W I N T E R 2 0 1 4

Stevens Patient Care Unit:Feeling Like Home for 25 Years

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Marc CarpenterChair

James E. SponenbergVice-Chair

Janet WinklerSecretary

Charles ShellTreasurer

Robert Belk, MDMedical Director Emeritus

Peg BroyhillClaudia Dale BujoldJoseph C. Delk, III

Laura EastonDavid Gray

H. Houston Groome, Jr.Rob Hinman

Dottie MetzgerDeborah MurrayTamra Starnes

Linda StoryParker WilliamsonBoard Chair Emeritus

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are availablefrom the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919.833.4510. The license is not anendorsement by the State.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

If you received more than one copy of CareLines or received itin error; if you do not wish to remain on our mailing list or ifyour address changes, please let us know. Call 828.754.0101,write (return address at top of back page), or e-mail us atcchospice@caldwellhospice.org.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

Cathy Swanson, MPHChief Executive Officer

Can it be 25 years sinceCaldwell Hospice opened theWilliam E. Stevens Jr. PatientCare Unit at Kirkwood? With our cover story and our January2014 Caldwell County Todayinterview, we remind ourselvesand our community of thebenefits in having a free-standing (not affiliated with ahospital or a nursing home)inpatient unit for hospicepatients—unheard of in NorthCarolina when we startedplanning ours.

We have taken another hugestep in providing quality end-of-life care and being “companionsfor the journey” with hospiceand palliative care patients, with our expansion to Ashe,Avery, and Watauga counties inwestern North Carolina’s HighCountry. The article on page fivewill show the detailed planningand work required to make thisa reality. We appreciateeveryone who is part of theAppalachian Regional HealthcareSystem for recognizing thequality work we do and forinviting us to be their partnersin caring for patients in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Palliative care means “comfortcare,” and we provide palliativecare for patients whose serious,chronic illnesses make fulfilling

their daily routines a realchallenge. We can providepalliative care services at anystage of the illness, even whenpatients are receiving treat-ments intended to cure theircondition. This is very differentfrom hospice care, which isoffered when a patient’s condition cannot be cured.

To make the purpose and the scope of our palliative careprogram clearer, we haverenamed it AIM: AdvancedIllness Management. The AIM team members work withpatients’ primary physicians, thepatients, and their caregivers to develop a plan of care whichfits their needs and respectstheir ability to learn about and take charge of their healthoptions. Read more about AIM on page five.

Caldwell Hospice’s staff is at thefoundation of everything we dofor both hospice and palliativecare patients. We hire capable,compassionate people, and I amproud to say that, once they get“hooked on hospice,” they stay.To learn about our “long-time”employees, see the article onpage 15.

—Cathy Swanson, —Chief Executive Officer

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COVER STORY

Stevens PCU: Feeling like Home for 25 Yearshe Caldwell Hospice journeybegan over three decades ago

with a dedicated group of citizenswho were determined to makecompassionate end-of-life careavailable for anyone who desiredand needed it. These visionaries,with a growing foundation ofcommunity support, saw theirdesire become real in 1982 whenCaldwell County residents hadaccess to excellent end-of-lifecare in their homes provided byCaldwell Hospice.

Caldwell Hospice’s leaders andstaff knew that most peoplewould prefer to remain in theirhomes at the end of life. Theyknew, too, that it isn’t alwayspossible. Controlling pain andmanaging symptoms sometimesrequires a more controlledenvironment, and caregiverssometimes need “time off”without worrying that their lovedone might suffer.

The solution was clear: theyneeded to build an inpatient unitfor hospice patients. It would bethe first of its kind in North

Carolina, operating independentlyof a hospital or other medicalorganization, and the idea wascoming from a small hospiceprogram in Lenoir—not in one ofthe larger cities. The strongadvocacy of Parker Williamsonand the late John A. Forlines Jr.,who solicited the assistance of

T

On the Cover: Patients and families findcomfort at Stevens Patient Care Unit.

Hawaii, have visited our facility tolearn how to provide inpatientacute and respite hospice care.Twenty-five years later, only 25%of hospice providers in the UShave their own inpatient units.

And that is how Caldwell Hospicecame to plan, apply to the Statefor approval, educate the legisla-tors, revise the original plans, andbegin construction.

The process required four years,from start to the “open house” onJanuary 15, 1989. More than 500people attended the ceremony,including Hospice of NorthCarolina (now The CarolinasCenter for Hospice and End ofLife Care) Executive DirectorJudith Lund. The first patient was admitted on February 1.

The inpatient unit was an additionto Kirkwood, the home that MissMargaret Harper willed to FirstPresbyterian Church for use byCaldwell Hospice. It was meant to“look and feel like home,” offeringpatients and families comfort andpeace, as well as quality hospicecare during their time there. Theycould use the living room, library,dining room, and kitchen; theycould stay overnight, if theywanted; they could cook meals,celebrate family events, and beclose to their loved one.

Former Caldwell Hospice nurseDiana Ervin came to work 10 daysafter the dedication ceremony andseven days before the first patient

It would be the first of itskind in North Carolina...and the idea was comingfrom a small hospiceprogram in Lenoir—not in one of the larger cities.

banking industry lobbyists, wasessential. Parker said they had to learn quickly how to answerlegislative opposition. One impor-tant ally was Congressman JimBroyhill. This determined effortlaid much of the groundwork forinpatient hospice care in NorthCarolina and the US. Hospiceorganizations from across ourstate and the country, even

continued on page 4

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COVER STORY Stevens Patient Care Unit continued from page 3

was admitted. The PCU censuswas not stable in the earlymonths, so all the beds weren’talways filled. One patient stayedfor five months and was the onlyPCU patient during part of thattime. This woman was missing afamily connection, so the staffcelebrated her birthday, took partin her baptism, and stayed by herbedside when she died.

The benefit to hospice patientsand their families has been proventime and again during the past 25years. When Father Mike Cogsdale,the rector of St. James EpiscopalChurch in Lenoir, saw his father’shealth decline from late 1988 into1989, he took a Caldwell MemorialHospital doctor’s advice: “Youguys are tired, and Mr. Cogsdaleis probably tired. Let him go toHospice for a few days, and youcan get a break.” The few daysturned out to be his father’s finaldays, and he slipped peacefullyinto death. Father Mike refers to Kirkwood as “a holy place,”overseen by staff members who are professionals and who recognize the importance of being“part of the process at end of life.”

The inpatient unit was named,formally, in 1992, on CaldwellHospice’s 10th anniversary.Community citizens and leadersgathered in the courtyard as theinpatient unit was dedicated tothe memory of William E. StevensJr., remembered by ParkerWilliamson as one of Caldwell

Hospice’s first patients. TheStevens and Broyhill familiespresented a portrait, whichnow hangs beside the TeamCenter in the PCU.

The Stevens PCU became,for many people, the imageof CHPC’s patient care, eventhough about 95% of patients were receiving care in their homes or in long-term-care facilities.

As Caldwell Hospice’s patient loadincreased, so did the number ofpatients requiring inpatient care;the six beds were almost alwaysfilled, as was the waiting list. CHPCbegan construction in 2008 of TheJack and Shirley Robbins Center,an additional facility, in Hudson.

When the 12-bed Forlines PCUopened in August 2010, StevensPCU patients were transferredthere, so full-scale renovation andrefurbishment could begin. Almost20 years of inpatient care, familyvisits, and daily wear-and-tear

open house in February 2011 to see that, with all the necessaryupgrades, refittings, and improvements, Kirkwood still“looked and felt like home.”

