Pet Friendly Assisted Living: Where Pets are Family

Posted on February 15, 2019 by Liberty Lutheran

For animal lovers of all kinds, pets are family. When we welcome pets into our homes we invite the never-ending joy they bring along with them, as well as their unconditional love. The Hearth at Drexel’s pet friendly assisted living demonstrates an unquestionable happiness that these beloved animals bring to the community. And the impact they have on the people who call this wonderful place home is equally unmistakable.

A proud member of Liberty Lutheran’s family of services, located on the beautiful Main Line in suburban Philadelphia, The Hearth at Drexel has a well-earned reputation for quality, comfort, and security. “I truly love it here,” says resident Marilyn Steward, who lives in her cozy assisted living apartment with her much-loved cats, Goldie and Silvery.

Marilyn and her cat, Silvery

“The people who take care of me are absolutely wonderful, and the food- The food is delicious!” Marilyn exclaims with a smile on her face thinking about what’s on the menu for later.

Marilyn says she can’t speak highly enough about the care she receives at The Hearth, “I enjoy living here very much. I have my own apartment and of course, my kittens! It’s wonderful having them here,” she smiles as her cat, Goldie, jumps onto the sofa and sits beside her. Marilyn pets Goldie’s yellow fur and you can see the special connection they’ve formed while living at The Hearth.

The benefits of pet friendly assisted living for seniors

Assisted living at The Hearth distinctly sets itself apart from other senior living communities not just for their well-known elegance and luxury, but for another amenity that keeps animal-loving residents smiling every day. Pet friendly assisted living at The Hearth demonstrates a shared understanding throughout the community that pets are just as much family as people.

For seniors especially, pets have the exceptional ability to bring a sense of familiarity that carries the feeling of home with them wherever they may go, and this is certainly the case for resident, Elizabeth Clarke.

Pet friendly assisted living at The Hearth: Elizabeth Clarke and her cat, Chloe

Elizabeth Clarke and her cat, Chloe, at The Hearth

Elizabeth Clarke moved to The Hearth in 2016. Elizabeth has been a nun for many years, and prior to coming to The Hearth, Elizabeth’s community of sisters allowed her to return to her family home in Winchester, Massachusetts. There, she lived with her father, her mother, and her mother’s cat, Cocoa. Elizabeth greatly enjoyed helping her mother take care of Cocoa, and after her parents passed away, she gladly became Cocoa’s new owner. After selling her family home, Elizabeth and Cocoa moved to the town of Rockport, where she remembers the beautiful ocean breeze and large fishing port nearby. Cocoa the cat lived with Elizabeth in Rockport for a number of years before she sadly passed away.

“It was very difficult for me because Cocoa was originally my mother’s cat. Saying goodbye to her was like saying goodbye to a part of my mother as well.” Elizabeth says remembering the companionship Cocoa brought to both her and her mother.

It wasn’t long after Cocoa’s death that Elizabeth decided she’d like to have another cat. That’s when she went to a local no-kill shelter and met Chloe. A woman who worked there placed the sweet kitten in Elizabeth’s arms and she knew instantly that Chloe was the one she wanted to take home.

It took no time at all for Chloe and Elizabeth to form a very special bond. She loved taking care of Chloe, but as time passed and Elizabeth began to lose her vision, the realization hit that maybe Elizabeth needed someone who could take care of her. Although Chloe provided companionship as a pet it became increasingly difficult for Elizabeth to live alone in Rockport. She called her community of sisters and one of the nuns came to town to visit.

“I don’t think I can do this anymore,” Elizabeth told the nun explaining the challenges of living alone. Elizabeth, who was beginning to lose her vision, could no longer drive herself to the grocery store, and the last thing she wanted to do was potentially hurt someone by causing an accident.

“I think you should live at The Hearth,” the nun told Elizabeth.

“What is The Hearth?” Elizabeth asked.

The nun told Elizabeth that The Hearth was a beautiful assisted living community where she could have her own apartment with access to quality care. She went on to explain her reasoning.

“You can bring Chloe,” said the nun.

Elizabeth let out a deep sigh of relief as if an overwhelming weight lifted from her shoulders. She smiled at the nun with great satisfaction and agreed The Hearth would be her and Chloe’s new home.

