Aimee Schmoltze Called to Hospice Work After Seeing Its Impact Firsthand

When Aimee Schmoltze’s mother began receiving hospice care, she saw the impact of the program on their family. Over a 14-month period, Aimee, her mother and their family developed emotional bonds with the hospice staff who provided compassionate care during a very difficult time. This was a formative experience for Aimee. Amidst her grief, she felt called to the work of hospice. Today, Aimee is a registered nurse and case manager for Homeland Hospice, a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Aimee’s career began as a medical assistant. While she loved her job, she wanted to have a greater impact on the lives of her patients and decided to become a registered nurse. As a registered nurse and case manager for Homeland, she meets patients at the beginning of their journey with Homeland. She assesses their needs, orders any needed medical supplies and creates a care plan for aid.

This initial meeting is often very overwhelming for patients and their families as they come to terms with the severity of the patient’s medical condition. During this emotional time, Aimee is there to provide a calm, comforting presence.

“I assure patients they are not alone,” Aimee says. “We will be there every step of the way.”

Caring for the broad spectrum of needs patients face including their fears, concerns and worries is what Aimee loves most about her job. This was the life-changing work she saw when her mother was in her final months of life. Aimee understands the journey also includes families and the struggles they face during this time.

“I can see the relief on their faces when I relieve the pain their loved one is experiencing,” Aimee adds. “Open communications and education can wash away the worry caregivers experience.”

In her role, Aimee finds that many people don’t understand the breadth and scope of hospice services or the philosophy behind the hospice approach. Hospice care is available to a patient when a medical cure is no longer possible or a decision to stop aggressive treatment has been made. Homeland Hospice helps patients live as fully and comfortably as possible by providing symptom and pain relief; care services and therapies; spiritual support; and on-call support.

For Aimee, the dedicated time she spends with patients and the bonds she forms with them and their families fills her heart and soul with gratitude.

“I love this work,” Aimee says. “I am doing exactly what I was put on Earth to do.”

For more information, call Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.