JULY 2023 Making Haven Hospice Stronger
NICE NOTES Kind words of appreciation from families of patients that Haven has served. Thank you, everyone, for helping me through a difficult time. May God bless all of you. Our family would like to thank and acknowledge the care team that assisted with our loved one’s hospice care. Our family was comforted by the chaplain, nurse, doctor, and CNAs. Thank you. Thank you again for the care given to my husband. He was only there for a few hours before he passed, but it made all the difference in the world to him. Thank you so much for your kindness and care in my wife’s last weeks. It will always be remembered. 2 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE JULY 2023 BeYourHaven.org
Welcome to In Touch BeYourHaven.org JULY 2023 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE 3 Dear Donor: The poet Maya Angelou said in 2013, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” When the Haven Hospice Community Advisory Boards last met, they heard what the poet spoke of from one of the certified nursing assistants that serve Haven patients and families. These team members shared many “untold stories” they had personally experienced. They shared letters and notes of gratitude and appreciation from patients and family members. They have a relationship that is unlike any other between clinical team members and patients. The care they provide is deeply personal, whether it is a bath, changing the bed, shaving, putting lotion on patient’s feet, or reading. Haven’s CNAs do it all. I hope you will enjoy learning more about their work, and about other goings on at Haven that are included in this newsletter. Enjoy your summer and thank you for your support! With Gratitude, Sharon Jones, FAHP, CFRE Vice President of Development Executive Director of the Haven Hospice Foundation
When people disclose that they work in hospice care, a common response is, “Oh, hospice nurses are angels on earth!” This is usually a response from a family member or friend who lost a loved one on hospice services and was touched by the care provided by certified nursing assistants or registered nurses. Both CNAs and RNs provide compassionate care for patients, but their scope of work differs. The distinction is that CNAs provide basic patient care, like assisting with daily living activities like bathing and taking vital signs, while RNs administer complex medications and provide education in conjunction with physicians. Haven CNA Kem Lee says that hospice CNAs operate under a “very diverse umbrella.” She said, “We put ourselves in a position to be vulnerable, transparent, loved, free, hurt and healed. Comfort doesn’t always look the same for our patients and their families, but it’s our duty to provide it.” Haven’s CNAs work wherever their patients call home. For some, their case load is in one of Haven’s five hospice care centers. Others visit patients in their homes or assisted living facilities. Kem says that some patient experiences are challenging, but that every now and then, she will “click” with a patient or their family and it makes the hard times worth it. One of her fondest memories is with a patient who had a tumultuous family relationship. “One time, I had a patient who caught me completely off-guard. She and I had the most fun during visits; it never felt like a job. She cried on my shoulders freely, without judgement, and we shared many laughs,” said Kem. “However, there were times her family was unfair to me due to family circumstances. I wanted everyone to be comfortable, so it was something we worked out with good communication. Her daughter-in-law, who was challenging, began to love me more and more.” Providing Comfort and More: Certified Nursing in Hospice Care 4 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE JULY 2023 BeYourHaven.org
BeYourHaven.org JULY 2023 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE 5 Kem, who recently earned her hospice and palliative care certification, said that anyone considering nursing work in hospice care should be prepared for attachment and the loss that comes with it. She said so many patients are easy to love and losing them is difficult, but that comes with the territory. Dealing with heavy emotions at the end of life can be burdensome, so it is important to bring light to difficult situations. One example of this comes from Haven CNA Sarah Quintin, who dressed up as a giant inflatable unicorn for patient visits at Benton House at Oakleaf, an assisted living facility in Jacksonville. Sarah wanted to surprise some of Haven’s memory care patients at Benton House. She wanted to do something out of the ordinary to bring smiles to their faces, so, naturally, she showed up dressed as a unicorn in a Haven shirt! Sarah said every time she visits Mrs. Tucker (pictured), it is usually after lunch and she is sleepy. “I wanted to bring a smile to her,” said Sarah. “Being able to bring a smile to someone is a gift for the soul.” She was accompanied by Haven professional liaison Kelly Thorne, who said, “I wish there were words to describe the animated joy Sarah brought to the memory care wings at Benton House. Many of the patients were enamored by her outfit, responding with touches and smiles and some verbalizing their joy to the best of their ability. It was a phenomenal sight to behold, and it is a privilege to witness firsthand the love our frontline staff has for their patients and the lengths they’ll go to get a simple smile.” CNAs at Haven take both challenging and joyful situations in stride, putting patients and their families first. Their hands-on, compassionate care leaves a lasting impact on those they serve, evidenced by the notes and gestures of thanks that pour in. Thank you to Haven’s CNAs, as well as CNAs in other disciplines, for your hard work! Haven CNA Sarah Quintin delighting patients at a Jacksonville assisted living facility