“I don’t know what I would do if I had to give my beloved Chloe away,” says Elizabeth, “I knew it was likely that I might have to.” Elizabeth frowned at the thought. “When sister told me The Hearth welcomed pets and that Chloe could come with me, I was so happy.”

Chloe and Elizabeth moved to The Hearth together in September of 2016, and they’ve been thrilled to call it home ever since.

“Chloe loves it here,” Elizabeth says as she lovingly watches Chloe lay in a cardboard Jet.com box that Elizabeth saved just for her, knowing her cat would like it as a cozy place to lay. As much as Chloe loves the pet friendly assisted living at The Hearth, The Hearth loves her equally in return.

“She immediately became a hit here.” Elizabeth says referring to Chloe as her cat mews from inside her cozy cardboard retreat. Both staff and residents at The Hearth continuously ask Elizabeth how Chloe is doing, to which Elizabeth always happily responds, “She’s doing very well.”

Walk from Elizabeth and Chloe’s apartment on the East side of The Hearth to Marilyn Steward’s cozy abode on the West, where you’ll find, Goldie and Silvery, her beloved feline friends ready to greet friendly visitors.

“The name Silvery comes from the pretty strand of silver running through his black fur,” Marilyn says as she explains the history of her cat’s eclectic namesake. Marilyn got Goldie and Silvery from the SPSCA where she says they were playmates.

Marilyn’s cat, Silvery in her apartment at The Hearth

While currently sharing her pet friendly assisted living apartment with cats, Marilyn has been a lover of all kinds of animals her entire life. She remembers bringing home a wild duck once as a child, and she grew up with dogs and cats in her family home. “My sister moves in with her cat Stanley very soon!” she says with excitement as she mentions yet another resident and pet The Hearth is happy to welcome into the community.

Pet friendly assisted living brings joy to both residents and staff

It’s clear that pet friendly assisted living at The Hearth makes residents very happy, and the staff will be the first to note the lasting impact these animals have on their beloved owners. Community Life Coordinator at The Hearth, Sarah Hayes, discusses residents who live with pets, and how living with an animal gives them a sense of purpose.

“The people who live with pets here still feel like they have a duty and responsibility, which is rewarding for them. The daily tasks of feeding the pets, and taking care of them definitely keeps residents’ quality of life high,” Sarah nods her head thinking about the benefits these pets bring to the community and the residents who live here.

“The residents feel that they are needed. This pet needs their care and attention, and that makes them feel good. It’s just a nice way for them to feel important and also have a little companion there to cuddle and hug whenever they want.”

Although relatively new to The Hearth, Sarah has been working with the senior population for over six years, and has been involved in recreation since she was 16. “I’ve been here for a month or so and I never run out of good things to say about the people here and the community as a whole.” Talking more about the pet friendly amenities and activities at The Hearth, Sarah mentions their pet therapy specialist who visits the community twice every month.

“She brings guinea pigs of all different sizes and colors. There’s some with long hair, some with no hair at all. She even brings this adorable bunny who has the softest brown fur.” Sarah goes on to describe the benefits these pet therapy sessions provide for residents,

“Pet therapy really reduces their stress. You can see how happy it makes them when they sit with a little guinea pig in their lap.”

Sarah mentions another volunteer who brings her certified companion dog, Daisy. “Daisy is so cute. She goes around and visits residents in their apartments. I can see how comfortable and at home it makes the residents feel. It’s really nice.”

The benefits of pet friendly assisted living are wide spread for residents, staff, and the community. For residents who own a pet before moving in, it gives them great relief to know that their furry friend who’s more like family can stay with them. And for those who want to own a pet even after moving in, it’s equally as comforting. Pets bring residents in assisted living the comfort of companionship as well as familiarity and a feeling of fulfillment. Their unconditional love and connection fills the community with continuous hope and joy. If you’d like to learn more about pet friendly assisted living at The Hearth as well as other wonderful amenities offered at this community click here.

Liberty Wellness – Employees Helping Employees

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

Liberty Wellness Works is Liberty Lutheran’s health and wellness program that helps employees reach their fitness goals, as well as achieve better health through improved diets, nutrition, and stress management. Liberty staff members are encouraged to earn points that can be redeemed for financial bonuses at the end of each Eligible employees can gain up to $350 per year.

