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Advocating Quality Comfort Care Throughout Life

Upcoming Programs:

The Virginia Association for Hospices Annual Conference
will be held May 14-15 in Williamsburg. You do not need to be a VA
member or hospice provider to attend. PDF

Pain Resource Nurse
Training programs in May (21-22) and June (5). PDF

Assessing Decision Making Capacity
A Workshop for Physicians. Ethics Committee members and other interested healthcare professionals also will benefit from this educational activity.
Speaker: Gary H. Oberlender, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Place: Carilion Clinic Roanoke Memorial Hospital
To register call 981-8890 or e-mail to: scurtiss@carilion.com

Next Meeting:

Laura Pole & Chris Pile will be demonstrating the POST training presentation
that is being used to train staff in the pilot organizations.

Friday, June 12, 2009
7:30 - 8:15 a.m. - All Meet
8:15 - 9:00 a.m. - Committees Meet
Newcomers are welcome to participate!
Friendship Manor Residents’ Center
Roanoke, VA

Directions from 581/220: Take the Hershberger Rd East/Airport exit. Go through 4 lights (the last light is at the intersection of Florist & Hershberger Rds.) Just past Florist Rd., make a left on Bluebell Lane. Residents’ Center is on the left near the flagpole.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - The Roanoke Times

An early call to hospice can help patients

Thanks to Michael Carmadi for suggesting hospice to the daughter of a dying patient ("End of life can be scary for both patient, family" March 17 Extra column).

A woman would never consider having a baby without people present to explain what is happening and treat out-of-the-ordinary situations that may arise. During childbirth these are midwives, nurses, physicians and doulahs.

Similarly, someone should not have to face the end of life without people nearby who are experienced in end-of-life care. These people are hospice staff and volunteers.

We understand how frightening and stressful this experience can be and how to treat distressing symptoms, such as pain and shortness of breath. Anyone can call hospice for information about services -- patient, family member, friend, neighbor.

Unfortunately, patients often are referred to hospice very close to death, and many patients and families tell us they wish they had started hospice care sooner. Every person in our community who is dying has the right to hospice care and to experience dying as an opportunity for growing, sharing, cherishing, savoring and letting go.

The experience still may be scary, but we will be there every step of the way to share the journey.

SUE RANSON
President/CEO Good Samaritan Hospice