6 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE JULY 2023 BeYourHaven.org Haven Hospice Certified as a Great Place to Work® Great Place to Work Institute, a global authority on workplace culture, and its senior care partner Activated Insights have honored Haven Hospice with certification as a Great Place to Work. This certification process involved surveying all full-time and part-time employees across Haven’s 18-county service area and evaluating more than 60 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included employee pride in the organization’s community impact, belief that their work makes a difference, and feeling their work has special meaning. Rankings are based on employees’ experiences, no matter who they are or what they do. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team members, who are critical to Haven being recognized for our work culture. It is their compassion and hard work that makes Haven so special,” said Haven President Pauline Taylor. The certification was celebrated at town hall meetings throughout Haven’s service area, which allowed Haven’s leadership to thank team members in person for their essential contributions to our workplace culture. Team members proudly took selfies with “Great Place to Work” picture frames and wrote about their reason for loving their work at Haven. Haven’s Great Place to Work profile can be found at https://www.greatplacetowork.com/ certified-company/7051467. To learn more about Haven as an employer, or to browse current career opportunities, please visit BeYourHaven.org/Careers.
BeYourHaven.org JULY 2023 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE 7 Hampton Groover, MD, has been named Chief Medical Officer of Haven. With a career that includes working in hospice and palliative care—as well as extensive academic experience—Dr. Groover brings years of relevant experience to Haven. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Groover serves as a member of senior leadership and oversees Haven’s team of skilled providers across its 18-county service area. “It is a privilege to welcome such an esteemed professional as our new Chief Medical Officer,” noted Haven President Pauline Taylor. “His vast array of experience in hospice and palliative care, paired with his passion for academia and leadership, will surely benefit the communities we serve. Our patient care teams and community partners across North Central Florida will enjoy the opportunity to work with Dr. Groover.” Dr. Groover came to Haven from St. Mary’s Health Care System, Athens, Ga., where he served as Medical Director of its inpatient palliative medicine program. He has decades of clinical and medical leadership experience in Georgia. “My mission is to support Haven staff in a way that helps them fulfill Haven’s mission: Honoring life by providing comfort, care and compassion to individuals and families we serve,” said Dr. Groover. “I look forward to growing real, genuine relationships with not only the Haven team, but also with nursing homes, assisted living communities and medical providers across our service area so we can extend Haven’s care to those who need it.” Earlier in his career, Dr. Groover held a variety of medical director positions at PruittHealth Corporation in Norcross, Ga., and worked at Atlanta Medical Center in both physician and leadership capacities. Dr. Groover received his Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and did his residency at the Atlanta Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Resident Training Program. He majored in biology for his Bachelor of Science at the University of Georgia in Athens. Dr. Groover is certified in hospice and palliative medicine and internal medicine. Hampton Groover, MD, Named Chief Medical Officer at Haven
8 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE JULY 2023 BeYourHaven.org New Haven Hospice Attic Resale Store Opens in Palatka Haven Hospice’s new Attic Resale Store in Palatka hosted a grand opening event in June. The store, Haven’s sixth, will generate funds that support Haven patients and families as well as community programs and services. Located at 2907 Reid Street, the store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All of the Attic Resale Stores depend on the generous support of donors in the community, who bring in new or gently used items to create store inventory. Inventory is stocked daily by volunteers and staff ensuring new, unique merchandise for shoppers at a great price. The stores accept items ranging from housewares and furniture to clothing and children’s toys. A complete list of donation guidelines can be found online at BeYourHaven.org/Attic. Additionally, the Palatka Attic Resale store offers pick up or delivery of large items; anyone interested in scheduling a pick-up can call the store directly at 386.385.3378. Haven’s six Attic stores are located in Chiefland, Gainesville, Lake City, Orange Park, Palatka and St. Augustine. Please visit BeYourHaven.org/Attic or follow the Palatka Attic on Facebook or Instagram for more information on volunteering, donating or shopping.
