Employee Spotlight Archives - Page 6 of 6

From Caregivers to Friends: The Big Four

October 16, 2019/in News /

It started with a song and ended with a tribe of four. “The Big Four,” as they like to be called, met when Pat Taksen’s husband, Arne, received Homeland Hospice care from 2016 to 2018. An Army veteran, Arne died on September 11, 2018, a day of remembrance in our country, which coincided with the start of the Jewish New Year. Homeland Hospice is a hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Pat’s Homeland team of support included Amy Zegers, RN case manager; Laurie Bassler, social worker; and Angelo Evans, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). During their time together, the group formed a remarkable bond while loving and caring for Arne.

“The first time we met, Arne serenaded me with the song ‘Once in Love With Amy,’” Amy says. “I knew I was meeting someone special.”

Arne, a lover of conversation, made the most of his time with his Homeland team. Pat often taught them Yiddish so Arne could quiz the team on what they had learned. He enjoyed sharing highlights from his five-decade career as the owner of D&L Distributing Co., a coin operated amusement business in Harrisburg. In retirement, Arne started NJG (Nice Jewish Guy), a successful driving service.

“Arne could make any story into an adventure,” Amy adds. “He never missed an opportunity to share his life experiences with us and bring a smile to our faces.”

During Arne’s 21 months of hospice care, he battled cancer and dementia. As the dementia progressed, Arne wasn’t able to cognitively understand the toll cancer was taking on his body. The Homeland team worked closely with his family to identify changes in his physical behavior. Together they helped Arne pinpoint the source of his symptoms. He often used drawings to communicate his pain and discomfort.

“The Homeland team welcomed me with open arms,” Pat says. “We became as close as family in the way we cared for Arne and for each other.”

Through Arne’s end-of-life journey, he left a legacy in the people he brought together to care for him. Following his death, The Big Four continues to meet for dinner, which include sharing memories of Arne. Most recently, they gathered to honor the one-year anniversary of Arne’s death and the unveiling of his tombstone.

“Some people come into our lives for a reason and some for a season,” Amy says. “I’m so blessed Arne and Pat Taksen came into my life.”

Homeland provides a full continuum of services to care for patients, and to support families, as their needs change.

Homeland Hospice teams are comprised of a registered nurse case manager, hospice medical director, attending physician, volunteer coordinator, social workers, counselors, home health aides and others. All team members are patient- and family-focused.

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

A Career of Compassion

April 18, 2018/in News /

Employee Spotlight on Brian Medkeff-Rose

Brian Medkeff-Rose, M.Div., M.A., Bereavement Counselor at Homeland Hospice, found his true calling 26 years ago while attending a spiritual retreat in Washington, D.C.

“I was called to full-time ministry,” Brian says. “That became my career path and I never looked back.”

Brian graduated from the Methodist Theological School in Delaware, Ohio. He was ordained by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and obtained his clinical pastoral education from Bethesda Hospital in Ohio, which prepared him to work in acute care, outpatient care and long-term care, as well as elder services, home health and hospice care.

Brian’s clinical pastoral work led him to Harrisburg and, ultimately, to Homeland Hospice.

“Homeland is where I belong,” Brian says. “I value our team approach to care. Social workers, physicians, nurses’ aides, volunteers – we all work together to help those in need.”

As a bereavement and spiritual counselor, Brian often finds that an “out-of-the-box” approach is what helps create a path forward for individuals experiencing loss. Discovering that approach involves truly getting to know the people he supports – and the ways in which their loss is affecting them.

When counseling a husband who lost his wife, for example, Brian learned the man was struggling to bring himself to go grocery shopping and cook meals for his family.

“Preparing meals was a constant reminder of his grief,” Brian says.

Seeking a creative approach to help his client, and others in mourning who are facing similar challenges, Brian collaborated with a dietician at Homeland Hospice to develop a workshop on healthy eating during the grieving process. Participants received cooking ideas for one and tips on preparing meals for children. The workshop was such a success that future sessions are being planned.

While Brian enjoys counseling adults, he holds a special place in his heart for children.

Brian was 15 years old when his mother died. He has a personal appreciation for the care and attention children and teens need – not only after a loved one dies, but before an expected loss as well.

“Homeland offers pre-bereavement counseling especially for children and teens,” Brian says. “For young people, this service can be just as important as grief counseling after the death of a loved one.”

Homeland Hospice’s bereavement support programs are available to the bereaved of Homeland’s patients as well as anyone in the community who is experiencing grief. Group meetings are held on a rotating schedule throughout the year.

If you have questions, please contact Brian Medkeff-Rose at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

Employee Spotlight: Rev. Dann Caldwell

December 18, 2017/in News /

Born and raised in the beautiful Susquehanna Valley, Rev. Dann Caldwell has been a part of the Homeland family since 2013.

“Both of my parents are a part of the Homeland family as well,” Rev. Caldwell says. “Each is receiving care at Homeland Center in uptown Harrisburg.”

As one of Homeland Hospice’s spiritual counselors and chaplains, Rev. Caldwell is a calming presence and offers guidance to patients and families throughout the end-of-life journey. “I am here to offer hope, comfort, and compassion, and to address patients’ questions and concerns, as well as assist them in exploring the legacy they will leave behind.”

Rev. Caldwell is a graduate of Central Dauphin High School, Lycoming College and the Princeton Seminary. “I received my Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology from Lycoming and two masters’ degrees from Princeton – Master of Divinity and Master of Theology.”

“Throughout high school and college, family members and friends suggested that I go into ministry,” he recalls. “These continued confirmations gave me a sense of what my calling in life was to be. They put me on the course of helping ministries, counseling and chaplaincy.”

Ordained as a United Methodist Minister nearly 30 years ago, Rev. Caldwell has served in several local churches, as well as secular and community agencies as a chaplain. Additionally, he provided counsel and spiritual direction to those undergoing drug and alcohol treatment.

In Rev. Caldwell’s spare time, he enjoys swimming – and for a special reason.

“I have muscular dystrophy so, when I am in the water, it gives me freedom of movement and buoyancy that I am not able to get on dry land,” he says. “It is so energizing and refreshing. I try to swim as much as I can, when I can.”

Rev. Caldwell is also an avid singer.

“Many people don’t know that I have been singing since I was eight years old,” he says. “I was actually paid to sing at that young age by the St. Stephens Episcopal Cathedral Choir in Harrisburg. Singing is a true passion of mine.”

And the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Rev. Caldwell and his mother and father frequently perform together at Homeland Center’s monthly Wednesday morning prayer services. “I received my ear for harmony from my mother. And, the fact I am able to sing with my parents – well it’s making more memories to hold on to,” Rev. Caldwell says.

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