Today, at anygiven time,fewer than 12 percent of CaldwellHospice andPalliativeCare’s patients are in eitherof our twopatient care units. Still, for the many patients and families who havespent time at the Stevens PCUand Kirkwood over the past 25years, memories and meaningremain strong.

Staff members often hearpatients’ sons or daughters orspouses giving tours to family

The benefit to hospice patients and their families has been proven time and again during the past 25 years.

required updating. From Augustuntil November, carpenters,electricians, plumbers, anddecorators renewed and updatedpatients’ rooms, the Team Center,shower room, and the familykitchen, dining room, living room,offices, and sunroom in MissMargaret’s house.

The Stevens PCU reopened on theMonday after Thanksgiving 2010.CHPC staff and volunteerswelcomed the community to an

members when they come tospend time with their loved ones.

In this “holy place,” as describedby Father Mike Cogsdale, familiescan spend time together; patientsand their primary caregivers canbe refreshed by “respite” time.

The unheard-of idea over 25 yearsago was, and remains, exactlywhat many hospice patients andfamilies in our community needand desire.

John Forlines and famly remember the late Julia

Forlines’ contributions to Caldwell Hospice at the

1989 patient care unit dedication.

Parker Williamson and Judith Lundat 1989 PCU dedication.

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CARE, COMMUNITY, AND COMMITMENT:

Caldwell Hospice Expands Service to the High CountryWith more than 30 years’ experience caring for patientsand families in Caldwell andsurrounding counties, CaldwellHospice and Palliative Care hasexpanded its geographical bound-aries of service, beginning in lateJanuary 2014.

“Because of our desire to providequality end-of-life care and ourawareness of the existing needfor services, we are expandingour full range of services towestern North Carolina’s HighCountry,” Chief Executive OfficerCathy Swanson said. A completeinterdisciplinary team—physician,nurses, medical social workers,certified nursing assistants,chaplains, and volunteers—isbased at a work station in Boone,NC, and soon in Avery County, as

BRAND NEW LOOK, SAME QUALITY CARE

Targeting a Higher Quality of LifePalliative care (“comfort care”)brings specialized medical care to people with serious illnesses;it relieves symptoms, pain, andstress—whatever the diagnosisand alongside curative treatment,if the patient so chooses. It isappropriate at any age and atany stage in a serious illness.

To call attention to our palliativecare services, in 2005, wechanged our name to CaldwellHospice and Palliative Care. We established a palliative carepartnership with CaldwellMemorial Hospital, at the sametime. Our palliative care team,the primary physician, thepatient, and the caregiver worktogether to plan care options andhelp the patient regain somecontrol of daily life and activities.The words “palliative care” canstill confuse people, and leadthem to reject the benefit itoffers.

well. All services will be available24 hours a day, 365 days peryear, with a registered nurse,physician, medical social worker,and chaplain on call.

similar vision and mission and seemany opportunities to worktogether,” stated Chuck Mantooth,President, Watauga Medical Center.

The High Country expansionrequired months of careful study,a detailed business plan, andCaldwell Hospice Board approval.

“The Board of Directors and teammembers are truly excited aboutexpanding our service area,”CHPC Board Chair Marc Carpentersaid. “We are eager to offer ourapproach to end-of-life care:years of professional experienceand, more importantly, a sincere,caring attitude to the patientsand families we serve. We areenthusiastic about becoming apart of the end-of-life supportsystem for our High Countryneighbors.”

“Appalachian Regional HealthcareSystem is pleased to partner withCaldwell Hospice and PalliativeCare to provide palliative careand end-of-life services to ourcommunity. We have a very

AIM is a collaboration between Caldwell UNCHealthcare and Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care.

Wishing to make the name moreclearly identify its purpose, wegave it a new name—AIM:Advanced IllnessManagement.

CHPC’s medical director, palliativecare nurse, and nurse practi-tioner consult with thepatient’s primary carephysician; they workwith the patient and the primary caregiverto improve the qualityof life. When needed,they bring in medicalsocial worker andchaplain support.

The team focuses on (1) relieving pain, shortness of breath,fatigue, constipation,nausea, loss of appetite,difficulty sleeping,depression and (2) educating and encouraging patients and

caregivers to take more controlover care options.

To learn more, talk to your doctor, call 828.754.0101, or visit www.caldwellhospice.org.

C O N T R I B U T I O N S

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MEMORIALSRoger M. AdamsNancy AdamsVirginia AdamsRobert & Donna BelkCristain "Cris" AndersonRon & Christine BeaneEugene AndersonMs. B.J. SetzerHelen AndersonBillie BraswellMs. B.J. SetzerRalph AnnasCeleste OliverTerry SmithHazel M. ArnetteTed BolickBrenda AutonBethel Advent Christian

ChurchHenry Bagley, Jr.Robert & Donna BelkHelen BakerMike & Cheryl BowmanRoger Dale BaldwinMs. B.J. SetzerMary Jo BarnwellBill & Emily CraigTheodore BarnwellBill & Emily CraigGreg BarrettRobert & Donna BelkJeanne N. Bush & BarbaraBush Barrett & familiesGene C. BarrierBill & Emily CraigViolet S. BartlesErnest & Brenda BartlesJudy E. BaumanHarvey BaumanSturges Beane, Sr.East Valdese Baptist Church,

Sunshine ClassRoger & Sally HeavnerGeorge & Eleanor KirbyClyde BelkDon & Barbara WeillerJohn C. BernhardtRobert & Donna BelkNan Harris BishopGroome, Tuttle, Pike, & BlairNels & Nancy AndersonBill FrazierMs. B.J. SetzerU.S. BolickMs. B.J. & Vicki SetzerRob & Vivian TaylorSharon BolusBillie BraswellZachary BoozerMillie WestKim BosigerWilliam & Nancy Witcher

Clinard BowmanPatricia Church & Tony CookDavy, Lois, & Amber

WhittingtonGeneva BowmanMartha CrowellMargaret BowmanPatricia Church & Tony CookDavy, Lois, & Amber

WhittingtonCecil BraswellAnnie BraswellCharles BraswellCecile, Cathy, Cindy, Chris, &

Caron PonsTom & Kim BarnhardtKeith & Peggy BlinsonWarren & Ruby BoyetteBillie BraswellLarry & Janet DameronCorinne Knight HatleyPaul & Barbara HatleyC.W. & Carolyn JohnsonShirley KincaidFred & Hazel McGeeMs. B.J. SetzerDuane & Debra SipeCecil & Peggy WardCarl & Shirley WestKenneth "Ray" BraswellKeith & Peggy BlinsonMarc & Bennie CarpenterFred & Linda JenkinsMillie WestAlley BrooksElaine BrooksKen BrooksElaine BrooksFaye A. BroyhillRobert & Donna BelkThomas H. Broyhill, IIRobert & Donna BelkDavid T. BumgarnerEmelyne WilliamsMargaret BumgarnerEmelyne WilliamsMartha BumgarnerPete & Mary Jo LoyzelleTroy BumgarnerMozelle WoodsR.L. "Rooster" BushRobert & Donna BelkJeanne N. Bush & BarbaraBush Barrett & familiesThomas "Gene" BushRobert & Donna BelkPaul CaldwellCaldwell Drilling & Blasting

Co., Inc.Fellowship Baptist ChurchBillie BraswellLarry & Janet DameronBonnie Harmon

Joann McLellandNancy M. RamseyBill & Pat SmithAdelaide W. SullivanSteve & Debbie WilliamsJames CallowayRPM Wood Finishes GroupPaul W. CallowayWanda G. CallowayDavid William CampMrs. Katheryn S. PintoR.D. CampbellJimmy & Tressie AndrewsM.R. CarltonEastern District of WNCC