BeYourHaven.org JULY 2023 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE 9 Two groups, the 100+ Women Who Care About Clay County and the Haven Women of Philanthropy Gainesville, recently made donations in support of Haven’s new dementia program. 100+ Women Who Care About Clay County, presented Haven with a $2,600 check. The group’s representative, Brooke Davies, presented Haven staff with a check at the Custead Hospice Care Center in Orange Park. Haven served more than 4,000 patients in 2022. Approximately 1,200 of those patients had either a primary or secondary dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis. With a growing need for dementia education and support, Haven is establishing a new program to focus on the needs of dementia patients and families, as well as the staff caring for them. The program will provide additional training and resources for Haven staff, family caregivers and staff at Haven’s partner facilities to ensure the best possible care for patients living with dementia. “Haven Hospice’s dementia program is designed to meet patients and families where they are, whether that is in a home, skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, hospital or group home,” said Haven Vice President of Business Development Jen Malko. “We know the dementia program will improve quality of life for patients living with cognitive disorders and will also provide caregivers the support they need to navigate difficult times.” In addition to specialized training, Haven’s new program will also focus on quality of life through companionship and specialized tools and activities. This includes patient-staff companionship with specially trained CNAs and engaging activities like busy blankets or companion “pet” stuffed animals. The second donation in support of the dementia program was $11,000 from Haven Women of Philanthropy - Gainesville, which designated funding to go toward the new program. Each year, the Women of Philanthropy group is presented with multiple projects to choose from to fund. “The Haven Women of Philanthropy – Gainesville Chapter were passionate about supporting Haven’s new dementia program,” said Haven Hospice Foundation President Sharon Jones. “Many of them have been personally impacted by dementia or Alzheimer’s so they are especially aware of the positive impact the dementia program will have on patients and their families.” Philanthropic Groups Make Donations for Haven’s New Dementia Program
10 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE JULY 2023 BeYourHaven.org Bill and Evelyn Purvis were married more than 71 years. Bill passed away under Haven’s care in January. Their daughter Brenda said she thinks her mother “just couldn’t stay here without him.” Evelyn passed away only three months later, also under Haven’s care. Their family wanted to honor them with leaves on the Tree of Life, and wanted the leaves to be side-by-side. The Tree of Life is a dignified display that is the center piece at the hospice care center in Gainesville. Currently, there are Tree of Life displays in the family room of the Gainesville care center and the lobby of the Palatka care center. Haven’s team, including Foundation and Facilities team members, quickly made this happen for the Purvis family. Brenda said, “Haven was the absolute best choice for our family. The amazing hospice staff treated our Mom and Daddy with the utmost respect and compassion, all while nurturing, supporting, and loving our family. Knowing our parents could pass peacefully, with dignity, and without pain was such a blessing. Thank you Haven!” For more information about the Tree of Life, please visit BeYourHaven.org/TreeOfLife or reach out to the Haven Hospice Foundation at 800.727.1889. Haven Places Husband and Wife’s Name Together on Tree of Life
BeYourHaven.org JULY 2023 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE 11 Camp Safe Haven Provides Healing Fun in Gainesville Haven held Camp Safe Haven in May in Gainesville. Camp Safe Haven helps children and families who have lost a loved one understand their grief and build relationships with others facing similar challenges. Campers participated in fun and therapeutic activities such as a drumming circle, relay races and art therapy which included coloring horses with non-toxic markers. Thank you to the staff, volunteers and donors who helped put on Camp Safe Haven at no cost to the campers!