The system is based on a 1 point equals $1 system. Regular wellness visits with a physician that include bloodwork are worth 200 points, which converts to $200. Completing a monthly challenge will earn an employee 5 points. Being a non-smoker for over 12 months is worth 10 points. Having your annual dental exam is worth 15 points. Points are also awarded for such activities as reading a book on stress management, receiving an annual flu shot, joining a gym (or Liberty’s own Becoming Center), and more.

Each month, employees are encouraged to submit healthy recipes they enjoy making at home. Rebecca Ditore, wellness program coordinator, then assembles the recipes and shares them with the entire network of Liberty employees through her email blasts.

This summer alone, 60 recipes were sent to Rebecca by staff to encourage others to eat healthy this summer.

Here is just a sample of those recipes:

Tropical Papaya Smoothie
Submitted by: Annamma from Paul’s Run
Servings: 1
1 papaya, cut into chunks
1 c fat-free plain yogurt
½ c fresh pineapple chunks
½ c crushed ice
1 tsp coconut extract
1 tsp ground flaxseed

Combine the papaya, yogurt, pineapple, ice, coconut extract, and flaxseed. Process for about 30 seconds, or until smooth and frosty.

Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Submitted by: Heidy from Liberty at Home
½ cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 container plain or flavored Greek yogurt
1 egg

Mix together, cook with coconut oil
Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto skillet to make 1 pancake
Wait for edges to bubble and flip pancake

Cantaloupe Salsa
Submitted by: Luanne Fisher, Whitemarsh
4 cups cantaloupe, small chunks
1 cup tomatoes, small chunks
½ red onion, diced
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ yellow bell pepper, diced
½ cucumber, small chunks
4 jalapeno peppers, diced
2 tbsp. each lemon & lime juice
Clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp. olive oil

Mix everything & refrigerate until chilled & flavors combine (about 1 – 2 hrs.)

Summer Fruit Salad
Submitted by: Sherry, The Village at Penn State
1 – 29oz can of peach slices (don’t drain)
1 – 20oz can of pineapple chunks (don’t drain)
3 1/8 box of instant vanilla pudding
1 lb. of strawberries sliced
1 banana sliced
½ pint blueberries
1- Bunch of grapes

In a large bowl combine peaches, pineapple, pudding and juice from cans. Mix well. Stir in remaining fruit and chill.

Carrot Dogs
Submitted by: Areatha, West Philadelphia Senior Center
5 carrots – cut each end of the carrot off, to fit a hot dog bun,
Shave the outer layer of skin off.
Put 2 cups of water in a pot with:
2 tbls. soy sauce
2 tbls. liquid smoke
2 tbls. steak sauce such as A1 sauce
2 tbls. maple syrup
2 tbls. ketchup
(Preferably organic, without high fructose corn syrup)

Stir the pot and add the carrots.
Let it boil for 10 minutes
Cover the pot and boil for 10 more minutes.
Place your carrot in a hot dog bun and dress it with coleslaw, white onions, mustard and ketchup.

Delicious Cauliflower
Submitted by: Diane, Whitemarsh
1 large head of cauliflower, cleaned and cored (keep it whole)
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon brown mustard
4 slices Swiss cheese; other sliced cheese may also be used
Pepper, to taste

Clean, core and steam one large head of cauliflower.
Drain cauliflower and place on a serving dish.
Mix mayonnaise and mustard together to blend them.
Spread the mixture over the hot cauliflower.
Sprinkle with pepper.
Lay the four cheese slices on top to cover the cauliflower.
Serve when the cheese has softened and melted.

Low Carb Taco Salad
Submitted by: Sheryl, Village at Penn State
8 oz. low fat sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese
1 lb. lean ground beef
Mild taco seasoning packet
Mild taco sauce
1 bag shredded or chopped lettuce
1 bag mild shredded cheddar cheese
Tomatoes
Whole grain Tostitos (optional)

Mix sour cream & cream cheese until creamy and layer on bottom of 9×13 pan.
Brown ground beef & mix taco seasoning according to package.
Layer on top of sour cream mixture.
Pour taco sauce over ground beef.
Layer lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes.
Dip Tostitos if desired.