AME ChurchHarold CreacyBetty Sue Oliver CaudlePatricia Church & Tony CookEugenia "Jeanie"ChampionLois BenfieldDavid Relfard ChesterMs. B.J. & Vicki SetzerJames "Jim" ChildersJanette D. ChildersBetty Fox ChurchDudley Shoals Baptist ChurchDudley Shoals Baptist Church,

Good Samaritan ClassMarilyn EisenhourDwight Thomas ChurchPatricia Church & Tony CookCharlie "Ed" Clark, Sr.CCSAEOPMillie WestJerry "J.C." Lynn ClarkeMichelle ClarkJ.B. CloerElaine BrooksConstance "Connie"ClymerAntonella PompoAnn CobbMs. B.J. & Vicki SetzerHazel R. CoffeyJoyce WhiteMargaret B. CoffeyDoug & Wanda GilliamMary CoffeyClaude CoffeyMax CoffeyDoug & Wanda GilliamRay CoffeyDavy, Lois, & Amber

WhittingtonJoy CollinsRobert & Donna BelkFloretta ColvardTimothy & Julia ColvardBob ConleyRobert & Donna Belk

Marischa B. CookeRobert & Donna BelkHarry CookeSusie Mae CorleyRobert & Donna BelkAvis CorpeningRobert & Donna BelkPat CoxWest Lenoir Baptist ChurchMr. & Mrs. Jerry BenfieldGlenn & Carole IsaacsRaymond & Sandra TriplettLuther CozartDennis HarrisNorma CozartMary Barber BellingerIdinie CraigBill & Emily CraigQuinton CraigBill & Emily CraigRay CraigMs. B.J. SetzerAllen Roy CrottsLA-Z-BOYPeggy McCallRichard CrouchRobert & Donna BelkHarry CurtisBobbie CurtisBarbara MyersOllie Brooks CurtisPatricia Church & Tony CookPatricia "Gail" CuttsBill SalsburyNed W. DavisDavid & Karen BooneBobbie CurtisDr. Myra A. DicksonPatsy HollarSteve & Connie StrangeScott DawsonRobert & Donna BelkSinclair DealStephen & Judy DealIris Ann DeckerEvelyn J. WilsonDwight DrumReba DrumReston DrumReba DrumJames Walsh DulaBuddy & Brenda McDonaldMagdalene McDonaldMs. B.J. SetzerLowell & Lillie SpearsMillie WestKate DulaPaul & Gail DulaRansom DulaReba DrumVergie DulaReba Drum

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Walter M. DulaReba DrumRaymond Earp, Jr.Keith & Peggy BlinsonBillie Jean "Sissy"EdminstenGeorge "Eddie" EdminstenFaye FergusonJ.D. Moore FamilyJanie EvansShirley KincaidJack FergusonBoomer Volunteer Fire

DepartmentLittle Rock Baptist ChurchRobert & Donna BelkWayne & Eula LittleBarbara MyersMs. B.J. SetzerJohn & Neal WarrenEdna WestonMargaret L. FergusonElaine Setzer-MaxwellMargie Triplett FletcherGranite Hardwoods, Inc.,

employeesLA-Z-BOYMary Barber BellingerMike & Cheryl BowmanLinda Ham & FamilyMaecile RamseyDoug & Kathy SaundersHelen WatsonJohn A. Forlines, Jr.Robert & Donna BelkJulia ForlinesRobert & Donna BelkJoe FoxRichard & Dorothy HedrickJoseph D. GibbonsKeith & Peggy BlinsonRichard GillilandMast General Store, Inc.Hon. & Mrs. Robert BradyDr. Myra A. DicksonCamilla HolsclawAnn N. SmithRose Ann SmithRebekah WatsonJohnsie GoforthBaton Baptist Church,

Adult #4 ClassHudson Middle School StaffWoodlands BBQRon & Christine BeaneClay & Janette BollingerPaul & Gail DulaDemmest & Betty GentryDoug & Linda MashburnTerry Lee & Elizabeth W.

McDonaldDoris PrillamanRita Rufty

Millie WestJulia B. GraggClyde & Caroline WoodyLester C. GraggClyde & Caroline WoodyMildred C. GreenLois BenfieldMarjorie GreeneJim's ReportsKeener, Cassavaugh, Farmer,

& Connor, PAKyle & Shirley Pennington

familyTalbert, Bright, & Ellington,

Inc.Technologies Edge, Inc.Catherine LePrevost BarattaLamar & Christine BarrierSheldenia CannonPatricia Church & Tony CookGraham EdwardsPeter & Chelsea FranzeseGraham & Ann GilleyJim & Laura GreeneEloise P. HarrenLarkin & Pat HortonDavid, Rena, & Tyler JohnsonSally LailGreg & Pam PilkentonSteve & Patsy PilkentonGerald & Barbara SchapiroAaron TuckerMillie WestLucy H. GrierRobert & Donna BelkDavid "Jerry" GriffinJanice Triplett, Bobby,

& familyZenith Freight employeesDaniel M. GriffinLinda Ham & familyLisa HelmsRob & Vivian TaylorCarl & Shirley WestCharlotte GroomeRobert & Donna BelkParks HaasDebbie SolanickRalph HahnMillie WestRene HaiglerElaine BrooksVerna HallJimmy & Tressie AndrewsCaptain James HarperRobert & Donna BelkMargaret HarperRobert & Donna BelkJewell Amanda ClarkHarrisMcCreary Modern, Inc.Paul HarrisDennis Harris

Wayne HartBill & Margaret BalleriniJean HartSherry LackeyFrank C. RichardsMs. B.J. SetzerTed HartleyMarlene HartleyMichael Jackson HatleyWinston & Eileen HatleyDorothy HawkinsHibriten High School faculty

& staffJames & Doris BradshawBillie BraswellMr. & Mrs. Dorman CottrellGary & Marcie SaundersTony & Carolyn WhittViolet Mae HawkinsAgnes Coffey, Mildred Hayes,Lillie Ford, Joanne Townsend,

& Christine MorrisHibriten Baptist Church,

Senior ClassHurley & Betty HawkinsRemon D. HaynesRemon D. Haynes familyPaul Perry HedrickErick & Amy Jonas Black &

Paige JonasJohn Shedden FamilyNASCAR, friends of Joseph

HedrickRMC RetailSchumacher Homes familySkytel Contractors, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. K. BanksBeverly & Judy BealRobert & Donna BelkMary Barber BellingerPeg M. BroyhillJeanne L. BushHarold A. ClarkWes CollinsMr. & Mrs. D. DuboseMr. & Mrs. Larry FreimanMr. & Mrs. P. GaliziaDave & Rachel Hedrick

GreeneBruce & Gladys HambyJim, Jr., & Eleanor C. HarperA.G. & Linda JonasDarrell & Dottie LloydRalph & Jane PrestwoodDennis RashDr. & Mrs. Charles ScheilDonna TorrenceSylvia TorrenceScott & Rita TriplettBrian & Christina