12 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE JULY 2023 BeYourHaven.org Haven Director of Access Claudia Beureuse was recently selected as a winner for the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association’s (FHPCA) Catalyst Award. Claudia was recognized at the FHPCA 2023 Awards Luncheon in Orlando. The Catalyst Award recognizes an individual within an organization who has consistently demonstrated leadership in forging the collaboration that makes hospice unique. FHPCA selects an individual each year who seeks excellence not only in their field, but also in cooperation with other disciplines; fosters collaboration and brings teams together to the betterment of the organization; and embraces a spirit of collaboration within their hospice organization. Claudia, who has been with Haven in an admissions role since June 2021, was nominated for the award by Jen Malko, Haven’s Vice President of Business Development. Jen cited Claudia’s patient advocacy, creative strategies and collaboration in the nomination. “I have never seen more teamwork and collaboration throughout the entire company as I have since Claudia joined our organization,” said Jen. “She looks at problems or weaknesses as whole and creates processes to improve them.” Jen added that Claudia is “synonymous with catalyst,” having been instrumental in a number of strategic initiatives, improving patient care and quality, and executing change. Jen said that even when it is uncomfortable, Claudia puts the needs of patients and the success of the organization at the forefront and leads across disciplines.. “My personal mission is to eliminate barriers for patients to have access to high quality hospice and palliative care. I’m proud to work in a field that focuses on individualized care— never judging but rather always striving to enhance quality of life at a vulnerable time,” said Claudia. “I would like to thank the team for giving me a voice and allowing me to be creative and make changes that help patients. It’s an honor and privilege to be recognized for wanting to make a difference in patients’ lives throughout their hospice journey.” Claudia Beureuse Wins Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association Award Haven Director of Access Claudia Beureuse with President Pauline Taylor and VP of Operations Chris Russell
BeYourHaven.org JULY 2023 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE 13 A portion of Haven’s 250 volunteers help document patients’ life stories through Haven’s Legacy Project. The Legacy Project is a program in which patients’ lives are documented through a creative medium— hand photography; life reviews in the form of video, written narratives based on interviews with patients and their families; drawings; or a combination of these elements. Legacy Project requests are provided at no cost to family members. A Haven volunteer recently documented a life story for Rubin Mills, a patient in Haven’s tricounties area. The story detailed the highs and lows of Mills’ life—childhood memories, time at war, marriage, career, family, hobbies and beyond. Haven volunteers captured quotes that stood out in Mills’ mind, character traits and any memories he was willing to share. Beautifully written and typed up, the Legacy Project life story demonstrates the power of creativity and was cherished by Mills and his family. In addition to his life story, Mills was also honored with a Haven veteran recognition ceremony for his service in the United States Army. The Legacy Project is beneficial for patients and their loved ones; it helps patients reflect on their lives and share stories, some of which have never been previously shared. It can also help loved ones through their bereavement journey. Haven’s Legacy Project won the Excellence in Program Innovation Award through the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) in 2018. Haven clinical volunteer manager Susie Gilson said volunteers make invaluable contributions daily. “When I think about volunteers working here at Haven, I don’t think they always realize the impact of what they do for our patients and what a difference they make,” said Gilson. “They really become part of our plan of care. We would not be Haven without our incredible volunteers.” Haven Legacy Project Writes Life Story for Patient
