March 2014

SOCIAL WORK MONTH 2014 KICKS OFF WITH ALL PEOPLE MATTER THEME
Social workers help people cope with challenges in their lives through a variety of means. Hometown Hospice would like to recognize those who graciously assist our patients and their families.

DID YOU KNOW?

Social workers participate in a variety of daily tasks including: Identify people who need help Assess clients needs, situations, strengths and support network to determine their goals Develop plans to improve clients well-being Research and refer clients to community resources Help clients work with government agencies to apply for and receive benefits Respond to crisis situations such as child abuse Advocate for and help clients get resources that would improve their well -being Follow up with clients to ensure their situations have improved Evaluate services provided to ensure their effectiveness
Information courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov

Cathy Cox
Cox graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia and worked several years with dependent, neglected children in group and foster homes. She also worked in community mental health before joining hospice care. In my role as a social worker, I frequently have the opportunity to be the first one from our staff to meet with a family or patient whose doctor has referred them to hospice, said Cox. I try to dispel some of the myths people have heard about the word hospice, because hospice is often misunderstood. I appreciate the opportunity to share our services with that family so they will have the assurance we will be there to meet their needs. Cox said she likes to tell them hospice is not about death but about life, and providing the comfort that enables the terminal patient to live as fully as possible. She added that one-on-one time with patients is a bonus of her job. Spending regular time with terminally ill, sharing their lives, getting to know their families and helping them with overwhelming issues at challenging times is a part of what she loves. I love our staff and the work I do, said Cox. Supporting families and patients with non medical issues frees the nursing staff up to focus on their very important jobs.

Rachella Manns
Manns attended Connors State College before completing her bachelors in Social Work at Northeastern State University. She said her purpose in life is to help people and make a difference in their life, adding that she knew from a very young age what she wanted to do with her life. I have had the privilege of working in Rehab as an intern and as an employee Social Worker at Eastar Hospital, said Manns. I have worked at Hometown Hospice for one-and-a-half years now, and it has been very rewarding. Manns said being able to be there for patients and their families, providing emotional and spiritual support is what makes her job worthwhile. I love being able to walk into peoples lives, often during very difficult moments , and be able to get a sense of what they need from me, said Manns. I love what I do so much that being a Social Worker is not a job for me, its my purpose and an opportunity for me to give back to my community.

MARCH FOCUSES ON PATIENT SAFETY WEEK AND NATIONAL DOCTORS DAY

Key facts to ensure patient safety
Doctors, nurses and other health professionals dedicate their lives to caring for their patients, but providing health care can be difficult. We have included some common and worrisome issues and ways to help prevent them. Medication Safety:
HOMETOWN HOSPICE
At Hometown Hospice, we believe everyone with a lifelimiting illness has the right to be as pain free & comfortable as possible. Our services are tailored to the patients needs & wishes, empowering them to make choices about their final journey. We have been taking care of families all over Northeastern Oklahoma since 1996. We attribute our success to the experience, dedication, compassion and professionalism of our entire staff. Our caregivers truly have the heart to provide excellent hospice care to patients and their families. Hometown Hospice doesnt strive to the biggest hospice company, but we do strive to be the best.

Tell your pharmacist all medications and over-the-counter drugs you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies.

Confirm the computer has your current benefit information, allergies and/or drug intolerances and phone number.
When picking up medications, confirm the medicine is correct at the pharmacy counter. Compare instructions to those given by your doctor. Confirm your dosage.

Falls:

Exerciselack of exercise can lead to weak legs, which increases the chance of falling. Be mindful of medicationssome medicines may have side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness. Keep your vision sharppoor vision can make it harder to get around safely. Older adults should have their eyes checked every year. Eliminate hazards at homeAbout half of all falls happen at home. Home safety checks can prevent these falls.
Courtesy of http://www.cdc.gov

Hometown Hospice recognizes National Doctors Day

Hometown Hospice 2307 S. York Street Muskogee, OK 74403 Phone: 918-681-4440 Toll Free: 866-681-4440

YOUR LOGO HERE

National Doctors Day was established March 30, 1933 by Dr. Charles B. Almonds wife Eudora Brown Almond. On Oct. 30, 1990, President George Bush signed legislation recognizing National Doctors Day. Hometown Hospice would like to take this time to recognize the physicians who work diligently to ensure the well-being of our patients. This Doctors Day, we invite you to join us in expressing your appreciation to those who serve on our staff at Hometown Hospice. Thank you for taking the time to recognize our physicians.