VanderbloemenJanet WilsonJim & Doris Wilson

Waldine HedrickRobert & Donna BelkLloyd HeltonMartha EllisAnna Lea HeltonRichard Helton & familyGlenda Suddreth & familyHarry HeltzerRobert & Donna BelkDonna HendrixRichard HendrixPaul HightowerDennis & Jenny DavisAnn N. HinesRobert & Donna BelkMelvin HinesShirley CregerNancy P. HinesShirley CregerLen HodgesBethany Lutheran ChurchChandler Concrete Co.Clearview Baptist ChurchJanet FlahartMontrose R. MartinBertha Wilson & Roy TriplettMarie HoganRobert & Donna BelkClarence A. HoldenRobert & Donna BelkToye S. HoldenRobert & Donna BelkBelva Dean HollarRobert & Donna BelkCharles William "Bill"HolmanMcCreary Modern, IncWalter L. Bean, Jr.Ron & Christine BeaneLarry & Patsy HollarCharles Ashton HolmanDoug & Diane HolmanMack & Janet JarvisPatricia Tate WeaverMyron "Van" HoltJenny TovesLucy A. HoodNadine HoodLena HouckWest Lenoir Baptist ChurchGlenda HolmanGeraldine WebsterL.C. HudspethMs. B.J. SetzerWinnie HuntleyRobert & Donna BelkDewey IcenhourRobert & Donna BelkJoe W. IcenhourAlan & Teresa IcenhourRuby IcenhourRickey IngleDennis Harris

C O N T R I B U T I O N S

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Wayburn IngleJill WattsPam JenkinsMillie WestVirginia JensenMillie WestJohn Davis "J.D." JohnsonMillie WestRoger D. JohnsonDonna MaradaBill JonesJim & Lois HuntEdgar & Betty JonesCatherine KennedyArtie KellerCentury Furniture Industries

employeesFrances Christopher KellerGlenn & Jan WilliamsLarry KellerConcord Baptist ChurchDry Ponds Baptist ChurchMaecile RamseyDavid & Tammy SeagleAlvis D. KelleyPrecious KelleyBobby KillianHK Research Corp.Kenneth Wayne KincaidKeith & Peggy BlinsonAllie KirbyGwen SummerlinHorace "Pete" KirbyGwen SummerlinMoe KirbyMartha J. WestTerry KirbyFirst Baptist Church,

RhodhissMike & Cheryl BowmanReid & Maureen EarleySheila HermanDarrell & Luda RichardsDwight StillwellGary & Linda StoryFrank KistlerMargo BowmanBetty KistlerJames & Peggy McClureMarsha Medlin-BuffMark & Barbara PropstDevin & Rhonda SteeleGeorge & Judy SullivanMark & Sheridan TurnerDee Mitchell LackeyRobert & Donna BelkDonald Lackey, Jr.Robert & Donna BelkWanda LandRobert & Donna BelkWilma LathanMary Barber BellingerPete & Mary Jo Loyzelle

Margaret LawsonKnightstaff, Inc.Eloise LaxtonRobert & Donna BelkVictor LaxtonRobert & Donna BelkWinford LaxtonKeith & Peggy BlinsonFred LefevreTom & Brenda ProffittVernon & Ethel LocklearMelanie MooreBurgess Gamewell LooperJim & Judy MackieEula Reid LooperJim & Judy MackieSarah LoweEmily SharpeMillie WestElizabeth "Betsy" LudwigRobert & Donna BelkJack LudwigRobert & Donna BelkAva Lee MaherFred & Bonnie HendrixDaniel "Dan" W. MartinRobert & Donna BelkMs. B.J. Setzer, Vickie,

& CocoJean McCorkleRichard & Betsy ShanksLarry McCrackenCarolinas HealthCare System,

co-workers of Ann McCracken Lucas

Fellowship Baptist ChurchJoel McCrackenGary RutledgeGene & Sadie WoodsMadge McCrackenGene & Sadie WoodsJewell McCrearyRobert & Donna BelkBetty Moore McMillonR.J. & Mavis LeonardMaude McNeilMaude McNeil familyDarrell MillerHugh Miller, Leta Greene,Claudia Aldridge, & Betty

FordH. MillerPete & Mary Jo LoyzelleHerbert D. MillerJean GilbertLynn & Rena LawingJessica MillerPatrick & Kay CrouchRalph & Jane PrestwoodVance MillerScott & Rita TriplettHazel A. MooreJohn & Dean Beamer

Kathleen MooreHughes & Hazel Moore family,

Pat, Eugene, Doris & J.V., John & Dean

Jim & Toy Greene familyJames A. BradshawMabel WalkerBillie S. WestR. Hughes MooreJohn & Dean BeamerArnold MoretzRobert & Donna BelkEliza MoretzRobert & Donna BelkTed L. MundayHugh & Phyllis MundaySue MurphySally PoarchNorma Jane NelsonCaldwell Memorial HospitalW. F. "Pete" NicholsBill & Emily CraigLouise OakleyJerry L. ChesterMargaret OrangeRita CheekMillie WestByron M. Osborne, Jr.Blue Ridge Telephone Pioneers Jerry & Eloise ConderDr. Myra A. DicksonDennis & Betty Rose MackieBob & Lori ThomasAnn ParsonsPaul & Gail DulaHarold PartrickElaine BrooksHenry Dick PennellRobert & Donna BelkJanelle PennellShirley CregerVerlie PennellShirley CregerMargaret PhillipDorothy HayworthLucille PhillipsPolly MooreBarbara PiggElaine BrooksBarbara PittsRoy L. PittsHoward PoarchAmerican Red Cross,

Real Estate Services Dept.Rachel PricePeggy CannonBill PritchardFirst Baptist Church,

RhodhissBob ProctorRobert & Donna BelkJeff RashRobert & Donna Belk

Craig RectorMarc & Bennie CarpenterMr. & Mrs. Lemuel F. QueenLynda SheffieldHelen WinsteadFleta ReidMartha HermanRalph P. ReidFaye R. BellCarolyn Reid KellerRuth A. ReidFaye R. BellCarolyn Reid KellerPara Lee RichardsBill & Margaret BalleriniFrank C. RichardsBelvia B. RichardsonSteve & Cathy BuchananMike & Carolyn Richardson -

Molly, Mandy, Jesse, Landon, Alston, Maddox, & Beau

Gary & Frances RobinsonCallie WagnerShirley H. RobbinsFirst Baptist Church, Hudson,

Naomi SS ClassKingston Residence

Association of HickoryUnited Presbyterian, Women

of the ChurchPeg M. BroyhillJeanne L. BushCleo JusticeCeleste OliverNell RaderFreda ThompsonBetty Jo SchellRobert & Donna BelkFrances ScottFaye C. MullisFreida C. PhillipsScott & Rita TriplettAgnes T. ScroggsAgnes Scroggs familyJ. Iverson Riddle

Developmental Ctr., HR Department

Ernest & Brenda BartlesRobert & Donna BelkPeg M. BroyhillGrace CaudleWes CollinsDewey & Carolyn CraigDean & Nancy McGhinnisRalph & Jane PrestwoodBill & Nancy SwansonMillie WestRev. Parker & Patty

WilliamsonJohn Cecil ScroggsRobert & Donna BelkRalph & Jane Prestwood

C O N T R I B U T I O N S

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Hazel SeagleNatalie LeBlancDermont G. SetzerMs. B.J. Setzer, Vickie,

& CocoFaye SevertElaine BrooksJohn ShanksRobert & Donna BelkJohn R. & Deb ShanksRichard & Betsy ShanksFrances ShehanNovo Nordisk Charlotte West

TeamPlastic Packaging, Inc. Paul & Kathy DouglasSloan H. SherrillDennis & Lorraine SherrillMildred "Midge" HodgesShookDiamond CreekMargaret Tate & the Tate

familyNancy M. RamseyBill SidesRobert & Donna BelkJames SigmonPete & Mary Jo LoyzelleAnne StarnesRobert & Donna BelkEvelyn StarnesCyndy AdamsHenry D. StarnesCyndy AdamsOmega StarnesFirst Baptist Church, Granite

