Frey Dolores Henry Wilson’s - Charles and Kim, Shaun

and Stephanie, Cody and Kris and the late Beryl Musser

Joseph S. Hickernell Ralph and Elizabeth Davis

Marie E. Kauffman Altrusa International of South Central PA, Inc.Francis E. and Thelma M. Kinter Roger and Stephanie TraubJanet M. Kotay Jay and Charlotte Barden John and Victoria Barden Earl and Alice Graby Hershey Chapter No. 509, O.E.S. Faye Nye Barry and Jean StuckGladys M. Krieger Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home

and Crematory, Inc.Michael W. (Mike) Lenker Sam and Connie Armbruster Scott and Thelma Carr Susan Carr Doyle Larry and Ruth Defuge Donald and Rose Frebertshauser James and Cynthia Hossman Jerry and Cindy Kopenhaver Terry and Barbara Lenker Joseph and Rebecca Major Bruce and Jaana McRaeRalph E. Lentz Henry and Margaret Haitz Audrey StroupRobert J. Matthews Empire Advisors, Inc. Dolores MatthewsMarjorie E. Parks Angela and Evie Gulick Janice WolfingerAnita L. Pence Michael and Sarah PenceThelma A. Radcliffe Lavoie CPA PLLC Family of Thelma A. RadcliffeRuth H. Sherrard Thomas and Linda Reidenbaugh Pamela RosenbergerBetty C. Simms Joseph Dreiss and Susan Kelly-Dreiss Warren and Helen Heidelbaugh Urs and Paula Leuenberger Donna TestaLloyd R. Swarr Teamsters Horsemen Chapter 53Charles H. Swisher, Sr. Buck, Sandra and Charles Dewling Janice Kohler Lucille PercivalKaren L. Swope Carol Atherholt and Dennis Shafnisky Anthony and Margaret Bolen Judy Dworchak Paul and Elizabeth Kontul Jerry and Pat Longwell Murrey Securus Steven and Dianne Sholly Betsy Stevick Brad, Bronwyn and Pia Swope Carl and Bev Swope Jerry and Kathy Swope Michael and Karen Swope Ginny YuningerStuart B. Wells Ralph and Elizabeth DavidWilliam H. White, Jr. Paul and Barbara Trumbetas

HonorsMay 1 through July 31

HONOREE DONORRobert Heim Craig DaytonBrenda K. Kelchner Craig DaytonKelly Jo Singleton Craig DaytonHospice Care Nurses and Staff Kay StraleyKristin Thomas Craig DaytonHeidi M. Young Craig Dayton

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THANKS to OUR GENEROUS DONORS

Upcoming EVENTSBereavement Support

Bereavement Support Group meetings are offered at Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, Moravian Manor in Lititz and Signature Senior Living in Lancaster. The groups are open to both residents and community members. For more information, call 717-367-1121, ext. 33576.

The Masonic Village Hospice Experience

Reflect on the past and learn to live in the present with Masonic Village Hospice through music, poetry and stories on Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 10 – 11:30 p.m., in Masonic Village’s Brossman Ballroom, Salon I. The same program will be held on Friday, Nov. 3, from 10 – 11:30 p.m., in Masonic Village’s Keystone Room. Light refreshments will be served.

In July, two Masonic Village Hospice staff advocated for policies in Washington, D.C., that ensure compassionate, high-quality care for all Americans facing a life-limiting illness. The following pieces of legislation were up for discussion during a meeting with legislators.

The Rural Access to Hospice Act

If passed, this bill would allow doctors from Rural Health Clinics or Federally Qualified Health Centers to serve as attending physicians to patients with life-limiting illnesses, making hospice care more accessible to patients from rural areas. Currently, these patients must switch doctors when they begin receiving hospice services. This makes many opt out of receiving hospice care.

The Patient Choice and Quality Care Act

If passed, this bill will create more opportunities for face-to-face communication between patients and their families and clinicians by promoting advanced care planning and allowing advance directives to be passed between states. This will give patients more control over their care.

To learn more and help advocate for these bills, visit HospiceActionNetwork.org.

ADVOCATING for THOSE WITH LIFE-LIMITING ILLNESSES

Your Support is Still Needed!

Help People Facing Terminal Illness and GriefYour donation will provide the best possible care to patients and their families when it’s needed most. Please make your gift today by using the enclosed envelope.

“Hospice showed me I didn’t have to do it alone, and that I wasn’t superman. They are my angels.”

- FAY MARVEL, family member

Who We AreSince 2009, Masonic Village’s trained, compassionate hospice staff have cared for thousands of patients and their families, focusing on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients so they may complete their lives joyfully. Our hospice staff promote comfort and self-determination, enabling patients to participate in making decisions about their care.

Based in Elizabethtown, Masonic Village Hospice is pleased to offer services to patients in the comfort of their homes throughout Lancaster, Dauphin, Lebanon and Eastern York counties.

Masonic Village Hospice does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, familial status, age, sex, limited English proficiency (LEP) or any other protected status in admission, treatment or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.

Open for Everyone.

Masonic Village HospiceOne Masonic Drive • Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2219 717-367-1121, ext. 18449 • MasonicVillageHospice.org