Summer Veggie Pasta
Submitted by: Sophie, Artman
Pre-cooked ziti (zucchini diced, tomatoes diced)
Garlic chopped or minced depending on your preference
Basil leaves
Mozzarella balls or Parmesan cheese
Yellow squash
Mushrooms if you like it

This recipe is quick and easy to make. The amount of ingredients depends on how many people you’re cooking for and the timing also depends on how you like to eat your vegetables. I like to eat mine crunchy, so I don’t cook them as long.

Zucchini Casserole
Submitted by: Teri, The Hearth at Drexel
1 large zucchini, chopped into ¼-inch slices
2 tbsp. butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped (optional)
Croutons
1 tomato, sliced,
4 – 5 slices American cheese or sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cook zucchini 10 minutes or until tender and drain well.
Sauté onions, mushrooms and green pepper in butter.
Add zucchini to sautéed mixture; season with salt and pepper.
Put mixture into buttered 2-quart shallow baking dish. Top with croutons, then sliced tomatoes.
Arrange cheese slices on top.
Bake 10-15 minutes until cheese melts.
Vegetable mixture may be prepared ahead of time. If so, heat casserole longer to warm through.

Apple Turnovers
Submitted by: Samantha, West Philly Senior Community Center
Total Time: 30min
Servings: 8
Small Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, cut into 8 (1/2-inch) slices
Tablespoons butter, melted
One can (8 oz.) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
One teaspoon apple pie spice

Heat oven to 375°F.
Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper, or grease cookie sheet.
Set aside.
In small bowl, toss apple slices in 1 tablespoon of the melted butter; set aside.
Separate dough into 8 triangles.
In small bowl, mix brown sugar and apple pie spice.
Divide mixture evenly among triangles.
Top each triangle with apple slice. Starting at short side of each triangle, wrap dough around apple.
Place on cookie sheet. Brush with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until crescents are deep golden brown and apples are softened.
Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Learn more about the benefits of working for Liberty Lutheran at LibertyLutheran.org/benefits

Nursing: The Finest of Arts

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

Nursing is one of the Fine Arts: I had almost said the finest of Fine Arts. – Florence Nightingale

National Nurses Week is officially celebrated from May 6 to May 12. At Liberty Lutheran, and in all our communities, we recognize and applaud the work done by each and every member of our nursing staff. Day in and day out, our registered nurses (RN), certified nursing assistants (CNA), and licensed practical nurses (LPN) impact the lives of our residents in tremendous ways.

The American Nurses Association’s theme for National Nurses Week 2018 is ‘Nurses: Inspire, Innovate, Influence.” In recent letters from residents and their family members to the staff at Paul’s Run, Artman, The Village at Penn State, and The Hearth at Drexel, the words used to describe the nursing staff echoed that theme. Some of those words include: Helpful. Highly efficient. Sacred. Awesome. Wonderful. Respectful. Compassionate. Just like family.

“The care provided by our nursing staff is second to none,” said Dana O’Donnell, executive director of The Hearth at Drexel. “Their dedication to the wellbeing of each resident is unrivaled and their willingness to go the extra mile is heartwarming. Each day I witness acts of kindness and generosity that go above and beyond their regular duties. Whether it’s stopping to take part in a resident event, or offering an uplifting hug the compassion and skill of our team moves me daily.”

Liberty Lutheran, The Hearth at Drexel, Artman, Paul’s Run, The Village at Penn State, Liberty at Home and Liberty Hospice would like to take this moment to say thank you to the nurses who make a difference in the lives of our residents.

If you would like more information about open positions for CNAs, RNs and LPNs at Liberty’s communities, please visit https://www.libertylutheran.org/job-listings.

Liberty Lutheran Promotes Growth from Within

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

At Liberty Lutheran, our culture of leadership, caring, compassion, and at its core – excellence – is embodied in the everyday employees in our communities. They are driven by our mission and our commitment to the people we serve.