Falls, The Shepherd's ClassMedical Center Pharmacy, Inc.The MacDougal familyWhisnant & Co., LLP,

Ronnie ClineSamuel & Margaret CurrinPaula P. EllerFrank & Linda GentrySara StarnesNorma S. SuddrethStephen & Nancy TrambleTommy & Nancy YountPolly StarnesRobert & Donna BelkDorothy StewartDare S. WellsBetty StorieKeith & Peggy BlinsonMillie WestDent SullivanRobert & Donna BelkLouise SullivanDonald SullivanAdelaide W. SullivanLenard SullivanVance & Melba WallaceMillie West

Wayne B. SullivanHudson High School,

Class of 1957Kathleen SwansonErnest & Brenda BartlesRichard "Bill" SwansonErnest & Brenda BartlesMargie TaylorStephen & Judy DealMary TaylorSue SmithBilly Alvin TeagueJames C. CoffeyJason LovinsDwight TeagueMildred & Penny WhisnantWayne TeagueRobert & Donna BelkLorena TedderConway's Chapel Baptist

ChurchJimmy & Tressie AndrewsRobert & Donna BelkTommy & Margaret HambySteve & Debbie WilliamsFred ThompsonRobert & Donna BelkFrederick A. Thompson, IIIRobert & Donna BelkJune TurnerKeener, Cassavaugh, Farmer,

& Connor, PADiana TyeRobert & Donna BelkRalph & Jane PrestwoodWm. Howard UlrichMichael & Linda UlrichLeanna VeasleyCecelia (C.J.) HartsellJames L. WakefieldMike & Cheryl BowmanEula Faye WalkerCanella Heating & Air

Conditioning, Inc.First Baptist Church, WhitnelFirst Baptist Church, Whitnel,

Don Walker ClassFirst Baptist Church, Whitnel,

Heaven Bound SS ClassNeighbors of Donald

Walker/Woodside TerraceRPM Wood Finishes GroupThe PelliccionesHubert & Judy BakerAngela CorneJody & Chrissy CorneJanet L. Payne & Reba L.

CornwellMicki TriplettCharles WallacePete & Mary Jo LoyzelleGib & Pam Petree

John WalshCounty of WilkesJessie EasonMs. B.J. SetzerMillie WestMargaret "Lizzie" WalshMs. B.J. Setzer, Vickie,

& CocoMarvin E. WalshHelen WalshVilas WalshMs. B.J. Setzer, Vickie,

& CocoC. James WaltonRon & Christine BeaneRobert & Donna BelkDan & Renee GarfinkelMike Maynard & Becky

AdderholdtMillie WestRichard WaltonRobert & Donna BelkCharles E. WardAlan & Debbie ToneyBeulah WarlickPete & Mary Jo LoyzelleCeleste OliverEugene & Rebecca SigmonRuby W. WarlickWilliam F. Warlick, Jr.Lucy WarrenJerry & Gloria KilbyBarbara MyersMarion WashburnEmerson & Cheryl DickeyBill SalsburyDoug WeillerRobert & Donna BelkHugh WestFred & Linda JenkinsMary E. WheelerMillie WestDawn WhiteBill & Emily CraigJ.C. "Jake" WhiteJoyce WhiteMary H. WhiteJustin WhiteWilliam "Bill" White, Jr.Robert & Donna BelkKathleen WilsonAlice H. WilsonLarry D. WilsonSusan Brown RealtyJoan Marie WitzelhoferKeith & Peggy BlinsonBillie BraswellLeola WolfeMillie WestLarry E. WoodsMozelle WoodsClyde T. WoodyClyde & Caroline Woody

Norma E. WoodyClyde & Caroline WoodyMaude Lou YoungsYadkin Baptist ChurchMs. B.J. SetzerBoyd YountFirst Baptist Church,

RhodhissFirst Baptist Church,

Rhodhiss, Couples ClassRay & Helen BengeBill FrazierRuth KiziahDarrell & Luda RichardsLuther & Ruth SigmonClyde YountStephen & Judy Deal

HONORSCaldwell Hospice &Palliative Care Board ofDirectorsRobert & Donna BelkCaldwell Hospice &Palliative Care staffRobert & Donna BelkCaldwell Hospice &Palliative Care volunteersRobert & Donna BelkFirst Presbyterian ChurchstaffRobert & Donna BelkHoward P. Benfield familyLois BenfieldMatrix Wealth Advisors, Inc.Robert & Donna BelkPatrick Benfield familyLois BenfieldRoger E. Nix familyLois BenfieldSarah Hedrick's caregivers& hospice careDave & Rachel Hedrick

GreeneAmelia AdamsJewel KablerRobin AumanSheila TaylorMr. & Mrs. Roy BarlowElaine BrooksReba BarlowBecky HedrickHarper, III, & BrendaBeallRobert & Donna BelkDr. Robert BelkNell RaderRobert & Donna BelkDr. David & Dianne DillLois BenfieldKathy RamseyCarolyn Woodie

C O N T R I B U T I O N S

PAGE 10

C O N T R I B U T I O N S

Alex & Anne BernhardtRobert & Donna BelkTim & Vale BiddixLes & Frances FryeJohn Bivens & TonyThe Smith & the McRary

familiesDrs. Nancy Morgan & JohnBowenRobert & Donna BelkJerry & Millie BrooksRobert & Donna BelkMeredith BrooksSheila TaylorMr. & Mrs. Paul BroyhillRobert & Donna BelkPeg M. BroyhillRobert & Donna BelkGeoff & Ann BurbridgeLee & Debra PennellMaggie BushRobert & Donna BelkSteve ButlerZion United Church of Christ,

Women's GuildErnest CarpenterThe Smith & the McRary

familiesJean CarpenterThe Smith & the McRary

familiesJimmy ChildersJanette D. ChildersMonte & Debbie CoffeyLes & Frances FryeLauren Cole EarlyBecky HedrickMarjorie ConleyRobert & Donna BelkEvelyn "Bootsie" CreasonRobert & Donna BelkChuck CrispElaine BrooksBecky HedrickSteve & Elaine CrispDean & Gwen HumphriesDr. & Mrs. Tom CrudenRobert & Donna BelkDebbie Childers DavisJanette D. ChildersDr. & Mrs. Gerrit DawsonRobert & Donna BelkDick & Maryann DuganTommy & Helen RobbinsMr. & Mrs. Tim EdmonsonRobert & Donna BelkJoyce FareRobert & Donna BelkMary FarmerBecky HedrickClark & Sherry FordLes & Frances Frye

Steve & Jennifer GreerLes & Frances FryeHouston GroomeRobert & Donna BelkAlma HagamanMillie WestDiane HambyBecky HedrickGreg HambyElaine BrooksMr. & Mrs. Dennis L.HambyRobert & Donna BelkJames C. Harper, Jr.Robert & Donna BelkMr. & Mrs. Richard Hedrick Robert & Donna BelkJerri HeltzerRobert & Donna BelkDr. Dennice HermanElaine BrooksDr. & Mrs. Ted HolcherRobert & Donna BelkAlexander S. HoldenRobert & Donna BelkHester R. HollarRobert & Donna BelkInez JonesDr. David & Dianne DillBarbara Ann KampRobert & Donna BelkChad & Sheila Kirby &familyThe Smith & the McRary

familiesDr. Donald W. LackeyRobert & Donna BelkRuby LailThe Smith & the McRary

familiesMr. & Mrs. Fred LandfordRobert & Donna BelkDr. & Mrs. N.M. Lewis, Jr.Robert & Donna BelkJanie MangumRobert & Donna BelkEunice McDonaldCheryl McDonaldHarold McDonaldJames McDonaldBarbara MetzMozelle WoodsDottie MetzgerRobert & Donna BelkElaine BrooksDr. & Mrs. G. AndrewMetzgerRobert & Donna BelkApril MooreBill SalsburyWalter & Carolyn MooreRobert & Donna Belk