VALLEY VIEW 26001 NW 122nd Street, Alachua, FL Honorary Chairs: Portia L. Taylor & Curtis F. Jefferson Join us for an evening of delicious food, entertainment, gaming and fun, benefiting Haven’s dementia program. Dress: Cocktail attire (costumes welcome!) For ticket information or sponsorship opportunities, please visit BeYourHaven.org/ViVA or contact Vicky at 352.271.4665 or [email protected]. Individual tickets: $200 (open seating) The Raymond E. & Ellen F. Crane Foundation Sharon & Dick Jones · Carlisle & Rose Pavey · Jackie Price Joanne & Tom Young, MD Danny Martinez Bill & Betty Petty SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 | 5:30 PM
WINTER 2022 IN TOUCH MAGAZINE 15 Haven gratefully thanks you for your kindness and compassion. Serving North Florida since 1979. Licensed as a not-for-profit hospice since 1980. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. HAVEN HOSPICE, REGISTRATION #CH7366. TIN # 59-2490893. BeYourHaven.org/Foundation | 800.727.1889 SantaFe HealthCare Board of Directors Ben I. Doerr, Jr. • Glenda E. Hood • Kevin Maddron Jackson N. Sasser, Ph.D. • Lawrence G. Schreiber Haven Hospice Corporate Advisory Board Paul Broadie, Ph.D. • Jo Buckles • Rebecca Catalanotto • Dan Duncanson, M.D. Jennifer Gerrib, LCSW, BCD, CCTP • Eric Lawson • Robert Mallicoat, MSN, MHA • John Medina, Sr. Terance Millan, M.D. • Fran Pepis • Lawrence G. Schreiber • Angela Weiser, MSN, RN NE-BC SFHC Executive Liaison: Jackson N. Sasser, Ph.D. Haven Hospice Foundation Board Luther Drummond • Danny A. Martinez • L. Wayne McClain • Darryl Patterson • John Medina Bob Stripling • Norlene Roberts • Bernie Fitzgerald • Marty Franklin • Tom Young, M.D. Sharon Jones (Executive Director) • Lawrence G. Schreiber • Pauline Taylor Chiefland Logan Andrews, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Marianne Bennink • Sinoma Brown • Connie Conley Matt Ferguson • Denny George • D. Ray Harrison The Honorable Sheree Lancaster • Holly McGlashan Robert (Bob) Mount, Jr., • Gerry Petrone • Anita Rembert Larry Smith, PA • Allison Stevens • Tonya M. Sullivan Lyle Wilkerson Flagler/Volusia Kitty Allen • Linda Bogosian • Deb Brown, RN Channing Coolidge • Serena Fisher • Bernie Fitzgerald Heather Jackson • Tim Poore • Christine Sanders Sean Tabone • Reina Williams Gainesville Rahimulla Asad, MD • Janet L. Christie • Jeffrey Hogue Denise Lowry Hutson • Joel Islam • Jodi Long Trey Long • Perry McDonald • Shannon Miller Linda Murphy, RN, BSN • Barzella Papa, CFRE Betsy Pepine • David Quillen, MD • Melanie Shore Gigi Simmons • Bob Stripling • Jon Thomas Jacksonville Michelle J. Faison, MSN, RN • Mike Jorgenson, Esq Susanna Massari • Darryl Patterson • Fran Pepis Jeremy Powell • John Wyche Lake City Michael Bay • Lauren Beadles • Marjorie Carmichael Daniel Crapps • Lance Drawdy • Debra K. Griffen The Honorable Leandra Johnson • Carlton Jones • Ray Keen John Medina, Sr. • Patricia Orender, MSN, RN • Joan Rountree Charles Snipes • Dwight Stansel • Ann Thompson Orange Park Russell Buck • Ronald Coleman • Melody Corso Jane DiLoreto • Sheree Ellingson, MBA, CSA Charlie VanZant • Grady Williams, Jr, LL.M • Mitch Wright Palatka Benjie Bates • Chris Carson • Danyell Daugherty Heather Davis • Trisha Delrio • Pat Freeman Derek Hembree • Keith Jensen • Ramesh Kumar, MD Anand Kuruvilla, MD • Ben Lott • Danny Martinez L. Wayne McClain • Robert Mills • Brian Nunn Steve Overturf • Representative Bobby Payne Shann Purinton • Mary Rich • Norlene Roberts Chief Jason L. Shaw, Sr • Weezie Smith Karla Flagg-Wright, L.F.D. St. Augustine Jennifer Akins • Vince Fattizzi • Kevin Geddings Pamela Livingston • Ron Palmer • Jignesh Patel, MD Stephanie Sanalila Haven Community Advisory Boards