Thank you to Homeland Social Workers

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By Mary Peters, MSW, LSW, Assistant Director of Social Services, Homeland Hospice

Multilingual Thank You HeartAs my colleagues, friends and family know, I take Social Work month very seriously. I am a social worker by trade and take a lot of pride in what it means to be a social worker. The definition of social work (to me) in its simplest form is: being an advocate for those in need.

As the Assistant Director of Social Services at Homeland Hospice I am not only an advocate for the patients and families we serve, but equally important, an advocate for and the number one fan of those I supervise.

In reflection of Social Work Month last year, I was resolute on honoring all the members of my team–social workers, spiritual care and bereavement counselors, medical records staff, and IHR coordinator—and plan to do the same this year. They are all dedicated servants to those in need in some way and all have selflessly stepped up as needed through this most challenging year.

Every team member is critical in the care Homeland Hospice provides. I could NOT have gone without any one of them this past year. I mean this with the purest heart. Their passion and warmth are to be admired and truly inspires me to do what I do every day. I am so proud to say that I am their supervisor and colleague!

Each of the disciplines in Social Services provide the utmost care, concern, support, and advocacy, for each one of their patients, family members, and loved ones.

THANK YOU, Social Workers: Rachael Young, Leighann Hoffman, Pam Ramsey, Laurie Bassler, Robin Zampelli, Danielle Williams, Alyssa Richards, Angie Smyser, Stacey Schroder, and Lisa Fetter.

THANK YOU, Chaplains: Dann Caldwell, Rey Villarreal, Mark Harris, and John Good.

THANK YOU, Bereavement Counselors: Alexis Conkle and Noelle Valentine.

THANK YOU Mary Anne Naugle – Medical Records/Clinical Records Specialist, and our newest addition, Rachel Arrieta – In Home Relief Coordinator.

THANK YOU ALL!

Esther Mutua’s Journey Home

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In loving memory of Esther Ndunge MutuaChinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” For many of us, taking that first step requires the support and guidance of others. Recently, the staff at Homeland Hospice helped Esther Mutua take that first step to secure medical clearance and support services to travel more than 7,000 miles to her home in Nairobi, Kenya to spend time with her family during her end-of-life journey.

Esther’s story began last spring when she was diagnosed with stage four-pancreatic cancer while visiting her daughter Rachel White in Harrisburg. Esther and her husband frequently traveled between their home in Nairobi to Harrisburg to spend time with Rachel, their son, and grandchildren.

“My mother loved spending time with all of her family,” Rachel says, “While she traveled often, her home and heart were always in Nairobi.”

After learning of her diagnosis, Esther began medical treatment to combat the cancer. When all treatments and medical options were exhausted, she decided to return to Nairobi for her remaining days. Rachel planned her mother’s return to Nairobi beginning at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport and connecting with Kenya Airways. At JFK, Rachel learned her mother needed a special form from her doctor to allow her to travel. Esther was turned away from her flight and dream of going home.

When the family returned to Harrisburg, a friend recommended Homeland Hospice to Rachel to help provide pain management, comfort and support to Esther. Homeland Hospice is a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania. Esther received a team of care to include a registered nurse case manager, hospice medical director, attending physician, volunteer coordinator, social worker, counselor and nursing aide assistants.

During their initial visit, Laurie Bassler, social worker, and Franchesca Washington, RN, learned about Esther’s wish to travel home to her country.

“Our work is about putting the patient first,” Laurie says. “We immediately went into action to make this happen.”

Over the following weeks, Laurie completed the necessary paperwork for Esther and advised the family about connecting with visiting nurse support for Esther once she returned to Nairobi. Franchesca secured a wheelchair and prescriptions. Esther, accompanied by family members, was able to return home earlier this year. She spent her final two weeks surrounded by her siblings, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.

“We were with Homeland for a short time, but they gave us hope.” Rachel says. “We have comfort and peace knowing my mother’s wishes were honored.”

For Laurie and Franchesca, fulfilling this request was part of a job they love. The hospice team works diligently to understand all of their patient’s needs and desires, as well as those of the family.

“I love being part of a team that strives to overcome every hurdle,” Laurie says. “It’s a privilege to work with our hospice families.”

Homeland Hospice serves 14 counties throughout central Pennsylvania, providing end-of-life care either in a person’s home or wherever they reside, including nursing facilities. Homeland staff becomes even more closely involved as death approaches. This is one of hospice’s greatest strengths – helping the patient and loved ones cope as a person approaches life’s end.

To learn more, please contact Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.