Shirley G. MundayHugh & Phyllis MundayMr. & Mrs. Lewis NormanRobert & Donna BelkHazel PalmerClaud Harrold, Sr.Jenni S. PattersonElaine BrooksJan PennellRobert & Donna BelkLee & Debra PennellLes & Frances FryeRick & Betsy PierceLes & Frances FryeHarry & Janice PollyRobert & Donna BelkJason & Tonya Rankin &familyThe Smith & the McRary

familiesKristy RoseBecky HedrickRonnie & Anne SimmonsRobert & Donna BelkMr. & Mrs. Clifford SloanRobert & Donna BelkAlma SmithRobert & Donna BelkNina SmithDarrell & Dottie LloydBarry & Dianne SpicerRobert & Donna BelkDr. & Mrs. RodneyStalheimRobert & Donna BelkTom & Tamra StarnesRobert & Donna BelkAllene B. StevensFred & Martha BarnesCathy SwansonRobert & Donna BelkElaine BrooksTim RogersDr. & Mrs. James R.ThompsonRobert & Donna BelkFreda M. ThompsonRobert & Donna BelkMary Lib ToddEd & Evelyn BeamMunroe & Becky CobeyJoanne TripletteRobert & Donna BelkGreg & Joan VaughnLes & Frances FryeRay & Debbie WebbThe Smith & the McRary

familiesDon & Barbara WeillerRobert & Donna BelkGlenn & Jan WilliamsDon & Mary-Bacon Williams

Randy & Vicki WilliamsTommy & Velda Williams& MikeThe Smith & the McRary

familiesRev. Parker & PattyWilliamsonRobert & Donna BelkLibby Wyont & boysThe Smith & the McRary

families

GENERAL IN-KINDAvery Dennison employeesBeta Iota Chapter, Alpha

Delta KappaCaldwell County Clerk’s OfficeCaldwell County Council for

WomenCatawba Valley BaptistChurch,

Young at Heart CircleCenter Grove Baptist Church,

JOY ClubClearview Baptist ChurchCovenant Fellowship

MinistriesDollar GeneralFirst Baptist Church, Granite

Falls, WMW Prayer GroupFirst Freewill Baptist Church,

Ladies’ ClassFirst Wesleyan ChurchFoothills FramingFriendship Baptist Church,

Auditorium ClassGrace Chapel United

Methodist ChurchHudson United Methodist

Women, Circle #2Hudson United Methodist,

WMULaytown Mennonite Brethren

ChurchLenoir Rotary ClubMcMillon Electric Co., Inc.Mulberry Baptist ChurchRock Chapel Church of GodSouth Caldwell Family

Worship CenterSt. Stephen's Lutheran

ChurchWelcome Home Baptist

ChurchWhitnel United Methodist

ChurchWilliam Lenoir Middle SchoolYadkin Valley Baptist ChurchZion United Church of ChristChris Carter & Alice BarberDoug BeachDebra BrownMarie Brown

PAGE 11

Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., gratefully acknowledges memorials and contributions received between 01 October and31 December 2013. Please notify us if we have omitted a donation from this listing. Contributions received after 31 December 2013will be listed in our Spring 2014 issue.

Newsletter mailing list policy: CareLines is published four times a year. Each person who contributes during the six months prior toa mailing will receive the next two issues. Individuals who ask to be placed on our “do not remove” mailing list will receive thenewsletter every quarter.

C O N T R I B U T I O N S

Peg M. BroyhillLana CarnettHeather ClineMr. & Mrs. Charles CoffeyLarry & Linda CraigGeorge "Eddie" EdminstenPamela JohnsonCarolyn Reid KellerLena McGeeBarbara MetzMary F. NorwoodSharon SandersLouise SullivanBill & Nancy SwansonJudy Walker

IN-KIND MEMORIALSClem AlleyRandy AlleyNorene AlleyRandy AlleyJanet BarkerMerita BarkerLucy BostonMadge NealKenneth "Ray" BraswellMabel BraswellLinda P. EstesDorris KincaidMargie Triplett FletcherTim Pope familyRichard GillilandJudy GillilandMona HodgeBarbara, Donna, Joshua,Dillon, & Elizabeth KeeverViolet IngleDry Ponds Baptist ChurchPam JenkinsDonnie JenkinsRoger D. JohnsonKaren JohnsonKathryn MaltbaMelvin MaltbaLarry McCrackenBeth ThomassonDarrell MillerMiller familyKaren PennellBuford Pennell

Ted RobertsTed Roberts familyElisha ShatleyTina AverySusie ShoemakerMary Miller-BumgarnerOmega StarnesLee StarnesLenard SullivanMargaret SullivanEula Faye WalkerAngela CorneWillard WhiteAnnara WhiteBernice YountSt. Paul AME Church

IN-KIND HONORSJohn HodgeBarbara, Donna, Joshua,

Dillon, & Elizabeth Keever

CONTRIBUTORSBanfield Charitable TrustBlue Ridge EnergiesBroyhill Family Foundation, Inc.Catawba Valley Landlords

AssociationCorning Incorporated

FoundationEstate of Minnie Louise

WilsonGrace Chapel UMC, High

Nooners Seniors ClassHudson High School,

Class of 1965In & Out Moving & Delivery,

LLCSherrill FurnitureStevens Family Foundation,

Inc.Woodmen of the World,

Lodge #95Clara AndrewsBobby L. AustinMr. & Mrs. Jack BradshawBillie BraswellMike & Anita BroachMarc & Bennie CarpenterJerry & Linda Church

Ralph & Linda ChurchRick & Tamara CoffeyPauline C. CraigAlice DulaRobert GardinerDal & Margaret GreerCharlotte M. HamrickRobert HarrisEric & Barbara HartleyWilliam & Jeanette HollarSteven & Carolyn KirbyPaul MarshallBryson PenleyDarrell & Carolyn SigmonEddie Dean SmithBilly Z. WalkerGreg & Sherry WhiteWilliam & Nancy Witcher

RELIGIOUSORGANIZATIONSBaton Baptist Church,

Adult #4 ClassBethany Lutheran ChurchBethel Advent Christian

ChurchCajah's Mtn. Baptist ChurchCalvary Baptist Church,

Married Adult ClassCedar Rock Baptist ChurchCenter Grove Baptist ChurchChurch of Resurrection HopeClearview Baptist ChurchClover Baptist Church,

Andrew ClassClover Baptist Church, Berea

ClassConcord Baptist ChurchConway's Chapel Baptist

ChurchDry Ponds Baptist ChurchDudley Shoals Baptist ChurchDudley Shoals Baptist Church,

Good Samaritan ClassEast Flat Baptist ChurchEast Valdese Baptist Church,

Sunshine ClassFaith Baptist ChurchFellowship Baptist ChurchFirst Advent Christian Church,

Hattie Steele Circle

First Baptist Church, Granite Falls

First Baptist Church, HudsonFirst Baptist Church, Hudson,

Naomi SS ClassFirst Baptist Church,

RhodhissFirst Baptist Church,

Rhodhiss, Couples ClassFirst Baptist Church, WhitnelFirst Baptist Church, Whitnel,

Don Walker ClassFirst Baptist Church, Whitnel,

Heaven Bound SS ClassFirst United Methodist

Church, UMWFlemings Chapel Baptist

Church, Adult Men II ClassFriendship Baptist Church,

HudsonGamewell United Methodist

ChurchGrace Chapel United

Methodist ChurchGrandin Baptist ChurchHibriten Baptist ChurchHibriten Baptist Church,

Senior ClassJoyceton Baptist ChurchLittle Rock Baptist ChurchLivingston Memorial Baptist

ChurchMountain Grove Baptist

Church, Living Word ClassNazareth Advent Christian

ChurchRefuge Missionary Baptist

ChurchRock Chapel Church of GodSunrise Baptist ChurchTemple Hill Baptist ChurchUnited Presbyterian, Women

of the ChurchWest Lenoir Baptist ChurchYadkin Baptist ChurchYadkin Valley Baptist Church,

Golden NuggetsZion United Church of Christ,

Women's Guild

PAGE 12

PET PEACE OF MIND

Mike Carswell and Ellie: True CompanionsSix years ago Mike Carswelldrove to Casar, NC, and chose aGerman Shepherd puppy for hisdaughter. But the puppy, namedEllie, chose Mike—and the bondbetween them has grownstronger through good andchallenging times.