It is always refreshing and rewarding when a company has the ability to promote from within and can rely on an internal talent pool that is prepared to meet new challenges. At Liberty, we are proud to announce the following staff changes and promotions:

– Dana O’Donnell, currently the Executive Director of Liberty at Home, will assume the role of Executive Director at The Hearth at Drexel.

– Annamarie Daley, Director of Home Health Care for Liberty at Home, will assume the role of Liberty at Home’s new Executive Director.

– Susan Rothenberger, currently the Home Health Clinical Supervisor for Liberty at Home, will assume the role of Director of Home Health Care.

– Rose Richardson has been given the title of Executive Director as a result of her remarkable leadership and work to build the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center’s programs and membership.

– Dana Guyton, currently the Support Services Director for Paul’s Run, has accepted the position of Personal Care Administrator.

Also, Liberty Lutheran would like to recognize the dedication of Linda Curto, Personal Care Administrator for Paul’s Run. Linda will retire in May after 25 years of service to Liberty Lutheran. The talent, skills, and knowledge she has shared with residents and her colleagues at Paul’s Run for the past two and a half decades has been a shining example for our entire family of services.

These changes are examples of Liberty’s commitment to investing in the future and success of those who share their talents and skills with our residents, members, patients, and clients on a daily basis. We are dedicated to providing opportunities that lead to professional development and advancement across our family of services.

To view current positions available at Liberty’s family of services, as well as the benefits of working for Liberty, please visit LibertyLutheran.org/careers.

Five Questions Your Doctor Wishes You Would Ask About Your Heart

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

February is officially designated as Heart Health Month. According to The Heart Foundation, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The good news is that it is also one of the most preventable.

Dr. Christopher Pitsch, Medical Director at Liberty Lutheran’s Paul’s Run community, offers five questions he wishes his patients would ask.

Q: What is heart disease?
A: Though “heart disease” may be used to describe a few different conditions, it is most commonly used in reference to coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged and cannot supply enough blood to the heart.

Q: What causes heart disease?
A: Heart disease starts with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a process in which fatty substances build up inside the walls of the arteries. Blood components can also begin sticking to the wall, causing a “plaque” buildup and narrowing/hardening of the vessels.

Q: What does high blood pressure have to do with heart disease?
A: Several years of high blood pressure can damage artery walls, causing them to become stiff and narrow. Though controlling our blood pressure is always important, there is more flexibility as we get older. Too aggressively lowering our blood pressure can cause problems as well.

Q: Is it OK to exercise?
A: Yes, regular exercise improves blood flow to the heart and makes the other muscles in the body more efficient, increasing their functional capacity as well as any medicine. As little as 10 minutes of an exercise you enjoy can go a long way.

Q: How can I lower my cholesterol?
A: Though sometimes medicine is required, healthy lifestyle changes can also make a big impact. Eating more fruits, lean meat, vegetables, and fish can go a long way, while eating less organ meats, egg yolks and fats.

Dr. Pitsch recommends that everyone should have an open and honest conversation with their doctor about heart disease and the prevention of heart disease.

For more information about heart disease, and how to reduce your risk, visit TheHeartFoundation.org.

Volunteering with Liberty Hospice – A Day in the Life

Posted on February 15, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

Jean Irvin, volunteer coordinator for Liberty Hospice

There is a belief in the Lutheran Church that throughout our individual lives, we are accompanying each other on our respective journeys. As part of Liberty’s Day in the Life series, Jean Irvin, volunteer coordinator for Liberty Hospice, shares how this concept rings true for Hospice volunteers and patients. Here is Jean’s story.

Liberty Hospice’s team includes our medical director, social workers, our chaplain, skilled nurses, hospice aides, and volunteers. We all work together to provide support and compassionate care to those who have a life expectancy of six months or less, although if a patient improves but still manages a life threatening diagnosis we have served them upwards of a year prior to their passing.

I joined Liberty Hospice as the volunteer coordinator on January 25, 2017, and for the past year there has been no typical day. Hospice is very fluid, and one day is never the same as the next. My work depends upon the needs of our patients and our case load.

Each morning I check to see if there are any new requests for hospice services from residents at Paul’s Run, Artman and The Hearth at Drexel. Liberty Hospice also currently provides services to patients in six other communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania, while maintaining relationships with communities we’ve served in the past.

