Written by Matt Brauss Executive Director of Family Hospice Once a year we recognize the profession of social work. In March, we reflect on the importance of their main role, which is to help individuals, families, groups and entire communities. Social workers aim to enhance the overall well-being of people by helping to develop their […]
Blog
How to Approach End of Life Discussions with Those You Love
February 3rd, 2020Planning for the end of someone’s life is a topic many family members avoid because they think it’s too early, not the right time, or simply unbearable to consider — discussing the end of a loved one’s life is a difficult topic to talk about. Many families do not begin that discussion until a serious […]
Spending Quality Time During the Holidays
December 31st, 2019Over the holiday break, it’s important to spend time with those you love. If your loved one is in hospice care, there are many activities you can do to make wonderful memories during the holiday season and all year long. Kind gestures and quality time spent with your friend or family member in hospice offers […]
Making an Impact: The Family Hospice Tree of Memories Campaign
November 25th, 2019Celebrating its 26th year, the Tree of Memories Campaign is a wonderful opportunity for the public to support Belleville-based Family Hospice and its many service programs. For almost three decades, Family Hospice has provided comfort and care to people suffering with life-limiting illness, regardless of their ability to pay. The Tree of Memories Campaign supports […]
You Do Make A Difference: Why it’s Important to Visit a Terminally Ill Loved One
October 25th, 2019The cycle of life affects all of us. Regardless of our age, at some point all of us will experience loss. If a loved one becomes sick, terminally ill or not responsive towards their end of life journey, you may wonder if your time spent with them is even making a difference. All of us […]
This Month, We Celebrate Hospice Care
September 19th, 2019What does the word “hospice” mean to you? For some of us, when we think about hospice, it instills a feeling of sadness and grief, especially if a loved one has ever become chronically ill and in need of hospice care. Seriously ill patients who are overcome with pain and related symptoms from their illness […]
Hospice Care Explained
August 19th, 2019If you’ve never had a loved one in hospice care, it may be difficult to understand what it is exactly. Does hospice care mean you’ve given up on your loved one? Not at all. It also doesn’t mean you are placing limitations on their medical care or indicating to your family and others that “it’s […]
What to Expect as a Hospice Volunteer
July 19th, 2019With over one-hundred dedicated volunteers, we are able to devote thousands of hours to our hospice patients every year. Volunteers are an integral part of our team, assisting people that are neighbors and friends in the many communities we serve. Volunteers are making a positive impact, each and every day, on the lives of hospice […]
Why Family Hospice is a Good Decision, By Matt Brauss, RN, CHPN
June 20th, 2019As the Executive Director for Family Hospice as well as a key decision maker, I have worked in hospice for over 35 years in a variety of positions. I’ve learned first-hand what patients and families need when caring for their loved one. It’s important to me that I visit with people in the field once […]
When to Refer Your Loved One to Hospice
May 1st, 2019Electing to use hospice care is a difficult decision. It’s important to find out what hospice can provide so you can make an informed decision. Learning about the many services, educational support, supplies, equipment and prescriptions available can help you during the decision-making process. At Family Hospice, we believe our services encompass a compassionate-care approach. […]