Some time ago, because offinancial issues, Mike couldn’tafford to keep Ellie. His friendLee Cox took her, but Ellie didn’tget along with Lee’s dogs. So Lee asked Dr. Laura Pearson, at Caldwell Veterinary Hospital,to adopt Ellie, but Ellie didn’t get along with Dr. Pearson’sdogs, either.

“Ellie had an inability to be givenaway,” Mike said.

German Shepherds are one-person dogs, someone once toldMike, and it seems to be true.Eventually, circumstances stabi-lized, and Ellie was able to returnhome to Mike.

Currently, Mike and Ellie arefacing another challenging time.“All this got started with

pneumonia. That’s what Ithought I had,” Mike, a CaldwellHospice and Palliative Carepatient, said. “All this” includestiredness, questions, changes inhis financial situation and livingarrangements, as his health gotworse. Dr. Mark Faruque orderedtests, and the results showedcancer. Mike has since enduredchemo, radiation, and steroids.He calls himself fortunate tohave strong support from his sonEthan, his best friend KeithAnnas, Dr. Faruque, SandyCoffey, and Lee Cox. Also, “I’vegot a ton of people praying forme,” Mike said.

“Hospice is here. It’s comfortingto know that, if I need anything,

I pick up the phone. Karen(CHPC nurse) explainsthings. Jessica (CHPC

medical social worker) hashelped me with legal

matters—you don’t liketo think about it, butthere are things to

be done.”

Jessica told Mike about PetPeace of Mind® (PPOM), a newprogram at Caldwell Hospice,developed and funded byBanfield Charitable Trust (BCT),to help hospice patients withpets who need care they can’tafford.

At Caldwell Hospice, PPOM grant money covers:

l essential vaccinations

l routine veterinary care

l flea/tick/heartworm testing and treatment

l spay/neuter for dogs and cats

l emergency grooming

If questions about treatments arise, Caldwell Hospice’s PPOMconsulting veterinarianmakes the call. Onceapproved, patients or their caregivers make the appointment and transport pets to and from a veterinarian’s office. The veterinariansends the invoice toCaldwell Hospice, and it’s paid from PPOM grant money.

Jessica told Mike about Pet Peace of Mind®, a newCaldwell Hospice program,developed and funded byBanfield Charitable Trust(BCT), to help hospicepatients with pets who need care they can’t afford.

PAGE 13

ASHEWOOD GRIEF AND COUNSELING SERVICES

Seeking Answers to Hard Questions

Follow Caldwell Hospice on facebook for the latest updates on quality end-of-life care.

Learn at Lunch: Rituals of RemembranceMarch 12, 2014Noon to 1:30 p.m.McCreary Family ProfessionalCenter, Room A, The RobbinsCenter, Hudson

Bereavement Coordinator SteveButler will share ideas forcreating or transforming ritualsthat allow people to rememberloved ones they’ve lost to death.Learn at Lunch is held eachquarter to help grieving peoplethroughout the communityunderstand grief and loss, ask questions, and find healing. You can purchase lunch for $5 or bring your own. RSVP to 828.754.0101, please.

Understanding Your Suicide Grief Support GroupMarch 27, April 3, 10, and 176 to 7:30 p.m.Ashewood Grief and CounselingServices, 1004 Ashe Ave., Lenoir

Emotional support in the aftermath of suicide will be thefocus during Caldwell Hospice’sfour-week support group,Understanding Your SuicideGrief. Family and friends whoselives have been altered bysuicide can find encouragementand understanding in a safe andcaring environment, amongothers who can share their grief.Caldwell Hospice Chaplain JohnRobbins will facilitate the supportgroup. For more information, call828.754.0101.

Above and Beyond RecognitionKim Price, RN, Trinity Ridge (formerly Lutheran Home West) Director of Nursing, was named the Caldwell Hospice Above and Beyond awardrecipient for second quarter 2013. “I enjoy the work I do, and I try to incorporate humor in all my interactions with my residents,” Ms.Price said. “After all, laughteris the best medicine.”

“It is a pleasure to work withsomeone like Kim who caresdeeply for the wellbeing ofothers,” said Trinity RidgeAdministrator Tonya Hilliard.Caldwell Hospice employeesand volunteers nominate staffmembers of area long-term-care facilities who encourage quality end-of-life care for resident-patients and their families for the quarterly award.

“Ellie was due for shots, butwith my illness, I was unable topay,” Mike said. “PPOM made itpossible; it’s done a lot for meand for Ellie.”

“When you have a dog thatyou’re close to, it understandsyou and what you’re goingthrough. Dogs can be prettyempathetic,” Mike said. CaldwellHospice direct-care staff andvolunteers understand. Theycarry treats with them topatient visits, know the pets byname, recognize the anxietywhen patients worry aboutpaying their other bills andcovering their pets’ needs.Protecting this human-pet bondis where PPOM comes into play.

Concerned staff members beganexploring patient-pet supportoptions in 2012—surveyingdirect-care staff to identify theneed; estimating the cost fornecessary procedures; submit-ting a grant request to BanfieldCharitable Trust; preparing anoperating plan; educating CHPC staff, and introducing theprogram to area veterinarians.

“Our consulting veterinariangave us the top five proceduresto cover so our grant moneycan help as many hospicepatients with pets as possible,”Pam Hildebran, PPOM coordi-nator, said. “It’s better to startslow and grow. We have lots ofideas for additional ways to helphospice patients and pets likeMike and Ellie in the future.”

“Having Ellie around is acomfort to me, and I guess I’ma comfort to her,” Mike said.Watching the two of them andconsidering all they’ve beenthrough, we believe Mike isright.

For information about volun-teering opportunities withCaldwell Hospice’s PPOMprogram, call 828.754.0101.

Love’s Labor Lost Support GroupMarch 25, April 1, 8, and 156 to 7:00 p.m.Ashewood Grief & Counseling Services, 1004 Ashe Ave., Lenoir

Emotional support for any parent or family member who has experi-enced the loss of an infant, following a miscarriage, stillbirth, or inearly infancy. Co-facilitators for this four-week support group will beBereavement Coordinator Steve Butler and Clinical Liaison TraceyCarriker. For more information, call 828.754.0101.

Pictured (L to R): Trinity Ridge AdministratorTonya Hilliard, Trinity Ridge Director of NursingKim Price, and Caldwell Hospice Clinical LiaisonTracey Carriker.

PAGE 14

VOLUNTEER NEWS

Jeff Linn: “I Wanted to Be a Part of That.”