We currently have about 30 volunteers who engage patients in a variety of ways. Some of our patients can be more active, while for others, just talking about pictures in their room can bring back incredible memories that create a real sense of joy. For those who are non-verbal, simply sitting with them provides support and a connection that reassures them that someone is there for them.

Stephanie and Colleen both find volunteering for Liberty Hospice a rewarding opportunity.

Our volunteers demonstrate an incredible amount of commitment. Serving as a hospice volunteer isn’t easy, but it’s purpose-driven and fulfilling for many of those who share their time with us. We want to make sure they are connected with our mission and recognized as valuable members of the Hospice team. To achieve that goal, I check in with our volunteers over the phone and through e-mail to see how they’re doing and to checkup on their availability. We also host volunteer appreciation events and education programs, and during major holidays and volunteer appreciation month we also send out cards and notes expressing our gratitude for everything they do. Making our volunteers feel appreciated is key to providing the best hospice care.

I also recruit volunteers on a daily basis. This includes managing applications to ensure they’ve met our criteria to volunteer. Once their paperwork is complete I coordinate and provide orientations, and try to meet them in the field when they’re visiting a patient for the first time.

There’s a large administrative aspect to my role as well. As the volunteer coordinator for Liberty Hospice I’m also a member of the interdisciplinary team. When there is a request for our services we usually get paperwork on the patient from a nurse or a social worker. From there we log information into a variety of systems to track and generate reports for the patients’ records.

Phyllis and Penny volunteer at Paul’s Run.

Every time a volunteer goes out to see a patient, I organize the correct paperwork and work with other members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure that we track which volunteer is working with a certain patient. All of the information we create ends up in our patients’ charts, which also needs to be logged in to Hospice’s patient tracking system.

Hospice offers several programs and activities to create positive experiences for those we’re serving, such as Music and Memory and pet therapy. It warms my heart when I see a patient light up with joy at the sight or touch of one of the volunteer-dogs we bring in to provide companionship. Some of our patients have been required to give up a beloved pet, so when they get the chance to participate in pet therapy the positive impact can be immeasurable.

Part of my job is to also work with volunteers to create playlists for our Music and Memory program. For this, we contact family members to find out what our patients enjoyed listening to throughout their life, and what songs may draw special memories. We dig deep and do our homework to make a meaningful impact. I’ve seen non-verbal patients sing songs verbatim, and those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia recall memories based upon the songs we play for them on an iPod.

Mr. Smart T. Pants and his human volunteer at Artman.

Coordinating services can include organizing ceremonies for our We Honor Veterans program, which recognizes the sacrifices of those who have been in our armed forces. As with everything we do, this can be requested in advance or require a very quick turnaround. We work very diligently to ensure we meet the needs of those we’re serving.

Liberty Hospice also provides bereavement services to families of patients who have passed away. We keep in touch with them for 13 months following their loved one’s passing. The first card each family member will receive is one that is hand-signed by our staff. Every time we have a team meeting, which is every other Wednesday, I bring the cards for everyone to sign and then send them to each family member.

Right now we’re providing support to approximately 500 family members by offering grief counseling and holding support groups, which are also open to the public. We stay connected with them in a variety of ways; one of which is through the mail, which is the area I coordinate with volunteers. Given the number of family members we’re reaching to out this can be a large and important task.

The important thing I want to share is that there are tons of volunteer opportunities with Liberty Hospice, whether they’re directly connected with patients or helping us within our offices. We even have some volunteers who work within Liberty Lutheran’s family of services and we’ve have had their friends and family referred to us as well.

Being a Hospice volunteer is not about being part of someone’s death. It’s about being part of someone’s life. The comfort and companionship we provide at Liberty Hospice is so important for our patients and their families, and I see it on a daily basis. Being a part of this team is a truly important part of my life.

The compassionate care that Jean, and everyone at Liberty Hospice, brings to our patients and their families is integral to Liberty’s mission to serve as a vital resource for individuals and their families. If you are interested in volunteering with Liberty Hospice, or know someone who might be, please reach out to Jean at jirvin@libertylutheran.org or visit LibertyLutheran.org/volunteer.