Adult Volunteer TrainingApril 8 & 10, 20148:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.McCreary Family ProfessionalCenter, Meeting Room B526 Pine Mountain RoadHudson, NC

YOU can make a difference in thelives of patients and their familiesin our community!

For information or to register, contactCrystal Burch, Volunteer SupportSpecialist, at828.754.0101 or volsupport@caldwellhospice.org.

“It began with my good friend’sterminal illness. In the midst ofall his health problems, helearned that his son had aterminal illness, too.” CaldwellHospice Volunteer Jeff Linnremembers the situation vividly.“My friend’s wife was torn—whichof them should she stay with?That was where I could step in asa trusted friend of the family andgive comfort.”

Jeff was there to see the hospicecare provided by Burke Hospiceto his friend’s family. “I saw whata big difference the hospiceworkers made; they wereadvocates for him and his family,”he said. “I wanted to be a part ofthat; I wanted to be somebodywho can help patients and their

families get through the hardtimes.”

Jeff joined the Caldwell Hospicevolunteer team just over a yearago. As a retiree, he can beflexible, visiting patients in themiddle of the day. When calledupon for 11th Hour volunteersupport—“being there” duringwhat will likely be a patient’s final24 to 48 hours to talk or help orlisten—Jeff can stay longer thanthe requested two-hour shift, ifneed be.

Jeff’s “usual” assignments are inCaldwell Hospice’s two patientcare units (PCUs). Once a weekat the Forlines PCU in Hudson, hedistributes meals from the on-sitekitchen, feeds patients, changesout the ice buckets, chats withpatients, changes TV channels forthem—whatever they and thedirect-care team want him to do.

Once a week at the Stevens PCUin Lenoir, Jeff picks up meals fromCaldwell Memorial Hospital’scafeteria, distributes meals topatients, feeds them if asked,carries out the trash, and visits

“I saw what a big difference the hospiceworkers made...I wanted to be a part of that; I wanted to besomebody who can help patients and theirfamilies get through the hard times.”

—Jeff LinnCHPC Volunteer

patients. In the words of aCaldwell Hospice certified nursingassistant, PCU volunteers like Jeffhelp to “free up” their time to dodirect patient care.

Jeff remembers a patient whowas quiet and withdrawn whenhe went into her room one day—until he sang “Tea for Two” andgot a smile from her. Maybe fromremembering the song from daysgone by, maybe because of hissinging; Jeff isn’t sure!

“I’ve learned to ask patients,‘How are you doing today?’” Jeffsaid. With one patient, he always

It’s important to note that if a volunteer is everuncomfortable with anassignment, the volunteercoordinator will reassignhim or her, and will notthink less of the volunteer,knowing that differentpeople have different skillsand levels of comfort.

PAGE 15

brought crunchy peanut butterand graham crackers, herpersonal snack favorites, and her response was always, “Godbless you!”

Jeff was reluctant to visitpatients at home, initially. Whatif he didn’t know how to dosomething? What if he neededhelp? Caldwell Hospice’s volun-teer program resolved that fearin two ways. First, the volunteercoordinator just asked him toshop for a patient. Jeff realizedthat the caregiver wanted to goshopping herself, partly to havesome time to herself. Jeff hadphone numbers for anyone atCaldwell Hospice he might needto call, so he stayed with thepatient and they “hit it off.”Problem solved.

“A volunteer is not responsiblefor keeping the conversationflowing,” Jeff pointed out. “If the

patient enjoys conversation,good; if he just wants to watchTV, good. You’re there to keepthe patient company, no bigdemands.”

To illustrate the point, Jeff tellsabout one patient he visitedregularly on Wednesday nightsso the man’s wife could go tochurch. While she was gone, Jeff and the patient watched oldWesterns and Hee-Haw on TV.

It’s important to note, Jeff says, that if a volunteer is ever uncomfortable with anassignment, the volunteercoordinator will reassign him orher, and will not think less of thevolunteer, knowing that differentpeople have different skills andlevels of comfort.

Volunteers bring anotherperspective into the caregivingenvironment, according to Jeff.They come from their life

experiences to the patient’sworld, and most often both ofthem are enriched. After morethan a year of volunteering, JeffLinn is sure that serving as aCaldwell Hospice volunteer hasbeen a blessing for him.

If you are looking for a life-enriching experience, considerjoining the Caldwell Hospicevolunteer team. The next adultvolunteer training sessions willbe April 8 and 10, from 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with breakfast, lunch, and snacksincluded. Participants arerequired to attend both days.Topics will include CaldwellHospice history, family relation-ships, patients’ needs, the dyingprocess, and more. For additionalinformation or to register, contactVolunteer Support SpecialistCrystal Burch at 828.754.0101 orvolsupport@caldwellhospice.org.

STAFF NEWS

Caldwell Hospice Recognizes Years of ServiceThroughout its 30-plus years of service to Caldwell and surrounding counties,Caldwell Hospice has counted on its staff to be a trusted presence for patients andfamilies during their end-of-life journey. Its employees have strengthened that trust by remaining present, over the years,and in some cases, over the decades. At the recent Staff Appreciation Luncheon,these employees received recognition:

Five years: Volunteer Coordinator BrittanyBonn, Homecare Nurse Lisa Callaway, NursingTeam Leader Tina Hartley, Medical SocialWorker Kelly Mitchell, PCU Nurse Carol Parker,Medical Social Worker Kimberly Setzer, andMedical Social Worker Amy Umsted;

10 years: Hospice Accounts Specialist Judy Baire,Bereavement Coordinator Steve Butler, and AdministrativeAssistant Jane Prestwood;

15 years: Human Resource Coordinator Melissa Woodruff;

20 years: Volunteer Support Specialist Crystal Burch andInpatient Coordinator Anita Pinson;

25 years: Chief Executive Officer Cathy Swanson.

ParkerMitchellHartleyCallawayBonn

PrestwoodButlerBaireUmstedSetzer

SwansonPinsonBurchWoodruff

Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.Companions for the Journey

902 Kirkwood Street, NWLenoir, NC 28645www.caldwellhospice.org

NONPROFITORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAIDPERMIT NO. 272

LENOIR, NC

I N T H I S I S S U E

A Message from Our CEO ........2

COVER STORY Stevens Patient Care UnitCelebrates 25 Years................3-4

Caldwell Hospice Expands Service to the High Country.... 5

AIM: Targeting aHigher Quality of Life .............. 5

Contributions ......................6-11

Pet Peace of Mindfi : Meet Mike and Ellie ................12

Caldwell Hospice Adult Volunteer Training ........14

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

W I S H L I S T l 2 0 1 4l Snacks (individual-size)

for patients’ familiesl Applesaucel Cans of soupl Coffee (cans, regular and

decaf)l Decaffeinated coffee in

single-serve bagsl Hot chocolatel Napkinsl Aluminum foill Plastic wrapl Storage bags (qt., gallon)l Styrofoam coffee cups

(8-oz.)l Solo cups (16-oz. for soft

drinks, tea, etc.)l Paper plates and bowlsl Plastic spoons and forksl Lotion (personal size)l Deodorant (personal size)

l Toothpaste (travel size)l Men’s lotion (personal size)l Mouthwash (personal size)l Nail clippersl Orange sticks (to clean

fingernails)l Boxes of tissue (Kleenex)l Baby wipes or refills

(not anti-bacterial)l Triple-blade disposable

razorsl Hair brushesl Disposable camerasl AA and AAA batteriesl Amazon.com gift cards to

purchase children/teen grief books, music, and resources

l Music CDs (instrumental, gospel, inspirational, meditation, nature sounds)